Safe navigation in COLREGs centers on avoiding a collision at all costs.

Navigating the open water can feel like walking a tightrope, especially when the weather acts up or traffic on the sea gets crowded. Yet there’s a single, unwavering principle at the heart of all COLREGs (the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea): avoid a collision at all costs. It’s not a slogan to look clever on a test; it’s a practical rule that guides every decision a mariner makes, from the smallest sailboat to the largest commercial vessel.

What does “avoid a collision at all costs” really mean?

Think of it as the safety net under every maneuver. The COLREGs don’t say “follow the rules unless conditions are rough.” They say, in effect, your first duty is to prevent a crash. If another vessel is on a collision course, you don’t wait to see who has the right of way. You adjust course, slow down, speed up—whatever it takes to keep everyone safe. The emphasis isn’t on winning right-of-way battles; it’s on preserving life and protecting the vessel and the environment.

A quick mental model helps. When two boats might meet, you create several possible outcomes in your head and then pick the option that reduces risk the most. If you find yourself in a scenario where a collision seems possible, act early and decisively. The longer you wait, the trickier the decision becomes. It’s a habit of mind as much as a set of rules.

Why safety first is embedded in the rules

COLREGs are built around a simple truth: the sea doesn’t care about who’s “supposed to go” when visibility is poor, or when speed reduces reaction time. Weather, current, wind, glare, fatigue—these things can blur the lines between right-of-way and danger. So the rules give every mariner a framework for risk management. They encourage proactive thinking: assess the situation continuously, monitor other vessels, and adjust as needed. It isn’t about being rigid; it’s about staying in control when conditions aren’t forgiving.

This approach translates into practical behaviors you’ll notice on the bridge or the helm. Lookouts are more than courtesy—they’re safety multipliers. Radar, AIS, and VHF radio aren’t gadgets for bragging rights; they’re essential tools that extend your sight and your options. If another vessel isn’t behaving as expected, you don’t assume they’ll correct themselves. You slow down, alter your course, and communicate clearly to avoid ambiguity. The principle is simple, but its execution demands discipline.

How the principle shows up in real life scenarios

Let’s walk through three classic COLREGs situations and unpack how the “avoid collision at all costs” mindset shapes decisions.

1. Head-on or nearly head-on

Two ships on reciprocal courses with limited room to pass. The rule says both should alter course to starboard (to the right) to pass safely, but that’s not the time to argue about which vessel “wins.” If a slight clever maneuver by one ship could still lead to danger, it’s wiser to take a more significant path alteration. You may also reduce speed and use sound signals to confirm intent. The goal is a clear, unambiguous, low-risk passage.

2. Crossed paths (one vessel crossing another’s course)

In crossing situations, the give-way vessel must take early action to keep well clear. The stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed but stay ready to adjust if the other vessel doesn’t behave as expected. The guiding idea remains: reduce risk first, then apply the formal right-of-way when it’s safe to do so. Even if you’re usually the stand-on vessel, you should be prepared to maneuver if the other vessel’s actions threaten collision.

3. Overtaking

When a vessel is overtaking another from behind, the overtaking vessel must keep clear. You don’t assume the other vessel sees you; you change your position safely and acknowledge the situation with clear communication if needed. Here the safety-first approach means erring on the side of greater separation, especially in congested waters or poor visibility.

In all these cases, the COLREGs aren’t a rigid script. They’re a toolkit for making safer choices when time and visibility aren’t on your side. The underlying message is consistent: act early, act decisively, and prioritize safety over speed or pride.

Tools, training, and the practical mindset

What helps a captain—professional or recreational—put this principle into action? A few everyday tools and habits make a world of difference.

• Lookout discipline: A vigilant, trained lookout isn’t optional; it’s essential. In busy waters, never underestimate the value of sight and hearing. A pair of eyes can see what a radar screen might miss, especially in the early minutes when a potential convergence is forming.

• Radar and AIS: These aren’t gadgets for show. They are crucial for maintaining situational awareness, especially at night or in fog. Use them to confirm target bearing and range, and to track changes as vessels maneuver.

• VHF radio: Clear, concise communication reduces uncertainty. A quick “You’re on my port side, I’m reducing speed to starboard” can prevent a near miss from escalating into something worse.

• Weather and sea state awareness: A squall or heavy chop changes everything. If weather erodes visibility or makes boat handling trickier, you must adapt immediately—slower, more conservative decisions keep you out of trouble.

• Navigation planning: Pre-voyage checks aren’t ceremonial; they set you up for safer decisions when the going gets rough. Plot potential crossing scenarios, identify risk zones, and decide early on what maneuvers you’ll employ if other vessels don’t cooperate.

A human factor reality

No rulebook ever replaces good judgment or patience. Fatigue, distraction, or overconfidence can tilt the scales toward danger. The most sound navigation plan can fail if the operator isn’t alert. It’s okay to feel cognitive load—we all do. The trick is to acknowledge it, slow down, ask for extra checks, and rely on crew members or bridge partners when needed. The safest voyage is a team effort, with a clear line of communication and shared responsibility.

A gentle reminder about the core idea

Some folks romanticize the idea of “right of way” as a victory point in a game. In the real world, that mindset can be dangerous. The COLREGs don’t reward bravado; they reward prudent action that lowers risk for everyone on the water. The guiding principle—avoid a collision at all costs—keeps you anchored to a sane, practical standard. It’s as much about restraint as it is about action.

What this means for everyday mariners

If you’re new to the sea or if you’ve spent years on the water, the principle remains a steady compass. It’s the reason you’ll hear captains talk about “early and substantial actions” rather than “holding course at all costs.” It’s why a crew will switch to a safer speed or alter course well before a potential risk ripens into trouble. It’s why, even when the sun is out and the water looks calm, the clockwork of safe navigation keeps turning.

A few friendly reminders to keep this principle alive

• Stay curious about the environment: wind shifts, current changes, and incoming traffic patterns can alter risk quickly.

• Practice decisive communication: short, precise messages reduce misinterpretation and speed up safe outcomes.

• Keep learning: new technologies, updated charts, and evolving traffic schemes mean there’s always room to improve your mental model of risk.

A closing thought

The voyage is more than getting from point A to point B. It’s about stewarding safety for everyone who shares the water—fellow sailors, commercial crews, and the fragile marine environment. The COLREGs give us a practical philosophy: don’t chase speed, chase safety. If you make that your default, you’ll find the other pieces—rules about navigation lights, sound signals, and safe passing—start to fall into place more naturally. The water demands respect, and the principle of avoiding a collision at all costs is the best way I know to meet that demand with confidence and care. So next time you’re on deck, ask yourself not just where you’re headed, but how you’ll get there without compromising the safety of others. That’s the heart of navigational prudence, and it’s what good mariners rely on every single day.