United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

The primary purpose of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, commonly known as COLREGs, is to establish rules to prevent maritime collisions. This framework is essential for ensuring safe navigation on the water, allowing vessels to operate in close proximity while minimizing the risk of accidents. The regulations outline specific responsibilities for vessels in various situations, such as determining which vessel has the right of way and what maneuvers should be taken to avoid collisions.

By providing a clear set of guidelines, the COLREGs facilitate cooperation and understanding among mariners operating internationally, thereby significantly increasing safety at sea. This is crucial in congested waters or in conditions with reduced visibility where the risk of collision is heightened. The rules cover various aspects of navigation, including lights and shapes to be shown, sound signals, and actions to take in different scenarios, all aimed at achieving the mutual understanding necessary for avoiding accidents.

In contrast, the other alternatives focus on unrelated aspects of maritime operation; weather protocols, fishing regulations, and onboard safety inspections do not pertain directly to the prevention of collisions, which is the core objective of the COLREGs.