COLREGS Guides

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COLREGS Guides

The manual gives you every rule, one at a time. These guides put related rules side by side and explain how they work together on the water.

International vs. Inland Rules: What Changes When You Cross the Line

The U.S. has two versions of the Navigation Rules. Learn which one applies where you boat, and the practical differences in right-of-way, whistle signals, lights and fog signals.

Vessel Lights at Night: A Practical Guide to What You Are Seeing

Learn to read the lights on the water after dark: power, sail, towing, fishing, restricted and anchored vessels, and how to tell which way a boat is heading and who must give way.

Crossing, Overtaking and Head-On Situations Compared

Who gives way, who stands on, and what each boat should do in the three ways two vessels meet. A side-by-side guide to Rules 13 to 17, with worked examples and common mistakes.