Day Skipper training module 5 of 17

🚢

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 where your understanding of steering and sailing rules (Rules 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12–19) shapes the decision. Use this module to explain the cue, the risk, and the next safe action before you move on.

9 lesson sections · 18 quiz questions · 12 flashcards

On narrow screens, scroll sideways to reach every study mode.

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; Rule 25 permits specified combined or red-over-green alternatives
Read the full lesson: Navigation Lights

Add the complete practice layer

Keep reading the public lesson articles, and add this module's guided flow, quizzes, spaced-repetition flashcards, progress, and mock exams with one payment.

Unlock for £4.99Already paid? Restore access

Authority cluster

Study this topic deliberately

Secure outcome
Identify the situation, establish risk and choose an early, obvious action.
Common mistake
Jumping to a vessel hierarchy before identifying the governing rule and both vessels' duties.
Best next practice
Explain why the action is safe, then test the same rule from a different aspect.

Related practice and explanations

Use the lights and shapes trainerMove from visual recognition to consequence.Fix common COLREGs mistakesUse a repeatable encounter decision sequence.
PreviousSafetyNextPosition