General rules: obligations begin before an encounter

The COLREGs organise obligations for preventing collisions. They are not a list of privileges assigned to boat types.

A first reading asks where they apply, which situation is described and which words have defined meanings. A small recreational sailboat participates in this system even near the coast or with limited equipment.

The drawing separates scope, observation and responsibility; none disappears because another vessel carries a particular obligation. Size is relevant to some provisions, but does not remove the general duty to comply.

Rule 1(a) establishes scope on the high seas and waters connected with them navigable by seagoing vessels. Paragraph (b) accommodates special rules made by the appropriate authority for harbours, rivers and other specified waters, conforming as closely as possible to the international rules.

It does not mean that any marina policy replaces the entire COLREGs. Identify the authority, location and subject of the local provision.

A harbour speed limit and responsibility during an encounter answer different questions and can both be relevant.

The remaining paragraphs of Rule 1 address special additional signals, traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and closest-possible compliance for special construction or purpose, determined by the government concerned. They do not let an owner invent lights or choose an alternative for convenience.

UK national implementation and scope are described in MSN 1781 Amendment 3; Portugal has its applicable instruments. A European platform should identify those jurisdictions rather than presenting a national interpretation as universal law or assuming that a UK notice has Portuguese legal force.

Rule 2(a) preserves consequences arising from non-compliance and neglect of precautions required by ordinary seamanship or particular circumstances. Saying that one had priority is insufficient.

Paragraph (b) requires consideration of dangers, special circumstances and vessel limitations; these may make departure from the rules necessary to avoid immediate danger. That is a demanding condition, not a general exception for personal preferences.

Reading begins with compliance and prevention, rather than searching afterwards for a reason why an inconvenient provision could be ignored.

A sailing vessel under Rule 3(c) is under sail without use of propelling machinery; having a mast is insufficient. Underway means neither anchored, made fast to shore nor aground, and can include a vessel making no way through the water.

Engaged in fishing requires fishing apparatus that restricts manoeuvrability, rather than merely someone carrying a rod. Not under command and restricted in ability to manoeuvre have distinct defined causes.

These distinctions matter throughout responsibilities, lights and signals, so everyday labels should not silently replace them.

Part B Section I, Rules 4–10, applies in any condition of visibility. Lookout, safe speed and risk assessment are not replaced by later rules.

Carry this foundation into Rules 11–18 or Rule 19. When reading a statement, retain its rule number, application condition, subject and obligation.

Editorial explanation helps make these elements intelligible; it does not amend the normative text or certify navigational competence. A photograph or a simple boat-type category cannot establish all the facts that a legal classification requires.