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

# Navigation Rules and Regulations

## I. Introduction
The introduction provides an overview of the International and Inland Navigation Rules.
   
### A. International Rules
The International Rules, also known as the 72 COLREGS (Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972), apply to vessels on international waters.

### B. Inland Rules
The Inland Rules, contained in the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980, apply to vessels navigating on inland waters of the United States.

## II. Part A - General
This part covers general rules and definitions that apply to both International and Inland Rules.

### A. Rule 1: Application
Rule 1 states the application of the Rules and the responsibilities of the vessel owners, masters, and crew to comply with the Rules.

### B. Rule 2: Responsibility
Rule 2 explains the responsibility of vessels to comply with the Rules and take necessary precautions to avoid collisions.

### C. Rule 3: General Definitions
Rule 3 provides definitions for terms used throughout the Rules, such as "vessel," "power-driven vessel," "sailing vessel," and "vessel engaged in fishing."

## III. Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules
This part is divided into three sections that cover the conduct of vessels in various situations.

### A. Section I - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
This section contains rules that apply to vessels in any visibility condition.

1. Rule 4: Application
2. Rule 5: Look-out
3. Rule 6: Safe Speed
4. Rule 7: Risk of Collision
5. Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision
6. Rule 9: Narrow Channels
7. Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes

### B. Section II - Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
This section covers rules for vessels that are in sight of each other.

1. Rule 11: Application
2. Rule 12: Sailing Vessels
3. Rule 13: Overtaking
4. Rule 14: Head-on Situation
5. Rule 15: Crossing Situation
6. Rule 16: Action by Give-way Vessel
7. Rule 17: Action by Stand-on Vessel
8. Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels

### C. Section III - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
This section contains rules for vessels navigating in restricted visibility conditions.

1. Rule 19: Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

## IV. Part C - Lights and Shapes
This part covers the requirements for lights and shapes that vessels must display in various situations.

### A. Rule 20: Application
### B. Rule 21: Definitions
### C. Rule 22: Visibility of Lights
### D. Rule 23: Power-driven Vessels Underway
### E. Rule 24: Towing and Pushing
### F. Rule 25: Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
### G. Rule 26: Fishing Vessels
### H. Rule 27: Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver
### I. Rule 28: Vessels Constrained by Their Draft
### J. Rule 29: Pilot Vessels
### K. Rule 30: Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground
### L. Rule 31: Seaplanes

## V. Part D - Sound and Light Signals
This part covers the requirements for sound and light signals that vessels must use in various situations.

### A. Rule 32: Definitions
### B. Rule 33: Equipment for Sound Signals
### C. Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals
### D. Rule 35: Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
### E. Rule 36: Signals to Attract Attention
### F. Rule 37: Distress Signals

## VI. Part E - Exemptions and Annexes
This part covers exemptions from the Rules and additional information in the annexes.

### A. Rule 38: Exemptions
### B. Annex I: Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes
### C. Annex II: Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity
### D. Annex III: Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances
### E. Annex IV: Distress Signals
### F. Annex V: Pilot Rules

## VII. Other Regulations
This section covers additional regulations related to navigation.

### A. Interpretative Rules
### B. COLREGS Demarcation Lines
### C. Penalty Provisions
### D. Alternative Compliance
### E. Waters Specified by the Secretary
### F. Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations