What does Rule 11 describe?

Rule 11 of the COLREGs pertains to the application of the regulations in various situations, particularly focusing on how the rules apply to different types of vessels and their navigational situations. This rule helps clarify the intent of the regulations, ensuring that mariners understand that the rules can vary depending on circumstances such as the presence of other vessels, navigational hazards, and specific types of movements involved.

The focus on the application means that it provides a foundational understanding necessary for safe and effective navigation, allowing vessels to correctly interpret which rules are relevant in which contexts. This is critical for preventing collisions at sea, as different scenarios can influence how vessels should operate in relation to one another.

The other options, while they may address important aspects of maritime navigation, do not reflect the specific content of Rule 11. The requirements for safe navigation during the day, special rules for large vessels, and prohibited actions for vessels under sail are not encapsulated in Rule 11 but rather addressed in other areas of the COLREGs.