COLREG

41 rule s divided into six sections:

Part A - General, 1-3
Part B - Steering and Sailing, 4-19
Part C - Lights and Shapes, 20-31
Part D - Sound and Light Signals, 32-37
Part E - Exemptions, and 38
Part F - Verification of Compliance 39-41
 Part A - General; (Rules 1-3)
Rule 1 Application states that the rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and all waters
connected to the high seas and navigable by seagoing vessels.
Rule 2 Responsibility covers the responsibility of the master, owner and crew to comply with
the rules.
Rule 3 General Definitions includes definitions
 Part B - Steering and Sailing; (Rules 4-19)
Section I - Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility (Rules 4-10)
Rule 4 Application says the section applies in any condition of visibility.
Rule 5 Look-out requires that "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 prevailing circumstances
and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
Rule 6 Safe Speed deals with safe speed. It requires that: "Every vessel shall at all times
proceed at a safe speed...". The Rule describes the factors which should be taken into
account in determining safe speed. Several of these refer specifically to vessels equipped with
radar. The importance of using "all available means" is further stressed in
Rule 7 Risk of Collision covering risk of collision, which warns that "assumptions shall not be
made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information"
Action to avoid Collision Rule 8 covers action to be taken to avoid collision.
Rule 9 Narrow Channels a vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway
 is obliged to keep "as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her
starboard side as is safe and practicable." The same Rule obliges a vessel of less than 20
metres in length or a sailing vessel not to impede the passage of a vessel "which can safely
navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway." The Rule also forbids ships to cross a
narrow channel or fairway "if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely
navigate only within such channel or fairway." The meaning "not to impede" was classified by
an amendment to Rule 8 in 1987. A new paragraph (f) was added, stressing that a vessel
which was required not to impede the passage of another vessel should take early action to
allow sufficient sea room for the safe passage of the other vessel. Such vessel was obliged to
fulfil this obligation also when taking avoiding action in accordance with the steering and
sailing rules when risk of collision exists.
Rule 10 Traffic Separation Schemes states that ships crossing traffic lanes are required to do
so "as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow." This
reduces confusion to other ships as to the crossing vessel's intentions and course and at the
same time enables that vessel to cross the lane as quickly as possible. Fishing vessels "shall
not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane" but are not banned from
fishing. This is in line with Rule 9 which states that "a vessel engaged in fishing shall not
impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway. "In
1981 the regulations were amended. Two new paragraphs were added to Rule 10 to exempt
vessels which are restricted in their ability to manoeuvre "when engaged in an operation for
the safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme" or when engaged in cable laying. In
1987 the regulations were again amended. It was stressed that Rule 10 applies to traffic
separation schemes adopted by the Organization (IMO) and does not relieve any vessel of her
obligation under any other rule. It was also to clarify that if a vessel is obliged to cross traffic
lanes it should do so as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of the
traffic flow. In 1989 Regulation 10 was further amended to clarify the vessels which may use
the "inshore traffic zone

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

Rule 11 Application says the section applies to vessels in sight of one another.
Rule 12 Sailing Vessels states action to be taken when two sailing vessels are approaching
one another.
 Rule 13 Overtaking covers overtaking - the overtaking vessel should keep out of the way of
the vessel being overtaken.
Rule 14 Head-on Situation deals with head-on situations. Crossing situations are covered by
Rule 15 Crossing Situation and action to be taken by the give-way vessel is laid down in Rule
16.
Rule 17 Action by Stand-on Vessel deals with the action of the stand-on vessel, including the
provision that the stand-on vessel may "take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre
alone as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way
is not taking appropriate action.
Rule 18 Responsibilities between Vessels deals with responsibilities between vessels and
includes requirements for vessels which shall keep out of the way of others.

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

Rule 19 Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility states every vessel should proceed at a safe
speed adapted to prevailing circumstances and restricted visibility. A vessel detecting by
radar another vessel should determine if there is risk of collision and if so take avoiding
action. A vessel hearing fog signal of another vessel should reduce speed to a minimum.

