What is the purpose of the COLREGs?

The purpose of the COLREGs, or the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, is to establish a set of rules that vessels must follow to avoid collisions on the water. These rules are essential for ensuring safety at sea, as they guide the conduct of vessels in various situations, helping to prevent accidents and ensure safe navigation.

The COLREGs address various aspects of maritime navigation, including the responsibilities of vessels, the use of sound signals, the rules for overtaking, and actions vessels should take when encountering one another. By following these regulations, mariners can significantly reduce the risk of collisions, which is essential for protecting lives and property at sea.

Other aspects mentioned, such as navigation routes, speed limits, or fishing regulations, are not covered by the COLREGs. Navigation routes are often determined by maritime authorities or established through charts, speed limits can be set by local regulations or specific areas, and fishing regulations are governed by different sets of laws aimed at managing fish stocks and ensuring sustainable practices. Thus, while those topics are important in their own right, they are not the focus of the COLREGs, which center solely on preventing collisions.