According to COLREGs, what is the term for the responsibility of avoiding collisions?

The term for the responsibility of avoiding collisions as outlined in the COLREGs is "conduct of vessels." This concept encompasses the rules and behaviors expected of vessels to navigate safely and avoid collisions, which is a primary focus of the regulations. Proper conduct of vessels includes adhering to navigational rules, maintaining lookout, and following safe speeds, all of which are essential for ensuring the safety of all vessels at sea.

On the other hand, "duty of care" refers more broadly to a legal obligation to exercise a level of care towards others, which, while important, is not a specific term used in the context of COLREGs. "Situational awareness" relates to understanding and anticipating one's environment, which supports safe navigation but is not synonymous with the regulatory responsibilities inherent in the conduct of vessels. Lastly, "safe navigation" does refer to practices to avoid collisions but is also not the term specifically laid out in COLREGs to define the overall responsibility of vessels in avoiding collisions. Thus, "conduct of vessels" captures the complete set of responsibilities as outlined by COLREGs for ship operators.