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• International Maritime Organization has devised specific rules like International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). These rules apply to all shipping vessels irrespective of their size and type.
• International Association of Lighthouse Authorities or IALA has set standards for lights, lateral marks, buoyage, signals, and rules for safe navigation.
• Safety of Life at Sea or SOLAS specifies essential safety equipment and procedures to be adopted in emergencies. These rules are specifically in accordance to the size and sailing range of boats. All boat owners and operators should adhere to all such safety regulations.
• International Sailing Federation has prescribed specific rules racing vessels should adhere to in a race. These are general rules and are exclusive of rules as set by the organization running the event and any other national governing body. If during the course of your race, you encounter a non-racing boat, you should follow regulations as set by International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Normally, ordinary sailing boats or fleet do not come in the way of a racing boat. Similarly, sailing boats should give way to diver’s boats and fishing vessels.
• All racing boats should primarily adhere to all rules as specified by International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) after sunset. Thereafter, they should also follow Racing Rules of Sailing.

by:  Clive Peterson

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