To whom do these navigation rules apply?

The rules of navigation, as established by the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), apply universally to all vessels navigating the high seas and in navigable waters. This broad application ensures that various types of vessels—whether they are commercial, recreational, large, or small—follow the same rules to enhance safety and prevent collisions.

By encompassing all vessels, the rules help maintain order and predictability in navigation, regardless of a vessel's size, type, or mode of propulsion. This universality is crucial, especially in busy waterways where diverse maritime traffic is common. The application of these rules to all vessels fosters mutual respect among mariners and promotes safe navigation practices across the world's oceans and waterways.

Other options are limited in scope; for instance, restricting rules only to large commercial vessels would neglect the many smaller boats and recreational vessels that share the same waters. Similarly, confining the rules to only power-driven vessels or to those registered under international flags would not reflect the reality of maritime navigation, where sailing vessels and those flagged domestically can also operate in these areas and need to understand and comply with the same safety regulations.