Navigation Rules Online Course

Master the Rules of the Road

Printed materials:
Navigation Rules Handbook 

This course covers all aspects of Navigation Rules, starting from the basics and ending with all you need to navigate safely according to the Rules. It is for power and sail vessels, large and small, recreational or professional. The Rules are the same for "...every description of watercraft used as a means of transportation on water."

There are no prerequisites for the Nav Rules Course. There are a few instances where knowledge of specific navigation techniques is presumed, but these will be referenced and explained as they arise. Those planning to use radar on their vessel, will find that our Starpath Radar Rules module is extremely valuable in applying the important rules that relate to radar usage.

Lesson Plan

1 — PART A—General
Rule 1—Application
Rule 2—Responsibility
Rule 3—General Definitions
COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES

2 — PART B—Steering and Sailing Rules
Section I—Conduct of Vessels In Any Condition of Visibility
Rule 4—Application
Rule 5—Look-out
Rule 6—Safe Speed
Rule 7—Risk of Collision
Rule 8—Action to Avoid Collision
Rule 9—Narrow Channels
Rule 10—Traffic Separation Schemes/Vessel Traffic Services

3 — PART B—Steering and Sailing Rules
Section II—Conduct of Vessels In Sight of One Another
Rule 11—Application
Rule 12—Sailing Vessels
Rule 13—Overtaking
Rule 14—Head-on Situation
Rule 15—Crossing Situation
Rule 16—Action by Give-way Vessel
Rule 17—Action by Stand-on Vessel
Rule 18—Responsibilities Between Vessels

4 — PART B—Steering and Sailing Rules
Section III—Conduct of Vessels In Restricted Visibility
Rule 19—Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

5 — PART C—Lights and Shapes
Rule 20—Application
Rule 21—Definitions
Rule 22—Visibility of Lights
Rule 23—Power-driven Vessels Underway
Rule 24—Towing and Pushing
Rule 25—Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
Rule 26—Fishing Vessels
Rule 27—Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver
Rule 28—Vessels Constrained by Their Draft
Rule 29—Pilot Vessels
Rule 30—Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground
Rule 31—Seaplanes

6 — PART D—Sound and Light Signals
Rule 32—Definitions
Rule 33—Equipment for Sound Signals
Rule 34—Maneuvering and Warning Signals
Rule 35—Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Rule 36—Signals to Attract Attention
Rule 37—Distress Signals

7 - Practice what you have learned
In this section you have access to the Starpath online question generator, which you can use to select NavRules questions in any category for further practice. Having trouble with rules on barge lights?, then just set the filter to "barge lights" and ask for 10, 20, or 50 questions to answer. After submitting your answers, the correct answers will then be provided. Select from Inland only, International only, or both.

If preparing for a USCG license exam, you should be able to answer 50 questions selected randomly with a 90 percent score. Keep practicing till you can, asking questions in the Student Locker along the way as needed.