The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) consists of a set of comprehensive rules aimed at avoiding collisions between ships at sea. The rules are divided into several sections, each addressing a different aspect of safe navigation and ship operation. Here is a summary of the main rules:

1. Rule 1: Application – This rule states that the COLREGS apply to all vessels on the high seas and in all waters connected to the high seas.
2. Rule 2: Responsibility – This rule outlines the responsibilities of each ship to avoid a collision and to take action to avoid a collision if necessary.
3. Rule 3: Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another – This rule sets out the actions that ships should take when in sight of each other, including the use of signals and the responsibilities of each ship to give way to other ships.
4. Rule 4: Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility – This rule sets out the responsibilities of ships in restricted visibility conditions, such as in fog or heavy rain, including the use of lights and sounds to indicate the ship’s presence.
5. Rule 5: Look-out – This rule requires ships to maintain a proper look-out at all times and to take all necessary measures to avoid a collision.
6. Rule 6: Safe Speed – This rule requires ships to maintain a safe speed and to take into account the conditions and limitations of the vessel and the navigational environment.
7. Rule 7: Risk of Collision – This rule sets out the steps that ships should take to assess the risk of collision and to take action to avoid a collision.
8. Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision – This rule sets out the actions that ships should take to avoid a collision, including altering course or speed, if necessary.
9. Rule 9: Narrow Channels – This rule sets out the responsibilities of ships in narrow channels, including the obligation to give way to other ships.
10. Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes – This rule sets out the responsibilities of ships in traffic separation schemes, which are areas designated for the safe and orderly movement of shipping.

These are the main rules of the COLREGS, and they provide a comprehensive framework for safe navigation and the prevention of collisions at sea.

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