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Learn/Collision Regulations/Application and definitions

By insideSail

Automated technical check · version 1 ·

Rule, paragraph, annex and edition: read the full reference

Small letters and numbers help locate the text and distinguish a rule from commentary.

4 min read
Manual contents
In this guide
Schematic COLREGs contents: Part A, Rules 1 to 3, definitions and application; B, 4 to 19, steering and sailing; C, 20 to 31, lights and shapes; D, 32 to 37, sound and light signals; E, 38, exemptions; F, 39 to 41, verification of compliance. The diagram states 41 rules, six parts and four annexes.
A map of COLREGs

Original schematic illustration. Read the explanation and limitations in the lesson.

insideSailOriginal insideSail artwork — all rights reserved
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Schematic COLREGs contents: Part A, Rules 1 to 3, definitions and application; B, 4 to 19, steering and sailing; C, 20 to 31, lights and shapes; D, 32 to 37, sound and light signals; E, 38, exemptions; F, 39 to 41, verification of compliance. The diagram states 41 rules, six parts and four annexes.

A reference such as “Rule 21(b)” has two parts: the number identifies the rule and the letter identifies a subdivision. A reference to an annex points elsewhere in the document. Learning this language makes it possible to check exactly what an explanation cites.

Rule text and explanation

A publication may combine regulation text, drawings and teaching notes. All can be useful, but their roles differ. When insideSail explains a rule, it should identify the original reference and label the explanation as original educational content. A caption or owner comment does not become a regulatory provision.

  • Instrument: which document?
  • Locator: rule, paragraph, section or annex?
  • Version: which edition or amendment was consulted?
  • Scope: which jurisdiction or local rule may need additional consultation?

A consultation date records when the library checked a source. It is not its effective date, nor a guarantee that an interpretation is complete. We store these fields separately so a reviewed text does not appear newer or more authoritative than the evidence supports.

Sources and references

  1. Navigation safety for UK seafarers ↗

    Maritime and Coastguard Agency · Updated 3 April 2024 · COLREG; official charts; notices and navigation publications

    Version: Updated 3 April 2024. Jurisdiction: United Kingdom.

    Checked on
  2. Regulamento Internacional para Evitar Abalroamentos no Mar ↗

    Instituto Hidrográfico · September 2025 · Portuguese and English rule text; Rule 21(b)

    Version: September 2025. Jurisdiction: International; Portuguese official publication. Official free-download page identifies September 2025. Source access does not grant reuse rights.

    Checked on

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