COLREGS rules
Practical guides to the COLREGS, buoyage, lights and shapes, and exam prep - written to be useful at the chart table, not just in the classroom.
Rule 19: Why Fog Rewrites the Collision Rules
In restricted visibility, Rule 19 replaces the give-way/stand-on framework entirely. Here's what changes, and the turns you must avoid.
Rule 15 Crossing Situations: Who Gives Way and Why
Rule 15 governs crossing situations at sea. Learn who gives way, what constant bearing means in practice, and why you must never cross ahead of the stand-on vessel.
Rule 14: Recognising a Head-On and the Starboard Reflex
How to identify a head-on situation at night, why Rule 14's in-doubt clause matters, and why starboard is always the right turn.
Rule 13 Overtaking: The Rule That Overrides All Others
Rule 13 makes every overtaking vessel give-way, full stop. Here's how to identify an overtaking situation, apply the stern-light test, and know when you're finally clear.
Sound Signals Every Skipper Must Know: 1 Blast to 5
From one short blast to five, here is what COLREGS Rules 34 and 35 actually require - and where US Inland rules catch skippers out.
Rule 12 Explained: Which Sailing Vessel Gives Way?
Port tack, starboard tack, windward boat - Rule 12 ranks them all. Here's how to apply the hierarchy confidently at sea and in exams.
Stand-On vs Give-Way: Who Moves, and When Rules Change
Rule 16 and Rule 17 explained clearly - including the moment a stand-on vessel must stop standing on and take action.
Rule 5: why look-out is the rule examiners care about most
Every COLREGS incident report seems to cite Rule 5. What "a proper look-out by sight and hearing" actually demands, why it applies even at anchor watch, and how examiners test it.