[US Coast Guard Navigation Rules](https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/navRules/navrules.pdf)


## Here's a breakdown of the information provided below:

1. Introduction
   - Clearly distinguishes between International and Inland Rules and their areas of applicability.

2. Part A - General
   - Emphasizes the importance of compliance, responsibility, and understanding key definitions.

3. Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules
   - Covers the conduct of vessels in various situations, including any condition of visibility, vessels in sight of one another, and restricted visibility.
   - Highlights crucial rules such as maintaining a proper look-out, proceeding at a safe speed, and taking appropriate actions to avoid collisions.
   - Explains specific rules for overtaking, head-on, and crossing situations, as well as the hierarchy of vessel types.

4. Part C - Lights and Shapes
   - Details the requirements for lights and shapes that vessels must display in various situations.
   - Covers the application, definitions, visibility, and specific rules for different vessel types and situations.

5. Part D - Sound and Light Signals
   - Emphasizes the importance of sound and light signals for communication between vessels, especially in situations of restricted visibility or when maneuvering.
   - Covers definitions, equipment requirements, prescribed signals for various situations, and distress signals.

6. Part E - Exemptions and Annexes
   - Explains the possibility of exemptions for certain vessels and the conditions under which they may be granted.
   - Highlights the importance of the annexes in providing detailed technical specifications and additional rules.

7. Other Regulations
   - Covers interpretative rules, COLREGS demarcation lines, penalty provisions, alternative compliance, waters specified by the Secretary, and bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone regulations.
   - Emphasizes the importance of understanding these additional regulations for safe navigation.

The key takeaways provided at the end of each section effectively summarize the most important points, making it easier for the reader to retain the essential information.

# Navigation Rules and Regulations: Key Points and Summary

## I. Introduction
- International Rules (72 COLREGS) apply to vessels on international waters
- Inland Rules (Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980) apply to vessels on U.S. inland waters

## II. Part A - General

### A. Rule 1: Application
- Vessel owners, masters, and crew must comply with the Rules
- Applies to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels

### B. Rule 2: Responsibility
- Vessels must comply with the Rules and take necessary precautions to avoid collisions
- Nothing in the Rules shall exonerate any vessel, owner, master, or crew from the consequences of neglect or non-compliance

### C. Rule 3: General Definitions
- Defines key terms used throughout the Rules, such as:
  - Vessel: Includes every description of water craft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water
  - Power-driven vessel: Any vessel propelled by machinery
  - Sailing vessel: Any vessel under sail, provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used
  - Vessel engaged in fishing: Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restricts maneuverability
- Other important definitions:
  - Underway: A vessel is not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground
  - Restricted visibility: Any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes
  - Vessel not under command: A vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by the Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel
  - Vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver: A vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by the Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel

Key takeaways:
1. International and Inland Rules have different areas of applicability
2. Responsibility for compliance lies with vessel owners, masters, and crew
3. Definitions provide clarity and consistency in the application of the Rules
4. Understanding the definitions is crucial for proper interpretation and adherence to the Rules

## III. Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules

### A. Section I - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
1. Rule 4: Application
   - Rules in this section apply in any condition of visibility
2. Rule 5: Look-out
   - Every vessel must maintain a proper look-out at all times
3. Rule 6: Safe Speed
   - Every vessel must proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions
4. Rule 7: Risk of Collision
   - Every vessel must use all available means to determine if a risk of collision exists
5. Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision
   - Any action taken to avoid collision must be positive, made in ample time, and with due regard to good seamanship
6. Rule 9: Narrow Channels
   - Vessels must keep to the starboard side of the channel, and not impede the passage of vessels that can only navigate safely within the channel
7. Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes
   - Vessels using a traffic separation scheme must follow the direction of traffic flow, keep clear of separation zones, and join or leave the scheme at a small angle to the traffic flow

### B. Section II - Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
1. Rule 11: Application
   - Rules in this section apply to vessels in sight of one another
2. Rule 12: Sailing Vessels
   - When two sailing vessels approach one another, the vessel with the wind on the port side must keep out of the way
3. Rule 13: Overtaking
   - Any vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken
4. Rule 14: Head-on Situation
   - When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, each must alter course to starboard so that they pass on the port side of the other
5. Rule 15: Crossing Situation
   - When two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel with the other on her starboard side must keep out of the way
6. Rule 16: Action by Give-way Vessel
   - The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep well clear
7. Rule 17: Action by Stand-on Vessel
   - The stand-on vessel must maintain her course and speed, but may take action to avoid collision if the give-way vessel fails to take appropriate action
8. Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels
   - Defines the hierarchy of vessel types and their responsibilities to keep out of the way of others (e.g., power-driven vessels must keep out of the way of sailing vessels)

### C. Section III - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
1. Rule 19: Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
   - Vessels must proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and restricted visibility conditions
   - Every vessel must have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the rules in Section I

Key takeaways:
1. Rules vary depending on visibility conditions and whether vessels are in sight of one another
2. Maintaining a proper look-out, proceeding at a safe speed, and taking appropriate actions to avoid collision are crucial in all situations
3. Specific rules govern overtaking, head-on, and crossing situations
4. There is a hierarchy of vessel types that determines which vessel must keep out of the way
5. In restricted visibility, vessels must adapt their speed and comply with the rules in Section I with due regard to the prevailing circumstances

