The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) is an international treaty adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish rules of the road for ships. It aims to prevent collisions at sea by providing clear guidelines for navigation, signaling, and maneuvering.

The COLREGs are divided into several parts, covering various aspects of maritime navigation, including:

• General Rules: Outlines general principles of navigation, such as maintaining a proper lookout and avoiding dangerous situations.
• Steering and Sailing Rules: Specifies rules for vessels in different situations, such as crossing, overtaking, and meeting head-on.
• Lights and Shapes: Defines the types of lights and shapes that vessels must display at night and during reduced visibility to indicate their presence, course, and maneuver intentions.
• Sound and Light Signals: Establishes the use of sound signals, such as whistles and horns, to communicate intentions and warnings.
• Exemptions: Provides exemptions for certain types of vessels, such as fishing vessels and sailing vessels, under specific conditions.
• Verification of Compliance: Outlines procedures for ensuring that ships comply with the COLREGs.

By following the COLREGs, mariners can significantly reduce the risk of collisions at sea, promoting safety and efficiency in maritime navigation.