The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), 1972 has been accepted by many States since it was adopted in 1972 and entered into force in July 1977. It was amended in 1981, 1987, 1989, 1993 and 2001. This publication contains the fully consolidated text of the 1972 Convention. It supersedes the 2002 consolidated edition.

Please download and print the errata at www.imo.org/includes/blastData.asp/doc_id=3822

Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions

at Sea, 1972, as amended

Part A – General

Part B – Steering and sailing rules

Part C – Lights and shapes

Part D – Sound and light signals

Part E – Exemptions

Annex I – Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes

Annex II Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity

Annex III – Technical details of sound signal appliances

Annex IV – Distress signals

A​​s a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.  

In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.