Description

COLREGs book 2026 is an official reference for the collision regulations at sea, helping Masters, Officers of the Watch, deck officers, cadets and bridge teams understand the rules used to prevent collisions between vessels. COLREG, 2026 Edition contains the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, including the consolidated text and amendments adopted by the International Maritime Organization.

About this COLREGs book 2026 edition

COLREG, 2026 Edition – Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 is an official maritime publication for navigators who need a clear reference to the international collision avoidance rules used at sea.

This COLREGs book contains the consolidated text of the 1972 Convention and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. It includes the rules, annexes and amendments adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee and resolutions adopted by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation.

For deck officers building stronger navigation knowledge, this publication is a useful companion resource alongside the Academy by Ephemeris Deck career path, the Course Finder, and our wider collection of deck department industry bodies books.

The 2026 edition is especially relevant for bridge teams, maritime students and training centres that need an up-to-date reference for the collision regulations at sea, including steering and sailing rules, lights and shapes, sound and light signals, technical details and distress signals.

Why this COLREGs book is essential

A COLREGs book is one of the most important references for anyone involved in navigation, watchkeeping or vessel operations. The COLREGs set out the international rules that help vessels determine risk of collision, take avoiding action, understand right-of-way situations and communicate intentions using lights, shapes and sound signals.

The collision regulations at sea apply to real bridge decisions, including crossing situations, overtaking, head-on encounters, restricted visibility, traffic separation schemes, narrow channels and the conduct of vessels in sight of one another.

This publication is especially useful for:

• Masters,
• Chief Mates,
• Officers of the Watch,
• deck officers,
• deck cadets and maritime students,
• bridge teams,
• training centres,
• vessel operators,
• and yachts or vessels that need an official onboard reference for collision avoidance and safe navigation.

It also works well alongside practical Academy resources such as Lights and Shapes at Sea, COLREGS Sound and Light Signals, COLREGS Rules of the Road Flip Card Pack, and the Bridge Procedures Guide – Sixth Edition.

What is included in the COLREGs book 2026 edition

This COLREGs book includes the official Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, together with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and the supporting annexes.

The 2026 edition includes:

• Foreword,
• Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972,
• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972,
• 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,
• and Annex IV – Distress signals.

For officers studying the collision regulations at sea, these sections provide the foundation for understanding vessel conduct, risk assessment, collision avoidance, navigational lights, day shapes, sound signals and distress signals.

Authoritative external references that may be useful for readers include the IMO COLREGs convention page and the IMO preventing collisions at sea guidance.

Key benefits of this COLREGs book

This COLREGs book helps maritime professionals:

• understand the international rules for preventing collisions at sea,
• support safer watchkeeping and bridge decision-making,
• review steering and sailing rules,
• understand crossing, head-on and overtaking situations,
• identify the correct use of lights and shapes,
• review sound and light signals,
• understand distress signals,
• support exam preparation and onboard training,
• maintain a reliable onboard reference for navigational rules,
• and strengthen understanding of the collision regulations at sea.

Core topics covered in the COLREGs book

The COLREGs book 2026 edition is structured around the official convention, the regulations and the annexes that support safe navigation and collision avoidance.

1. Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

This section contains the convention text and sets out the legal foundation for the international rules used to prevent collisions between vessels at sea.

2. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

This section contains the main collision avoidance rules used by vessels. It covers general responsibilities, steering and sailing rules, conduct in restricted visibility, lights and shapes, sound and light signals and exemptions.

3. Steering and sailing rules

This section is central to practical navigation and watchkeeping. It supports bridge teams in understanding vessel conduct, risk of collision, avoiding action, safe speed, traffic separation schemes, crossing situations, overtaking and head-on situations.

4. Lights, shapes, sound signals and distress signals

This section supports practical interpretation of vessel displays and signals. It covers the technical details of lights and shapes, additional signals for fishing vessels, sound signal appliances and recognised distress signals.

Who should buy this COLREGs book

COLREG, 2026 Edition is ideal for:

• Masters,
• Chief Mates,
• Officers of the Watch,
• deck officers,
• deck cadets,
• maritime students,
• training organisations,
• bridge teams,
• ship operators,
• yacht crew,
• and anyone who needs a reliable reference for safe navigation and collision avoidance.

This COLREGs book is especially useful for officers and students who need to study, revise or apply the collision regulations at sea in real navigation situations.

Why buy from Academy by Ephemeris

Academy by Ephemeris supports maritime professionals and yacht crew with trusted training resources, career development tools, course information and practical learning materials designed for real onboard use.

When you buy this guide through Academy, you can use it alongside our Books & Tools catalogue, the Deck career path, and the Course Finder to connect your learning resources with your wider career progression.

This COLREGs book is a strong addition to any professional maritime library focused on collision avoidance, bridge watchkeeping, navigation rules, lights and shapes, sound signals and deck officer development.

COLREGs book summary

COLREG, 2026 Edition is an official COLREGs book for Masters, deck officers, cadets, bridge teams and maritime students who need a reliable reference to the international rules for preventing collisions at sea.

It covers the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and the annexes covering lights, shapes, sound signal appliances, fishing vessel signals and distress signals.

For anyone studying or applying the collision regulations at sea, this publication supports safer navigation, stronger watchkeeping and clearer understanding of the rules that govern vessel conduct worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this COLREGs book used for?

This COLREGs book is used as an official reference for the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, and the international rules used to prevent collisions between vessels.

Who should use the COLREGs book?

It is suitable for Masters, Officers of the Watch, Chief Mates, deck officers, deck cadets, maritime students, bridge teams, training centres and vessel operators.

Does this book cover collision regulations at sea?

Yes. The book covers the collision regulations at sea, including steering and sailing rules, lights and shapes, sound and light signals, exemptions and distress signals.

What topics are included in the 2026 edition?

The 2026 edition includes the convention text, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, Annex I on lights and shapes, Annex II on additional signals for fishing vessels, Annex III on sound signal appliances and Annex IV on distress signals.

Is this useful for exam preparation?

Yes. This publication is useful for deck cadets, maritime students and officers who need to revise the COLREGs for exams, oral preparation, onboard learning or professional development.

Is this an official COLREG publication?

Yes. COLREG, 2026 Edition is an official publication from the International Maritime Organization covering the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972.

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