COLREG 1972

The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, sets the rules of the road governing how vessels avoid collision, including steering and sailing rules, lights, shapes, and sound and light signals. It entered into force on 15 July 1977 and applies to all vessels on the high seas and connected navigable waters. Rule 5 (lookout) and Rule 6 (safe speed) are among the most frequently cited in casualty investigations.