What do COLREGS primarily govern?

COLREGs, or the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, primarily govern the conduct of vessels on the high seas and in all navigable waters. This means they establish the rules for navigation, defining the responsibilities of vessels to avoid collisions, ensuring safe and orderly traffic among diverse maritime users.

The regulations provide a framework that applies universally, thus enhancing safety standards across all oceans and connected bodies of water. By adhering to these rules, mariners help to mitigate risks associated with maritime navigation, promoting safety and efficiency in international waters.

The other options, while relevant to specific aspects of maritime operations, do not encapsulate the broader purpose of COLREGs. For instance, rules governing the rights of fishermen would fall under different regulatory frameworks, and the design and construction of vessels, as well as training requirements for boat captains, are addressed in other maritime safety regulations and standards rather than by COLREGs themselves.