Navigaatiosäännöt

Navigaatiosäännöt, known in English as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea or COLREGs, are a set of international rules designed to prevent collisions between vessels at sea. These rules are adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and are legally binding for all vessels navigating international waters.

The primary objective of navigaatiosäännöt is to establish clear responsibilities and actions for vessels to take in various situations, particularly when they are in close proximity. They cover a wide range of scenarios, including visibility conditions, the behavior of vessels in restricted visibility, steering and sailing rules, lights and shapes, and sound and light signals.

Key provisions include defining the "give-way" vessel, which must take early and substantial action to keep well clear of another vessel, and the "stand-on" vessel, which must maintain its course and speed. The rules also specify which vessel has the "right of way" in different encounter situations, such as head-on, crossing, and overtaking scenarios. Additionally, they detail the appropriate lights and shapes that vessels must display to indicate their status and intentions, especially at night or in conditions of poor visibility. Sound signals are also prescribed for use in restricted visibility to alert other vessels to a ship's presence and its actions. Adherence to navigaatiosäännöt is crucial for maritime safety, ensuring orderly traffic flow and minimizing the risk of accidents on the world's waterways.