What is the primary purpose of the COLREGs?

The primary purpose of the COLREGs, or the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, is to prevent collisions between vessels at sea. This fundamental objective is crucial for ensuring the safety of life at sea and protecting maritime property. The COLREGs establish a set of rules that govern the conduct of vessels in various situations, providing guidance on navigation, right-of-way, and necessary actions to avoid collisions.

While other choices touch on important aspects of maritime operations, they do not encompass the primary goal of the COLREGs. Regulating maritime commerce, ensuring environmental protection, and maintaining speed limits are all essential components of maritime law and regulations but fall outside the specific scope of preventing collisions, which is the core focus of the COLREGs. The rules promote situational awareness among mariners and emphasize the responsibility of vessels to avoid incidents that may lead to accidents on the water, thus safeguarding not only the vessels and their crews but also the marine environment.