USCG Navigation Rules: International (COLREGS) vs. US Inland — All 41 Rules + 5 Annexes + VHF Bridge-to-Bridge + Penalty Provisions
Select a difficulty tier. 80+ questions drawn from USCG exam banks.
33 U.S.C. §§ 1201–1208 & 33 CFR Part 26 — Federal law requiring VHF radiotelephone equipment and watch-keeping on specified vessels.
Inland Rule 1(b)(iii) explicitly recognizes VTS regulations as superseding the general rules where applicable.
Understanding jurisdiction is critical — violations processed under the wrong ruleset may be dismissed. The location of the vessel at time of alleged violation determines which rules apply.
Alternative Compliance (33 CFR 89.25): The Commandant of the USCG may authorize alternative compliance for experimental or novel vessels where strict compliance with specific Rules is impracticable or impossible. Application must demonstrate equivalent safety.
Great Lakes Sound Signals (Rule 38 Inland): The Secretary may grant exemptions for vessels on the Great Lakes to comply with sound signal provisions if full compliance is impracticable — particularly for older vessels with non-standard fog signal equipment.
Injunctions (33 U.S.C. § 1609): The Attorney General, on behalf of the United States, may seek injunctive relief in US District Court against any person or vessel in violation of COLREGS or Inland Rules where civil penalties are insufficient.
Click any region to see demarcation details. Blue = COLREGS (International) waters | Amber = US Inland waters