Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs)

 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972

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Adoption: 20 October 1972; Entry into force: 15 July 1977

The 1972 Convention was designed to update and replace the Collision Regulations of 1960 which were adopted at the same time as the 1960 SOLAS Convention. 

 

 COLREGs Are Divided Into 6 Parts Viz

• Part A: General
• Part B: Steering and sailing rules
• Part C: Light and shapes
• Part D: Light and sound signals
• Part E: Exceptions
• Part F - Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention.

 Further, :

The COLREGs include 41 rules divided into six sections:

Part A - General (Rules 1-3)

Part B- Steering and Sailing (Rules 4-19)
Section 1 - Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility (Rules 4-10)

Section II - Conduct of vessels in sight of one another (Rules 11-18)

Rule 11 says the section applies to vessels in sight of one another.

 

Section III - conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19)

Part C Lights and Shapes (Rules 20-31)

Part D - Sound and Light Signals (Rules 32-37

Part E - Exemptions (Rule 38)

Part F - Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention

Rule 39 provides definitions.

Rule 40  says that Contracting Parties shall use the provisions of the Code for Implementation in the execution of their obligations and responsibilities contained in the present Convention.

Rule 41 on Verification of compliance says that every Contracting Party is subject to periodic audits by IMO. 

 

Annexes:
The COLREGs include four annexes:

 

Annex I - Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes

 

Annex II - Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity

 

Annex III - Technical details of sounds signal appliances

 

Annex IV - Distress signals, which lists the signals indicating distress and need of assistance.

 

Contents

• Part A - General
  • 1) Application
  • 2) Responsibility
  • 3) General Definitions
  
  
• Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules
  
  Section I - Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility
  • 4) Application
  • 5) Look-out
  • 6) Safe Speed
  • 7) Risk of Collision
  • 8) Action to Avoid Collision
  • 9) Narrow Channels
  • 10) Traffic Separation Schemes
  
  Section II - Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
  • 11) Application
  • 12) Sailing Vessels
  • 13) Overtaking
  • 14) Head-on Situation
  • 15) Crossing Situation
  • 16) Action by Give-way Vessel
  • 17) Action by Stand-on Vessel
  • 18) Responsibilities Between Vessels
  
  Section III - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
  • 19) Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
  
  
• Part C - Lights and Shapes
  • 20) Application
  • 21) Definitions
  • 22) Visibility of Lights
  • 23) Power-driven Vessels Underway
  • 24) Towing and Pushing
  • 25) Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
  • 26) Fishing Vessels
  • 27) Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver
  • 28) Vessels Constrained by their Draft
  29) Pilot Vessels
  • 30) Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground
  • 31) Seaplanes
  
  
• Part D - Sound and Light Signals
  • 32) Definitions
  • 33) Equipment for Sound Signals
  • 34) Maneuvering and Warning Signals
  • 35) Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
  • 36) Signals to Attract Attention
  • 37) Distress Signals
  
  
• Part E - Exemptions
  • 38) Exemptions
  
  
• Annex I
• Annex II
• Annex III
• Annex IV

• Part F - Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention

Rule 39 provides definitions.

Rule 40  says that Contracting Parties shall use the provisions of the Code for Implementation in the execution of their obligations and responsibilities contained in the present Convention.

Rule 41 on Verification of compliance says that every Contracting Party is subject to periodic audits by IMO.