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Understanding the Navigation Rules (COLREGs): A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Safe on the Water
  • By Capt. Ben Haddadnia
  • 30 May 2025

4. Understanding the Navigation Rules (COLREGs): A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Safe on the Water

Whether you're piloting a yacht, a center console, or a kayak, understanding and following the Navigation Rules—formally known as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)—is essential for every boater.

Just like drivers follow rules of the road, mariners must follow rules of the water. These rules help prevent collisions and ensure safe navigation, especially in crowded or limited visibility conditions.

At BoatnCrew.com, we’re committed to promoting safety and professionalism on the water. So here’s a clear, beginner-friendly overview of what you need to know about COLREGs.

⚓ What Are the COLREGs?

The COLREGs are a set of rules established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and adopted globally. In U.S. waters, they’re enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard, and every boater—regardless of vessel size—must follow them.

They cover:

  • Right-of-way rules
  • Lights and day shapes
  • Sound signals
  • Safe speed
  • Avoiding collisions

🚦 Core COLREG Concepts Every Boater Should Know

  • 1. The "Stand-On" vs. "Give-Way" VesselStand-On Vessel: Maintains course and speed.
  • Give-Way Vessel: Must take early and obvious action to avoid collision.

👉 Rule of Thumb: If you're overtaking or approaching from the left (port side), you give way. If you’re on the right (starboard side), you have the right of way.

  • 2. Rules for Different ScenariosHead-On: Both vessels should alter course to starboard (right) and pass port-to-port.
  • Crossing: The vessel that sees the other on its starboard (right) side must give way.
  • Overtaking: The overtaking vessel must keep clear, no matter which side it passes on.

3. Lights and ShapesAt night or in low visibility, you identify vessels by their navigation lights:

  • Red: Port (left)
  • Green: Starboard (right)
  • White: Stern or masthead light (direction of travel)

Day shapes are used for larger vessels or specific conditions (e.g., a black ball shape signals "vessel at anchor").

4. Sound and Light SignalsWhen visibility is poor (e.g., fog), or when maneuvering in busy areas, sound signals help communicate intent:

  • 1 short blast: “I am altering my course to starboard.”
  • 2 short blasts: “I am altering my course to port.”
  • 5 short blasts: “Danger! I don’t understand your intentions.”

Fog signals (e.g., 1 prolonged blast every 2 minutes for power-driven vessels underway) are required in restricted visibility.

5. Rule 5: Keep a Proper LookoutOne of the most important COLREG rules: Always maintain a proper lookout using sight, hearing, and any available technology (radar, AIS, etc.).

🚤 Why Beginners Must Learn These Rules

  • They are legally required. Failure to follow COLREGs can result in citations, liability in an accident, or worse.
  • They prevent collisions. Most boating accidents are avoidable with proper rule-following and awareness.
  • They build professionalism. Whether you're a weekend boater or aspiring crew, understanding the rules shows you're serious and prepared.

📚 How to Learn More

  • Take a certified boating safety course (many include a section on COLREGs).
  • Use apps like USCG Navigation Rules or BoatUS Foundation courses for self-study.
  • Review the official Navigation Rules handbook (PDF) from the U.S. Coast Guard.

🧭 Final Word from BoatnCrew.com

The more you understand about COLREGs, the safer and more confident you’ll be on the water. It’s not about memorizing rules—it’s about building the judgment and awareness needed to navigate responsibly.

So whether you’re crewing a yacht or steering your first skiff, make learning the Navigation Rules part of your boating journey.

Stay safe. Stay sharp. Know the rules.

— The BoatnCrew.com Team