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Compass Global

Compass Global study companion

International COLREGs Study Companion

Direct answer

International COLREGs decisions, lights, shapes, sound signals, and mixed scenarios with national-rule boundaries kept explicit. Compass provides independent knowledge preparation only. It does not administer an official examination, award certification, demonstrate practical competence, or replace current instructions from an authorized provider or authority. National enactments, inland rules, local regulations, and current notices remain separate.

Price
£14.99 once
Course size
10 modules
Access
Lifetime access
Format
Independent online study companion
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Product tour

Try the revision loop here

This is a working, course-specific sample. Read one rule, answer a real-style question, flip a recall card, and see how the next action is chosen.

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Lookout, risk, and early action

One rule, explained clearly

COLREGs decisions start with an effective lookout and an honest assessment of collision risk. A steady bearing can be important evidence, but the full picture includes range, aspect, vessel status, visibility, traffic, and the limits of every sensor. Any avoiding action must be early, substantial, safe, and checked to confirm that it works.

Course route

Learn the knowledge, then take it afloat with an instructor

1Free

Scope, Responsibility, and Definitions

Where the international rules apply, responsibilities under Rules 1 and 2, vessel-status definitions, and why no memorized hierarchy removes the need for seamanship.

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2Full access

Lookout, Safe Speed, Risk, and Action

Rules 5–8: lookout, safe speed, risk of collision, radar evidence, early substantial action, and verifying that action works.

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3Full access

Overtaking, Head-On, and Crossing

Rules 13–17 in sight of one another, including classification, give-way action, stand-on duties, and escalation when the expected action does not occur.

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4Full access

Sailing Vessels, Channels, and Traffic Separation

Sailing-vessel encounters, responsibilities between vessels, narrow channels, traffic separation schemes, and the distinction between keep-clear and do-not-impede duties.

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5Full access

Restricted Visibility

Rule 19 conduct when vessels are not in sight, safe speed, engines readiness, radar detection, avoiding-action cautions, fog signals, and action on hearing a signal forward of the beam.

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6Full access

Navigation Lights

Rules 20–31, light arcs, aspect, making-way lights, vessel status, length-dependent additions, and distinguishing a recipe from a complete identification.

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7Full access

Day Shapes

Balls, cones, diamonds, cylinders, combinations, vessel conditions, making-way context, and matching daytime and nighttime signals.

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8Full access

Sound Signals

Short and prolonged blasts, manoeuvring signals in sight, restricted-visibility signals, bell and gong patterns, intervals, and listening decisions.

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9Full access

Distress and Attention Signals

Annex IV distress signals, Rule 36 attention signals, avoiding confusion with navigation aids, and the practical boundary between recognition and emergency operation.

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10Full access

Mixed Scenarios and National Boundaries

Integrated encounter decisions, changing visibility, vessel-status uncertainty, local and inland rules, national modifications, and briefing defensible action.

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What the companion includes

Clear knowledge and practical boundaries

  • Original lessons and explanations
  • At least 18 explained questions and 12 flashcards per module
  • Three 40-question mixed knowledge assessments
  • Worldwide terminology, jurisdiction, and primary-source context
  • Practical-awareness prompts clearly separated from assessed knowledge

Not included

  • A national licence, certificate, endorsement, or official examination
  • National inland rules, prescriptions, notices, or sailing instructions
  • Copied rulebook, chart, assessment, or official diagram content
  • A substitute for lookout, seamanship, or current local information
  • A guarantee of acceptance by an authority, club, school, or operator

Editorial record

Primary-source review

International principles are reviewed against current primary sources. National law, prescriptions, sailing instructions, equipment requirements, and local notices must be checked separately.