Which statement describes COLREGs?

• A. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
• B. Inland traffic control measures.
• C. Port state control procedures.
• D. Vessel traffic service policies.

Answer: (A)

COLREGs are the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. They lay out how vessels must maneuver to avoid collisions, including who should give way and who should stand on in different situations (head-on, crossing, and overtaking), and what actions to take to reduce risk. They also cover signals, safe speeds, lookout requirements, and other practical rules for navigating in open waters. These regulations form the worldwide framework used by ships to prevent collisions, with local adaptations as needed.

Other items describe different regulatory areas: inland traffic controls, port state control procedures, or vessel traffic service policies govern inland waterways, ship inspections, and traffic management in busy channels, respectively, rather than the international collision-avoidance rules.