Structure of the Canadian version of the International Collision Regulations
The structure of the document implementing the COLREGS for Canada is sometimes confusing to new readers. This section is to help you understand that structure. This material will not be tested in quizzes or exams; it is intended simply as a guide.
The main text of the federal legislation is unique to Canada. The main text refers to Canadian legislation, principally the Canada Shipping Act. Amongst other Canadian-unique material, it provides explanations of how the COLREGS should be interpreted for Canadian waters, what vessel owners need to do to comply with Canadian law, and some definitions where Canada has determined that definitions in the International COLREGS need some additions or specificity in interpretation.
It also points out that operators of vessels should make use of the Notices to Mariners and the Notices to Shipping (now known as the Navigation Warnings or NAVWARNS).
The International COLREGS are in Schedule I attached to the main text of the Canadian regulations. In Schedule I the COLREGS are broken into six parts (A through F), followed by four annexes (I through IV). Part B in particular and only Part B consists of a further division, into three sections (I through III). Most parts and sections start with an "application" rule that lays out when the rules immediately below should apply.
Many individual rules have Canadian modifications that appear immediately below the text for the internationally agreed text for the applicable rule. These Canadian modifications may add further restrictions or obligations beyond what is covered in the international component of that rule.
There are also rules for matters that are not related to any of the existing international rules, but are rules in their own right that apply in Canadian waters. These are Rule 39 to Rule 46.
The structure, with titles of the specific rules, is as follows:
Part A - General:
Rule 1 – Application
Rule 2 – Responsibility
Rule 3 – General Definitions
Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules
Section I – Conduct of Vessels in Any Conditions of Visibility
Rule 4 – Application
Rule 5 – Look-out
Rule 6 – Safe Speed
Rule 7 – Risk of Collision
Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision
Rule 9 – Narrow Channels
Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes
Section II - Vessels in sight of one another:
Rule 11 – Application
Rule 12 – Sailing Vessels
Rule 13 – Overtaking
Rule 14 – Head-on Situation
Rule 15 – Crossing Situation
Rule 16 – Action by Give-way Vessel
Rule 17 – Action by Stand-on Vessel
Rule 18 – Responsibilities between Vessels
Section III - Restricted Visibility:
Rule 19 – Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Part C - Lights and Shapes:
Rule 20 – Application
Rule 21 – Definitions
Rule 22 – Visibility of Lights
Rule 23 – Power-driven Vessels Underway
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing
Rule 25 – Sailing Vessel Underway and Vessels Under Oars
Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels
Rule 27 – Vessels not under Command or Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre
Rule 28 – Vessels Constrained by their Draught
Rule 29 – Pilot Vessels
Rule 30 – Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground
Rule 31 – Seaplanes
Part D - Sound and Light Signals:
Rule 32 – Definitions
Rule 33 – Equipment for Sound Signals
Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and Warning Signals
Rule 35 – Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Rule 36 – Signals to Attract Attention
Rule 37 – Distress Signals
Part E - Exemptions:
Rule 38 – Exemptions
Part F - Additional Canadian rules:
Rule 39 – Special Signals for Dangerous Goods
Rule 40 – Radar Reflectors
Rule 41 – Transponders
Rule 42 – Additional Requirements for Exploration or Exploitation Vessels
Rule 43 – Safety Zones Around Exploration or Exploitation Vessels
Rule 44 – Ocean Data Acquisition Systems (ODAS)
Rule 45 – Blue Flashing Lights
Rule 46 – Alternate System of Navigation Lights
Annex I – Positioning and Technical Aspects 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