International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea | IRPCS

The start to making sure you are safe on the water is to know the rules that all vessels must follow. Depending where you are from, there may be some other rules but these are the internationally agreed ones. They can also be called colregs, rules of the road or the IRPCS.

Rule 1

Application (a) These rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels. (b) Nothing

Rule 2

Responsibility (a) Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply

Rule 6

Safe Speed Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid a

Rule 3

Definitions (a) The word “vessel” includes every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as

Rule 4

Section 1: Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility. Application Rules in this section apply in any conditions of visibility.

Rule 5

Lookout Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the