 Part C - Lights and Shapes; (Rules 20-31)

Rule 20 Application states rules concerning lights apply from sunset to sunrise.
Rule 21 Definitions gives definitions.
Rule 22 Visibility of Lights covers visibility of lights - indicating that lights should be visible at
minimum ranges (in nautical miles) determined according to the type of vessel.
Rule 23 Power-driven Vessels underway covers lights to be carried by power-driven vessels
underway.
Rule 24 Towing and Pushing covers lights for vessels towing and pushing.
Rule 25 Sailing Vessels underway and Vessels under Oars covers light requirements for sailing
vessels underway and vessels under oars.
Rule 26 Fishing Vessels covers light requirements for fishing vessels.
Rule 27 Vessels not under Command or Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre covers light
requirements for vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre.
Rule 28 Vessel constrained by their draught covers light requirements for vessels constrained
by their draught.
Rule 29 Pilot Vessels covers light requirements for pilot vessels.
Rule 30 Anchored Vessels and Vessels aground covers light requirements for vessels anchored
 and aground.
Rule 31 Seaplanes covers light requirements for seaplane

 Part D - Sound and Light signals; (Rules 32-37)

Rule 32 Definitions gives definitions of whistle, short blast, and prolonged blast.
Rule 33 Equipment for Sound Signals says vessels 12 metres or more in length should carry a
whistle and a bell and vessels 100 metres or more in length should carry in addition a gong.
Rule 34 Manoeuvring and Warning Signals covers manoeuvring and warning signals, using
whistle or lights.
Rule 35 Sound Signals in restricted Visibility covers sound signals to be used in restricted
visibility.
Rule 36 Signals to attract Attention covers signals to be used to attract attention.
Rule 37 Distress Signals covers distress signals.
 Part E - Exemptions; and
Rule 38 Exemptions says ships which comply with the 1960 Collision Regulations and were
built or already under construction when the 1972 Collision Regulations entered into force
may be exempted from some requirements for light and sound signals for specified periods.
 Part F - Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention.
39 Definitions
40 Application
41 Verification of compliance
 Rules 39 to 41 were added to allow the Organization's verification of compliance under the
IMO Member State Audit Scheme.

 Annexes
 The COLREG 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.
 Annexes I and IV were amended in 1987 to clarify the positioning of certain lights carried on
smaller vessels and to add "approved signals transmitted by radiocommunications systems"
(ie distress alerts transmitted in the GMDSS). A section on location signals from search and
rescue radar transponders was added in 1993.

ISM CODE (8 CHAPTERS)

1. What is the ISM Code?
The International Management Code for the safe operation of ships is a management system
implemented to ensure the safety of life and property at sea and the marine environment
protection from pollution.
2. What are the objectives of the ISM Code?
The code has many objectives, such as ensuring the safety of life at sea, preventing injury to
human beings and loss of lives, and avoiding any harm to the environment and property.
3. What is the role of seafarers in the ISM code?
The seafarers must be aware of the code’s provisions and try their best to abide by the
prescribed rules and regulations and the Safety management rules of the company they work
for.

CHAPTERS
 1. Safety and environmental protection policy
2. Company responsibilities and authority
3. Designated person (DPA)
4. Master’s responsibility and authority
5. Resources and personnel
6. Development of plans for shipboard operations
7. Emergency preparedness
8. Reports and analysis of nonconformities, accidents, and hazardous occurrences

Code vs. Regulations

What's the Difference?
Code and regulations are both sets of rules and guidelines that govern
behavior and activities within a specific context. However, codes are typically
more specific and detailed, outlining specific requirements and standards that
must be followed. Regulations, on the other hand, are broader and more
general, providing a framework for compliance with laws and policies. While
codes are often used in specific industries or professions to ensure safety and
quality, regulations are typically enforced by government agencies to ensure
compliance with laws and protect the public interest. Both codes and
regulations play a crucial role in maintaining order and accountability in
society.

LSA Code
ISM Code
FSS Code (Fire safety system)
ISPS code
IMDG Code