What do the rules of the COLREGs help vessels achieve at sea?

The rules of the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) primarily focus on promoting safe navigation and preventing collisions between vessels. These regulations establish a framework for mariners to follow, detailing responsibilities and actions to take when encountering other vessels. By providing clear guidelines on right-of-way, signaling, and maneuvering, the COLREGs help to create predictability in the behavior of vessels, which is crucial for maintaining safety on the water.

While the other options may have benefits associated with maritime operations—such as efficiency in trading routes, speed, and fuel economy—they are not the main goal of the COLREGs. The primary purpose is to ensure safety on the seas, preventing accidents and protecting lives and property. In summary, option A directly aligns with the main objectives of the COLREGs, making it the correct answer.