COLREG Guide

COLREG Basics Every Watchkeeper Should Know

A practical refresher on the Collision Regulations: structure, key rules and habits that keep the bridge safe.

COLREG Guide 2: Rules 1-3 Application, Responsibility and Definitions

Who and where the Rules apply to, the good-seamanship duty, and the key definitions.

COLREG Guide 3: Rules 4-10 General Steering and Sailing Rules

Look-out, safe speed, risk of collision, avoiding action, narrow channels and traffic separation schemes.

COLREG Guide 4: Rules 11-18 Vessels in Sight of One Another

Overtaking, head-on, crossing and the hierarchy between vessel types.

COLREG Guide 5: Rule 19 Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

What changes when fog, rain or snow hides other vessels from view.

COLREG Guide 6: Rules 20-31 Lights and Shapes

Reading the night: how navigation lights and day shapes tell you what a vessel is doing.

COLREG Guide 7: Rules 32-37 Sound and Light Signals

Whistle signals, fog signals and distress: what do short and prolonged blasts mean?

COLREG Guide 8: Common Mistakes and Lessons

The recurring human errors behind collisions and how to avoid them.

COLREG Guide 9: Exam Preparation and Memory Techniques

Understand the Rules instead of memorising them: practical study methods for exams and for the bridge.