INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972

Including IMO-amendments dated 1981, 1987,
1989, 1993 and 2001


Questions and answers

All answers can be found in the book: "International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea" by P. Deseck. Click on Colregs for details and on Books to buy now.

Introduction

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PART A — GENERAL


Rule 1    Application
Rule 2    Responsibility
Rule 3    General definitions

PART B ─ STEERING AND SAILING RULES


Section I – Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility

Rule 5    Application
Rule 5    Look-out
Rule 6    Safe speed
Rule 7    Risk of collision
Rule 8    Action to avoid collision
Rule 9    Narrow channels
Rule 10  Traffic separation schemes

Section II – Conduct of vessels in sight of one another

Rule 11    Application
Rule 12    Sailing vessels
Rule 13    Overtaking
Rule 14    Head-on situation
Rule 15    Crossing situation
Rule 16    Action by give- way vessel
Rule 17    Action by stand-on vessel
Rule 18    Responsibilities between vessels

Section III – Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

Rule 19    Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

PART C ─ LIGHTS AND SHAPES


Rule 20    Application
Rule 21    Definitions
Rule 22    Visibility of lights
Rule 23    Power-driven vessels underway
Rule 24    Towing and pushing
Rule 25    Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars
Rule 26    Fishing vessels
Rule 27    Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre
Rule 28    Vessels eonstrained by their draught
Rule 29    Pilot vessels
Rule 30    Anchored vessels and vessels aground
Rule 31    Seaplanes

PART D ─ SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS


Rule 32    Definitions
Rule 33    Equipment for sound signals
Rule 34    Manoeuvring and warning signals
Rule 35    Sound signals in restricted visibility
Rule 36    Signals to attract attention
Rule 37    Distress signals

PART E ─ EXEMPTIONS


Rule 38    Exemptions
 
Annex 1    Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes
Annex 2    Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity
Annex 3    Technical details of sound signal appliances
Annex 4    Distress signals
 
Attachment 1   Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
Attachment 2   Resolution 1
Attachment 3   Resolution 2






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