Rules of the Road Part I
When you sail, there’s a chance that one of 3 sets of boating rules and regulations can apply. These sets of rules are: International, Inland and State.
The International Rules were composed at the Convention on the
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. They have been in effect since 1977.
They are known by the abbreviation ‘COLREGS‘. All vessels
from countries which ratified the treaty must comply with the COLREGS.
Treaty bound nations include the United States. These rules are “applicable on waters outside of the established navigational lines of demarcation.”
Waters inside these lines of demarcation are governed by the
Inland rules. An example is as follows: Charleston Harbor in South
Carolina is governed by COLREGS. Lake Murray near Columbia South
Carolina is governed by Inland Rules. On the Great Lakes, Inland rules apply.
The third level of rules are made by state governments and vary by state
State regulations can be quirky and variable. If you are cruising it pays to do a little research so you can be in compliance.
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