The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs) are a crucial set of navigational rules designed to help officers avoid collisions on the water. As one of the most important international maritime conventions, every seagoing officer must fully understand and apply COLREGs in real-world scenarios to ensure safety at sea. However, investigations and case reports from MARS and MAIB reveal that many officers misinterpret or incorrectly apply fundamental COLREGs principles.
Additionally, while the use of VHF radio communication is common practice, it is not officially mandated by COLREGs. A recent study by C4FF showed that nearly 50% of seafarers worldwide neglect or overlook COLREGs when maneuvering to prevent collisions. To promote safer maritime navigation, comprehensive training and deep knowledge of COLREGs rules are essential for all seafarers.
The ACT project as a solution
ACTs (Avoiding Collisions at Sea), is tackling the critical challenge of COLREGs misapplication by investigating the current obstacles seafarers face in understanding these vital navigation rules. Led by a consortium of leading European maritime education and training organizations, ACTs aims to reduce maritime collisions and enhance safety at sea.
The ACT objectives are:
COLREGs Course
This is a list of all COLREGs rules and annexes, providing easy access to the full official text from the COLREGs Convention. Users can select any specific rule or annex to explore its detailed provisions alongside practical scenarios that demonstrate its real-world application. This resource is designed to enhance understanding by linking the regulatory text with contextual examples, helping seafarers, maritime students, and professionals better grasp the essential navigation rules that prevent collisions at sea.