What is the primary purpose of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)?

The primary purpose of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, commonly known as COLREGs, is to prevent maritime collisions. These regulations are fundamental to ensuring safety at sea by establishing navigational rules that dictate how vessels should behave in various situations to avoid accidents. They outline responsibilities for both power-driven and sailing vessels, as well as rules regarding the conduct of vessels in relation to one another.

COLREGs provide clear protocols for vessel operators to follow when encountering other ships, such as which vessels have the right of way and how to signal intentions. By adhering to these protocols, the risk of collisions is significantly reduced, thereby enhancing overall maritime safety.

The other options may involve important aspects of maritime operations, but they do not pertain to the core objective of the COLREGs. While communication between vessels, resource regulation, and safety laws are crucial elements of maritime practice, they do not encompass the primary purpose of preventing collisions, which is the foremost focus of the COLREGs.