ConventionontheInternationalRegulationsforPreventingCollisionsatSea.docVIP

Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs)  Adoption: 20 October 1972Entry into force: 15 July 1977IntroductionAmendment procedureTechnical provisionsPart A - General (Rules 1-3)Part B - Steering and Sailing (Rules 4-19)Section 1 - Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility (Rules 4-10)Rule 6 - safe speedRule 10 - vessels in or near traffic separation schemesSection II - Conduct of vessels in sight of one another (Rules 11-18)Rule 13 - overtaking Rule 14 - head-on situationsSection III - conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19)Part C Lights and Shapes (Rules 20-31)Part D - Sound and Light Signals (Rules 32-37)Part E - Exemptions (Rule 38)AnnexesThe 1981 amendments - rule 10 amendedThe 1987 amendments - crossing traffic lanesThe 1989 amendments - inshore traffic zoneThe 1993 amendments - positioning of lightsThe 2001 amendments - WIG craftIntroductionThe 1972 Convention was designed to update and replace the Collision Regulations of 1960 which were adopted at the same time as the 1960 SOLAS Convention. One of the most important innovations in the 1972 COLREGs was the recognition given to traffic separation schemes - Rule 10 gives guidance in determining safe speed, the risk of collision and the conduct of vessels operating in or near traffic separation schemes. The first such traffic separation scheme was established in the Dover Strait in 1967. It was operated on a voluntary basis at first but in 1971 the IMO Assembly adopted a resolution stating that that observance of all traffic separation schemes be made mandatory - and the COLREGs make this obligation clear.Amendment procedureUnder the tacit acceptance procedure incorporated in the Convention, an amendment must first be adopted by two-thirds of those present and voting in the Maritime Safety Committee. It is then communicated to Contracting Parties and considered by the IMO Assembly. If adopted by two-thirds of