Navigation Rules of the Road, often referred to as a ROTR or COLREGS, can best be described as the traffic laws of the sea – like how cars have traffic laws. These rules help mariners navigate safely by defining light and sound signals required of vessels, actions for vessels to take in hazardous situations, and other requirements. While professional mariners must be proficient in ROTR, recreational boaters should have a working knowledge of ROTR as well, especially if operating in areas with commercial traffic.
Keep an eye out for future blogs where we will be breaking down navigation rules and discussing common questions.
For more information on Navigation Rules of the Road, check out the links below:
- Online Navigation Rules of the Road
- U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center
- Farwell’s Rules of the Nautical Road
*Pathfinder Maritime Training is a professional, maritime training company and is approved by the National Maritime Center (NMC) to instruct ROTR. These blogs are meant to compliment, not substitute, any NMC approved ROTR course and should be viewed as such.