## IV. Part C - Lights and Shapes

### A. Rule 20: Application
- Rules concerning lights and shapes apply in all weather conditions
- Rules concerning lights apply from sunset to sunrise, and during times of restricted visibility

### B. Rule 21: Definitions
- Defines terms related to lights and shapes, such as masthead light, sidelights, sternlight, towing light, and all-round light

### C. Rule 22: Visibility of Lights
- Specifies the minimum range of visibility for lights based on the length of the vessel

### D. Rule 23: Power-driven Vessels Underway
- Power-driven vessels underway must exhibit a masthead light, sidelights, and a sternlight
- Vessels less than 12 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights

### E. Rule 24: Towing and Pushing
- Specifies the lights to be exhibited by vessels engaged in towing and pushing, depending on the length of the tow and the type of operation

### F. Rule 25: Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
- Sailing vessels underway must exhibit sidelights and a sternlight
- Vessels under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed for sailing vessels, but if not, they must have an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light ready at hand

### G. Rule 26: Fishing Vessels
- Specifies the lights and shapes to be exhibited by vessels engaged in fishing, depending on the type of fishing operation

### H. Rule 27: Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver
- Specifies the lights and shapes to be exhibited by vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver

### I. Rule 28: Vessels Constrained by Their Draft
- Vessels constrained by their draft may exhibit three all-round red lights in a vertical line or a cylinder

### J. Rule 29: Pilot Vessels
- Pilot vessels must exhibit the lights and shapes specified in this rule

### K. Rule 30: Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground
- Specifies the lights and shapes to be exhibited by vessels at anchor and vessels aground

### L. Rule 31: Seaplanes
- Where practicable, seaplanes must exhibit lights and shapes similar to those prescribed for vessels of equivalent length

## V. Part D - Sound and Light Signals

### A. Rule 32: Definitions
- Defines terms related to sound and light signals, such as whistle, short blast, and prolonged blast

### B. Rule 33: Equipment for Sound Signals
- Specifies the requirements for sound signaling equipment on vessels of different lengths

### C. Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals
- Prescribes sound signals to be used when vessels are in sight of one another and when conducting various maneuvers

### D. Rule 35: Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
- Prescribes sound signals to be used by vessels in or near an area of restricted visibility

### E. Rule 36: Signals to Attract Attention
- Specifies the use of light or sound signals to attract attention of another vessel, if necessary

### F. Rule 37: Distress Signals
- Describes the signals that indicate distress and need of assistance, as specified in Annex IV of the Rules

Key takeaways:
1. Sound and light signals are crucial for communication between vessels, especially in situations of restricted visibility or when maneuvering
2. Vessels must carry the appropriate sound signaling equipment as required by their length
3. Specific sound signals are prescribed for various maneuvers and situations, such as overtaking, approaching bends, and warning other vessels
4. In restricted visibility, vessels must use the prescribed sound signals to indicate their presence and avoid collisions
5. Distress signals are essential for indicating a vessel's need for assistance

## VI. Part E - Exemptions and Annexes

### A. Rule 38: Exemptions
- Specifies the vessels that may be exempted from compliance with certain provisions of the Rules, such as vessels of special construction or purpose, and the conditions under which exemptions may be granted

### B. Annex I: Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes
- Provides detailed specifications for the positioning and technical characteristics of lights and shapes required by the Rules

### C. Annex II: Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity
- Prescribes additional signals to be used by fishing vessels fishing in close proximity to other fishing vessels

### D. Annex III: Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances
- Provides technical specifications for whistles, bells, and gongs required by the Rules

### E. Annex IV: Distress Signals
- Lists the recognized distress signals that may be used by vessels or persons in distress to seek assistance

### F. Annex V: Pilot Rules
- Contains additional rules and requirements specific to certain inland waters of the United States

## VII. Other Regulations

### A. Interpretative Rules
- Provides guidance and clarification on the application of certain provisions of the Rules

### B. COLREGS Demarcation Lines
- Defines the lines that delineate the waters upon which mariners must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules

### C. Penalty Provisions
- Specifies the penalties for violations of the Inland Navigation Rules and other related regulations

### D. Alternative Compliance
- Describes the procedures for obtaining a Certificate of Alternative Compliance, which allows vessels of special construction or purpose to comply with alternative requirements when they cannot fully comply with the Rules

### E. Waters Specified by the Secretary
- Lists the specific waters designated by the Secretary where certain Inland Navigation Rules apply

### F. Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations
- Prescribes the requirements for the use and maintenance of bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone equipment on certain vessels operating on navigable waters of the United States

Key takeaways:
1. Exemptions may be granted to vessels of special construction or purpose, subject to certain conditions
2. Annexes provide detailed technical specifications and additional rules to supplement the main body of the Rules
3. Interpretative Rules offer guidance on the application of the Rules
4. COLREGS Demarcation Lines delineate the waters where International and Inland Rules apply
5. Penalties are specified for violations of the Rules and related regulations
6. Alternative Compliance allows vessels of special construction or purpose to comply with alternative requirements when necessary
7. Certain Inland Rules apply to specific waters designated by the Secretary
8. Bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone regulations ensure effective communication between vessels on navigable waters