History of the COLREGs: From Maritime Custom to Modern Collision Regulations

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) form the foundation of safe navigation worldwide, but their origins extend back centuries.

In this episode of The Maritime Education Podcast, Captain Barry Sadler explores the historical development of collision regulations, tracing their evolution from informal maritime customs used by early seafarers to the modern international legal framework adopted by the 1972 COLREG Convention.

The episode examines how the rules were progressively refined as shipping technology advanced and global trade expanded. Key developments include the introduction of Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) to manage congested waterways and the incorporation of radar into the concept of lookout and risk assessment, reflecting the increasing role of technology in navigation.

Captain Barry also discusses one of the most important legal developments within the regulations: the concept of “not to impede” found in Rules 9 and 10. The discussion explains how later clarifications, including the 1987 amendment introducing Rule 8(f), helped define the responsibilities of smaller and more manoeuvrable vessels when operating near large ships.

By understanding the historical reasoning behind the collision regulations, mariners can gain deeper insight into the principles that underpin modern navigational practice.

This episode is particularly valuable for deck officers, masters, and candidates preparing for MCA oral examinations, as it explores not only what the rules say, but why they developed and how they are applied in practice.