History of the Navigation Rules

We've discussed the International and Inland Navigation Rules, also known as the "Rules of the Road" many times. Lets talk about the history behind the Navigation Rules.

As early as the 1800's, formal Navigation Rules were adopted to prevent collisions at sea. In that period, Great Britain and France agreed on a set of rules that would be the first big step in governing the conduct of vessels on the high seas. The United States adopted similar Navigation Rules as early as 1864.

As the idea of "uniform" Navigation Rules gained momentum, a conference of maritime nations was scheduled in Washington, D.C. to discuss revisions to the then existing Rules. The result was that the United States adopted new Navigation Rules that became effective in 1897.

In 1948, the International Conference of Safety of Life at Sea met in London, England. There were many new issues to discuss, since by that time, both the size and speed of seagoing vessels had increased dramatically. New Navigation Rules became effective in 1954. Those Rules were amended again in London in 1965.

The International Conference held in London in 1972 is responsible for the Navigation Rules, as we know them today. The format was changed to simplify the presentation. Outdated provisions were dropped from the Rules. A clear sense of "global coordination" on the high seas prevailed.

The Navigation Rules from the 1972 conference were enacted on July 15, 1975. However, it is important to point out that the Rules enacted pertained to vessels operated on the "high seas." It was the option of each country to either adopt the same Navigation Rules for their inland waters, or adopt their own Inland Rules.

Most Mariners are accustomed to referring to the Navigation Rules as the "International Rules" and the "Inland Rules." The proper name for what is referred to as the International Rules is "the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea." They are also referred to as the "Collision Regulations," for which the acronym "COLREGS" is often used.

While the Navigation Rules for inland waters remained the prerogative of each country, there was one stipulation in the International agreement. The stipulation was that a country's Inland Rules pertaining to inland waters connecting to the high seas should conform as closely as possible to the International Rules.

The United States adopted Inland Navigation Rules to govern vessels on U.S. inland waters in 1980, thereby replacing a mixed bag of "local" Navigation Rules. For the most part, these Rules became effective on December 24, 1981. The Rules governing the U.S. side of the Great Lakes became effective on March 1, 1983.

Since the 1972 Convention, the uniformity in the International and Inland Navigation Rules has made an obvious difference in the safety of life at sea. In concert with the other maritime nations, the process continues to adapt to the changing needs of mariners and their vessels.

Another recent achievement of the maritime community is the development of uniform "Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping." The program, enacted in 1995 is known as STCW-95. Its emphasis is on the individual mariner's training and qualifications. STCW-95 is just one more way that the maritime nations are working toward a common goal.

Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds, and calm seas!