What type of rules does Part C of the COLREGs cover?

Part C of the COLREGs focuses on the rules that govern the display of lights and shapes by vessels to indicate their status and activity while navigating. These rules are crucial for ensuring that vessels can recognize each other’s identity and intentions, particularly during nighttime or in conditions of reduced visibility. The specific regulations detail how vessels should exhibit navigational lights and shapes to convey various messages, such as whether they are at anchor, under way, or engaged in fishing.

Understanding these lighting and shape display rules is vital for safe navigation and for preventing collisions at sea, as they help establish clear visual communication between vessels. The guidelines laid out in this part of the regulations are fundamental for maritime safety, and adherence to them is required for all vessels to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to accidents.

While the other options touch on relevant aspects of maritime navigation, they relate to different areas covered in other parts of the COLREGs. For instance, sound and light signals are detailed in separate regulations, general rules cover the fundamental principles of navigation and conduct, and conduct in restricted visibility pertains to the rules specific to that challenging scenario.