Which rule addresses the need for ships to comply with statutory regulations?

Rule 1 of the COLREGs establishes the applicability of the regulations and emphasizes the need for all vessels to adhere to the rules as they navigate the waters. Specifically, it applies to all vessels, whether they are on the high seas or in waters connected to the high seas, and outlines the responsibility of ship operators to comply with the regulations laid out in the COLREGs.

This rule is fundamental as it sets the stage for enforcing safe navigation practices and compliance with statutory regulations that aim to prevent collisions. By establishing the necessity for these rules, Rule 1 ensures that safety is a priority for all mariners, facilitating a uniform understanding and adherence to navigational standards globally.

While the other rules address various operational aspects of navigation and conduct at sea, they do not explicitly encapsulate the overall requirement for compliance with statutory regulations as Rule 1 does. Thus, it provides a foundational understanding of the importance of compliance within the entirety of the COLREGs framework.