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COLREGs · Rule 4

Application

Rules in Section I apply in any condition of visibility. This includes Rules 5–10 (look-out, safe speed, collision risk, avoidance action, narrow channels, traffic schemes).

Source: 33 CFR §83.04 · COLREGs Rule 4Last verified 2026-05-16

Rule text#

Source

The international COLREGs text is published by the IMO and is not available to reproduce here. Shown below is the U.S. counterpart, 33 CFR §83.04, which tracks the international wording closely.

Rules 4 through 10 (§§ 83.04 through 83.10) apply in any condition of visibility.

Authoritative source#

Source links checked against the current public rule corpus on 2026-05-16.

  • 33 CFR §83.04 — the section this text comes from, with its neighbours.
  • International COLREGs Rule 4 verbatim text is published by the IMO and is authoritative for international waters.

Practice this rule#

One real exam question on this rule, cited to source. No sign-up.

A lookout on the bow sights a buoy broad on the port beam. Which report format is correct?

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All COLREGs Rules of the RoadRule 5 — Look-outRule 6 — Safe SpeedRule 7 — Risk of CollisionRule 8 — Action to Avoid CollisionRule 9 — Narrow ChannelsRule 10 — Traffic Separation SchemesInland Rule 4Practice Rule 5Practice Rule 6Practice Rule 7Practice: Rules of the Road
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COLREGs Rule 4: Application — Captain's Exam Prep · CaptainsGround