Under what circumstances do COLREGs apply?

The correct answer is that COLREGs apply to all vessels on the high seas and in navigable waters. This encompasses all types of vessels, including commercial, recreational, and government-owned ships, ensuring that all maritime traffic adheres to standardized rules to prevent collisions at sea. The regulations are designed to promote safe navigation and are not limited to specific types of vessels or geographic locations.

The application of COLREGs across all vessels underscores the importance of universal compliance in maintaining maritime safety. By applying to both high seas and navigable waters, the regulations help establish uniformity in navigation practices, thereby enhancing safety for all users of waterways. The intent is to mitigate the risks of collisions and to facilitate the orderly movement of vessels in varying maritime environments.

In contrast, options suggesting limited applicability to only commercial, military vessels, or coastal waters misrepresent the broader scope of COLREGs, which aim to regulate navigation for every vessel type under a wide range of conditions.