C O L R E G S

Glossary

term meaning   (click term for explanation in text)
all round light light on a vessel that shines in a full circle (white, red or green)
collision, risk of see risk of collision
COLREGS another name for International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea
constrained by draught vessel restricted in the course she can follow because of the available depth of water
engaged in fishing vessel which is actively engaged in fishing
fishing see engaged in fishing
flashing light light on a vessel that flashes with a frequency of 120 or more per minute
give-way vessel vessel that is required to give way in a situation where there is a risk of collision
IMO International Maritime Organisation
IRPCS International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea
masthead light light on a vessel that shines white in a forward sector
mayday codeword for distress; message of distress
not under command vessel unable to manoeuvre because of some exceptional circumstance
overtaking coming up from behind another vessel to go past it
port tack sailing with the wind on the port side, or with mainsail set on the starboard side
restricted in ability to manoeuvre vessel unable to manoeuvre because of her work
risk of collision two vessels approaching one another on a constant bearing
sidelight light on a vessel that shines red in port sector or green in starboard sector
stand-on vessel vessel that is required to hold her course and speed in a situation where there is a risk of collision
starboard tack sailing with the wind on the starboard side, or with mainsail set on the port side
steaming light see masthead light
sternlight light on a vessel that shines white in a sector astern
towing light light on a vessel that shines yellow in a sector astern
traffic lane defined lane in a traffic separation scheme for vessels proceeding in one direction
traffic separation scheme (TSS) area marked on the chart where special IRPCS rules apply because of volume of shipping traffic
types of light defined types of light on vessels (masthead light, sidelights, sternlight etc)