COLREG explained, rule by rule

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) are implemented in Norway as the Norwegian collision regulations (sjøveisreglene). Each rule gets its own page with Justera's plain-English explanation, examples, common mistakes, FAQ, the official Norwegian text and a link to the IMO.

Norsk

In short

COLREG applies to all vessels at sea and in connected navigable waters. Part A covers general provisions, Part B steering and sailing including right of way, Part C lights and shapes, Part D sound and light signals, Part E exemptions and Part F verification of compliance. Four annexes give technical details and distress signals.

Part A – General

Rule 1 ApplicationComing soon
Rule 2 ResponsibilityComing soon
Rule 3 General definitionsComing soon

Part B – Steering and sailing

Rule 4 Application of Section IComing soon
Rule 5 Look-outComing soon
Rule 6 Safe speedComing soon
Rule 7 Risk of collisionComing soon
Rule 8 Action to avoid collisionComing soon
Rule 9 Narrow channelsComing soon
Rule 10 Traffic separation schemesComing soon
Rule 11 Application of Section IIComing soon
Rule 12 Sailing vesselsComing soon
Rule 13 OvertakingComing soon
Rule 14 Head-on situationComing soon
Rule 15 Crossing situationComing soon
Rule 16 Action by give-way vesselComing soon
Rule 17 Action by stand-on vesselComing soon
Rule 18 Responsibilities between vesselsComing soon
Rule 19 Conduct in restricted visibilityComing soon

Part C – Lights and shapes

Rule 20 Application of Part CComing soon
Rule 21 Definitions of lightsComing soon
Rule 22 Visibility of lightsComing soon
Rule 23 Power-driven vessels underwayComing soon
Rule 24 Towing and pushingComing soon
Rule 25 Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oarsComing soon
Rule 26 Fishing vesselsComing soon
Rule 27 Not under command or restricted in ability to manoeuvreComing soon
Rule 28 Vessels constrained by their draughtComing soon
Rule 29 Pilot vesselsComing soon
Rule 30 Anchored vessels and vessels agroundComing soon
Rule 31 Seaplanes and WIG craftComing soon

Part D – Sound and light signals

Rule 32 Definitions of sound signalsComing soon
Rule 33 Equipment for sound signalsComing soon
Rule 34 Manoeuvring and warning signalsComing soon
Rule 35 Sound signals in restricted visibilityComing soon
Rule 36 Signals to attract attentionComing soon
Rule 37 Distress signalsComing soon

Part E – Exemptions

Rule 38 ExemptionsComing soon

Part F – Verification of compliance

Rule 39 Definitions for Part FComing soon
Rule 40 Application of Part FComing soon
Rule 41 Verification of complianceComing soon

Annexes

Annex I Positioning and technical details of lights and shapesComing soon
Annex II Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximityComing soon
Annex III Technical details of sound signal appliancesComing soon
Annex IV Distress signalsComing soon

Rules without a link are published once the explanation has been checked against the official text from Lovdata. Until then, the official text is on Lovdata. Read on Lovdata

Questions and answers

What is COLREG?

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, adopted by the IMO. They set out who gives way, which lights and shapes vessels show and which sound signals they give. In Norway they are implemented as the collision regulations (sjøveisreglene).

Does COLREG apply to leisure boats?

Yes. Rule 1 applies the rules to all vessels on the high seas and in connected waters navigable by seagoing vessels.

How many rules are there?

41 rules in Parts A to F, and four annexes.

Is this legal advice?

No. The explanations are general information. The binding Norwegian text is the regulation on Lovdata; the convention text is published by the IMO.