Rule 1: Application
Defines exactly where COLREG applies and how local/special rules fit without breaking international consistency.
Detailed Explanation
This rule sets the legal scope of COLREG and explains who can add special rules:
(a) General scope — COLREG applies to all vessels on the high seas and connected waters navigable by seagoing vessels. In practice: if seagoing traffic can use it, start from COLREG.
(b) Local special rules — competent authorities may issue special rules for roadsteads, harbours, rivers, lakes and inland waterways connected to the sea. These local rules must conform as closely as possible to COLREG.
(c) State special rules — governments may prescribe additional lights, shapes or whistle signals for warships, convoys, and fleet fishing. Those extra signals should be designed so they are not confused with standard COLREG signals.
(d) Traffic Separation Schemes — IMO may adopt TSS under these Rules. So published IMO schemes are part of operational compliance.
(e) Special-construction vessels — if a vessel cannot fully comply with light/shape/sound appliance provisions due to design or purpose, its government must require the closest possible compliance.
Key Points
- Scope: high seas + all connected navigable waters
- Local rules complement COLREG, never override safety
- TSS adopted by IMO form part of COLREG compliance
- Special-build vessels must comply as closely as possible
Examples
- Entering an inland fairway connected to the sea, you apply COLREG and also check published local harbour rules.
- A naval convoy shows additional lights: you treat them as special-state signals and still keep COLREG separation.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring local harbour by-laws because 'COLREG is enough'.
- Assuming COLREG does not apply in rivers or estuaries connected to the sea.
- Forgetting that governments may prescribe additional signals for warships or fishing fleets beyond standard COLREG.