What is the scope of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea?

The scope of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (the COLREGS) is to ensure that vessels navigate safely and avoid collisions in waters internationally regulated by the convention. The COLREGS are binding in U.S. waters, including the high seas and inland waters within the jurisdiction and sovereignty of Virginia, which include the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The COLREGS establish a series of navigation rules that all vessels must follow. These rules include the definition of a “vessel,” the distance and speed at which a vessel must operate, the requirement to maintain a proper lookout, the navigation of lights and sound signals, the obligation to give way or yield to other vessels, and several others. The COLREGS also establish a vessel’s responsibilities when a collision is imminent, allowing the vessels to take appropriate precautionary measures in order to avoid a collision. The COLREGS are designed to be applicable in all waters and for any type of vessel, including boats and ships, regardless of their size or type. Additionally, the COLREGS apply to all vessels regardless of navigational conditions, including during fog and darkness. As a result, it is the responsibility of all vessel operators to adhere to the COLREGS and to take all necessary precautions to prevent collisions.

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What is the scope of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea?

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