Rules & Regulations of Open Seas Boating
The rules and regulations for boating on the open seas apply to every vessel of every size. Boating regulations date back to 1776, when a British admiral tried to keep the ships of his fleet from bumping into each other and today they're part of the body of laws of every nation with ships or a coastline.
-
History
-
In 1776, Admiral Sir Richard Howe of the Royal Navy recorded the first rule for the prevention of collisions at sea--now known as the rule of the starboard tack, in sailing--in his Signal Book. Today's Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, called the COLREGS, are the latest incarnation of such rules for open sea boating.
Function
-
The function of the Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea is just that: preventing collisions at sea. These rules and regulations cover the many facets of avoiding accidents between boats, including how different types of vessels are lighted, which vessel yields the right of way, and other required and prohibited practices.
Misconceptions
-
The rules and regulations for boating on the high seas aren't always hard and fast rules. Rule 2(b), known as the General Prudential Rule, acknowledges that the Rules aren't always broad enough to cover every situation, and allows mariners to disregard the Rules if that is the safest course of action.
Warning
-
The rules and regulations for open water boating are Federal Law, found in Title 33, Sections 1601 through 1608 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Uniform Application
-
Obeying the rules and regulations for open water boating provides benefits other than staying in compliance with the law. The rules are intended to make boating safe for all and supply a common set of internationally recognized rules for boating in open water.
-
