What is the primary purpose of the International Regulation for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)?

The primary purpose of the International Regulation for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) is to establish rules to prevent maritime collisions. This set of regulations was created to enhance safety at sea by providing a framework that all vessels must follow, regardless of their size, type, or nationality. By clearly defining the responsibilities and conduct expected from vessels in various situations, the COLREGs aim to reduce the risk of accidents that can result from misunderstandings or errors in navigation.

The rules encompass aspects such as navigation lights, sound signals, and the conduct of vessels in various circumstances, ensuring that mariners have a common understanding of the actions required to avoid collisions. This foundational safety measure is critical as maritime activities increase and as vessel traffic becomes more congested worldwide.

While some other options touch on important aspects of maritime operations, they do not accurately represent the core intent of the COLREGs. For instance, while improving navigation efficiency and regulating trade are important in their own right, they are secondary to the immediate life-saving purpose of preventing collisions at sea. Additionally, standardizing ship design specifications serves a different function, mainly related to construction and safety compliance rather than collision avoidance.