COLREGS: Convention on the International Regulation for Preventing Collision at Sea

COLREGS was adopted in 1972, replacing an earlier agreement (the Collision Regulations of 1960). Aiming to promote safety of vessels and seafarers, COLREGS provides the underpinning for the implementation of mandatory traffic separation schemes. Its provisions cover a wide range of safety related aspects, from lights and sound signals used by vessels to conduct of vessels in low visibility conditions. It is one of the most widely adopted maritime safety conventions, with over 150 parties (as of 2026).