COLREGs in Depth
Overview
COLREGs in Depth is a long-form visual explanation series focused on the practical interpretation of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
The aim of the series is not simply to teach the wording of the rules, but to help viewers develop intuitive mental models of collision avoidance and situational awareness at sea.
Part A - General
Rule 1 - Application
Rule 1 of the COLREGs, covering the application of the regulations.
Rule 2 - Responsibility
Rule 2 of the COLREGs, covering the responsibility of vessels under the regulations.
Rule 3 - General Definitions
Rule 3 of the COLREGs, covering the definitions used throughout the rules.
Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules
Section I - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
Rule 4 - Application
Rule 4 of the COLREGs, covering the application of Part B, Section 1.
Rule 5 - Look-out
Rule 5 of the COLREGs, covering the requirements for maintaining a proper lookout.
Rule 6 - Safe Speed
Rule 6 of the COLREGs, covering the requirement to proceed at a safe speed.
Rule 7 - Risk of Collision
Rule 7 of the COLREGs, covering the determination and application of risk of collision.
Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision
Rule 8 of the COLREGs, covering the responsibility to take action to avoid collision.
Rule 9 - Narrow Channels
Rule 9 of the COLREGs, covering the factors that are applicable in and around narrow channels.
Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes
Rule 10 of the COLREGs, covering the rules that apply to traffic separation schemes.
Section II - Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
Rule 11 - Application
Rule 11 of the COLREGs, covering the application of Part B, Section 2.
Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels
Rule 12 of the COLREGs, covering the rules that apply to sailing vessels.
Rule 13 - Overtaking
Rule 13 of the COLREGs, covering overtaking situations.
Rule 14 - Head-on Situation
Rule 14 of the COLREGs, covering head-on situations.
Rule 15 - Crossing Situation
Rule 15 of the COLREGs, covering crossing situations.
Rule 16 - Action by Give-way Vessel
Rule 16 of the COLREGs, covering the actions that must be taken by give-way vessels.
Rule 17 - Action by Stand-on Vessel
Rule 17 of the COLREGs, covering the actions that must be taken by stand-on vessels.
Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels
Rule 18 of the COLREGs, covering the responsibilities between different types of vessels.
Section III - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Part C - Lights and Shapes
Rule 20 - Application
Rule 20 of the COLREGs, covering the application of the rules of Part C (Lights and Shapes).
Rule 21 - Definitions
Rule 21 of the COLREGs, covering the definitions of lights.
Rule 22 - Visibility of Lights
Rule 22 of the COLREGs, covering the visibility requirements of lights.
Rule 23 - Power-Driven Vessels Underway
Rule 23 of the COLREGs, covering the lights and shapes applicable to power-driven vessels.
Rule 24 - Towing and Pushing
Rule 24 of the COLREGs, covering the lights and shapes applicable to vessels towing and pushing.
Rule 25 - Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
Rule 25 of the COLREGs, covering the lights and shapes applicable to sailing and rowing vessels.
Rule 26 - Fishing Vessels
Rule 26 of the COLREGs, covering the lights and shapes applicable to fishing vessels.
Rule 27 - Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre
Rule 27 of the COLREGs, covering the lights and shapes applicable to NUC and RAM.
Rule 28 - Vessels Constrained by their Draught
Rule 28 of the COLREGs, covering the lights and shapes applicable to CBD.
Rule 29 - Pilot Vessels
Rule 29 of the COLREGs, covering the lights and shapes applicable to pilot vessels.
Rule 30 - Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground
Rule 30 of the COLREGs, covering the lights and shapes applicable to vessels anchored or aground.
Rule 31 - Seaplanes
Rule 31 of the COLREGs, covering the lights and shapes applicable to seaplanes.
Part D - Sound and Light Signals
Rule 32 - Definitions
Rule 32 of the COLREGs, covering the definitions of terms used in Part D.
Rule 33 - Equipment for Sound Signals
Rule 33 of the COLREGs, covering the sound equipment carriage requirements.
Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and Warning Signals
Rule 34 of the COLREGs, covering the manoeuvring signals applicable to vessels.
Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Rule 35 of the COLREGs, covering the sound signals applicable in restricted visibility.
Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention
Rule 36 of the COLREGs, covering the signals applicable for attracting attention.
Rule 37 - Distress Signals
Rule 37 of the COLREGs, linking the distress signals to Annex IV of the COLREGs.
Part E - Exemptions
Part F - Verification of Compliance with the Provisions of the Convention
Rule 39 - Definitions
Rule 39 of the COLREGs, covering the definitions of terms used in Part F.
Rule 40 - Application
Rule 40 of the COLREGs, covering the application of the rules of Part F.
Rule 41 - Verification of Compliance
Rule 41 of the COLREGs, covering the applicable verification in relation to Part F.
Annex I - Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes
Annex I (1) - Definition
Annex I (1) of the COLREGs, covering the definitions used in Annex I.
Annex I (2) - Vertical Positioning and Spacing of Lights
Annex I (2) of the COLREGs, covering the vertical positioning and spacing of lights.
Annex I (3) - Horizontal Positioning and Spacing of Lights
Annex I (3) of the COLREGs, covering the horizontal positioning and spacing of lights.
Annex I (4) - Details of Location of Direction-Indicating Lights for Fishing Vessels, Dredgers and Vessels Engaged in Underwater Operations.
Annex I (4) of the COLREGs, covering the locations of direction-indicating lights.
Annex I (5) - Screens for Sidelights
Annex I (5) of the COLREGs, covering the screens applicable for sidelights of vessels.
Annex I (6) - Shapes
Annex I (6) of the COLREGs, covering the specification of shapes required by the COLREGs.
Annex I (7) - Colour Specification of Lights
Annex I (7) of the COLREGs, covering the light colours specified by the COLREGs.
Annex I (8) - Intensity of Lights
Annex I (8) of the COLREGs, covering the intensity of lights required by the COLREGs.
Annex I (9) - Horizontal Sectors
Annex I (9) of the COLREGs, covering the applicable horizontal sectors of lights required by the COLREGs.
Annex I (10) - Vertical Sectors
Annex I (10) of the COLREGs, covering the applicable vertical sectors of lights required by the COLREGs.
Annex I (11) - Intensity of Non-Electric Lights
Annex I (11) of the COLREGs, covering the applicable intensities if non-electric lights are used.
Annex I (12) - Manoeuvring Light
Annex I (12) of the COLREGs, covering the carriage of a manoeuvring light.
Annex I (13) - High Speed Craft
Annex I (13) of the COLREGs, covering specification of the lights required by high-speed craft.
Annex I (14) - Approval
Annex I (14) of the COLREGs, covering the approval required for lights and shapes.
Annex II - Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity
Annex II (1) - General
Annex II (1) of the COLREGs, covering the requirements of Annex II of the COLREGs.
Annex II (2) - Signals for Trawlers
Annex II (2) of the COLREGs, covering the additional signal requirements of trawlers.
Annex II (3) - Signals for Purse Seiners
Annex II (3) of the COLREGs, covering the additional signal requirements for purse seiners.
Annex III - Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances
Annex III (1) - Whistles
Annex III (1) of the COLREGs, covering the technical details of whistles.
Annex III (2) - Bell or Gong
Annex III (2) of the COLREGs, covering the technical details of bells and gongs.
Annex III (3) - Approval
Annex III (3) of the COLREGs, covering the approval of sound signal appliances.
Annex IV - Distress Signals
About This Work
COLREGs in Depth originally formed part of an earlier public educational series published through the YouTube channel Casual Navigation before later being republished under Refresh Maritime.
With over 2.4 million views, the series has been used extensively by professional mariners, cadets, and maritime students. We continue to receive feedback that it remains in use within maritime education and training environments around the world.
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