What is the primary purpose of COLREGs?

The primary purpose of COLREGs, or the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, is to prevent maritime collisions and ensure safe navigation. This set of rules provides a framework for vessels to follow in order to avoid accidents at sea by establishing appropriate conduct for all types of vessels. This means defining responsibilities such as when to give way to another vessel, when to use sound signals, and the rules governing the movement of vessels under various conditions.

COLREGs are essential for maintaining order on the waters, especially in congested areas where numerous vessels may be navigating simultaneously. By adhering to these regulations, mariners can make informed decisions that enhance safety and minimize the risk of collisions. This focus on preventing accidents and ensuring efficient navigation underscores the importance of COLREGs in maritime operations.

The other choices, while they may relate to aspects of maritime operations, do not encompass the primary goal of COLREGs. Aquatic wildlife safety, shipping tariffs, and crew training, while important in their own right, are not the central focus of the regulations which are explicitly designed to address collision avoidance at sea.