International Collision Regulations

The 'International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972' are also commomly known as the 'boating rules', the 'Coll regs' or 'Rules of the Road'.

Regardless of what we refer to them as it is very important to know the rules and to adhere to them when we are out on the water.

Within this section you will find the complete Collision Regulations. If studying for a Coxswains Certificate of Competency or a boating licence it will not be neccesary to memorise every word. To aid your study we have given additional outlined guidance notes on each page and

highlighted the appropriate sections that are essential to know.

In order to Navigate through this section you can either use the left hand menu or the contents below.

If you wish to work through the entire contents you will find a Previous page|Next page link at the end of each page.

Additional study

You may also find it useful to study the NSW Maritime's Safe boating Handbook and use the Vessel Navigation tool

Part A - General

     Rule 1 Application

     Rule 2 Responsibility

     Rule 3 General definitions

Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules

Section I - Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility

Rule 4 Application

Rule 5 Look-out

Rule 6 Safe speed

Rule 7 Risk of collision

Rule 8 Action to avoid collision

Rule 9 Narrow channels

Rule 10 Traffic separation schemes

Section II Conduct of vessels in sight of one another

Rule 11 Application

Rule 12 Sailing vessels

Rule 13 Overtaking

Rule 14 Head-on situation

Rule 15 Crossing situation

Rule 16 Action by give‑way vessel

Rule 17 Action by stand-on vessel

Rule 18 Responsibilities between vessels

Section III - Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

Rule 19 Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

Part C - Lights and shapes

Rule 20 Application

Rule 21 Definitions

Rule 22 Visibility of lights

Rule 23 - Power-driven vessels underway

Rule 24 - Towing and pushing

Rule 25 - Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars

Rule 26 - Fishing vessels

Rule 27 - Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre

Rule 28 - Vessels constrained by their draught

Rule 29 - Pilot vessels

Rule 30 Anchored vessels and vessels aground

Rule 31 - Seaplanes

Part D - Sound And Light Signals

Rule 32 Definitions

Rule 33 Equipment for sound signals

Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and warning signals

Rule 35 - Sound signals in restricted visibility

Rule 36 - Signals to attract attention

Rule 37 - Distress signals

Annexes

ANNEX 1 - Positioning and Technical Details of lights and Shapes

ANNEX 2 - Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity

ANNEX 3 - Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances

ANNEX 4 - Distress Signals

Subpages (5): Annexes Part A - General Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules Part C - Lights and shapes Part D - Sound And Light Signals

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International Collision Regulations

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