Day Skipper training module 5 of 17

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COLREGs

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea — steering rules, lights, and shapes.

Steering and sailing rules (Rules 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12–19)General rules (all other rules)
3 outcomes for this module
  • Explain international Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea — steering rules, lights, and shapes.
  • Apply Steering and sailing rules (Rules 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12–19) to a realistic onboard situation.
  • Recall the core check: cOLREGs apply to ALL vessels on navigable waters.
Preview the onboard scenario

You are preparing a real trip and steering and sailing rules (Rules 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12–19) changes the decision. Use this module to explain the cue, the risk, and the next safe action before you move on.

9 lesson sections · 12 quiz questions · 12 flashcards

Lesson summaries

Use this module hub to choose the right lesson, then open the dedicated lesson page for the complete explanation, worked examples, FAQs, and practice questions.

What Are the COLREGs?

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea are known as COLREGs or IRPCS. They are the rules of the road at sea and explain how vessels should keep a lookout, assess c...

  • COLREGs apply to ALL vessels on navigable waters
  • Part B (Steering and Sailing Rules) requires full knowledge
Read the full lesson: What Are the COLREGs?

Rule 5 — Look-out

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight AND hearing, as well as by all available means (including radar), so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and t...

  • Look-out by sight AND hearing at all times
  • Use all available means appropriate to the circumstances; radar where fitted and operational, with AIS only as a supplement
Read the full lesson: Rule 5 — Look-out

Rule 7 — Risk of Collision

You must use all available means to determine if a risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt, assume it does exist.

  • If in doubt, risk of collision EXISTS
  • Constant bearing + decreasing range = collision risk
Read the full lesson: Rule 7 — Risk of Collision

Rule 8 — Action to Avoid Collision

Any action taken to avoid collision must be positive, made in ample time, and large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel. Small, indecisive course changes are dangerous — the...

  • Action must be POSITIVE and EARLY
  • Course changes must be LARGE enough to be obvious
Read the full lesson: Rule 8 — Action to Avoid Collision

Rules 12–18 — Who Gives Way?

Rule 12 (Sailing vessels): When two sailing vessels meet, the vessel on port tack gives way to the vessel on starboard tack. If both are on the same tack, the windward vessel gives way. I...

  • Sailing vessels: port tack gives way to starboard tack
  • Overtaking vessel ALWAYS gives way (overrides other rules)
Read the full lesson: Rules 12–18 — Who Gives Way?

Rule 18 — Responsibilities Between Vessels

Rule 18 sets responsibilities between vessel types and statuses. It is a practical guide to who should keep clear in normal sighted encounters, not an absolute right-of-way ladder.

  • Rule 18 sets keep-clear duties by vessel status and manoeuvrability
  • Avoid impeding vessels limited by channel, fairway, or draught constraints
Read the full lesson: Rule 18 — Responsibilities Between Vessels

Rules 9 & 10 — Narrow Channels and TSS

Rule 9 (Narrow Channels): Keep to the starboard side. Vessels under 20m or sailing vessels must not impede vessels that can only navigate within the channel. Do not cross a narrow channel...

  • Narrow channels: keep to starboard side
  • Small vessels must not impede vessels confined to the channel
Read the full lesson: Rules 9 & 10 — Narrow Channels and TSS

Navigation Lights

Power-driven vessels display: masthead light(s) (white, 225°), sidelights (red port, green starboard, each 112.5°), and a stern light (white, 135°). Vessels 50m or more show two masthead...

  • Power-driven: masthead (white 225°) + sidelights + stern
  • Sailing: sidelights + stern only (no masthead)
Read the full lesson: Navigation Lights

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