What is the main purpose of the Navigation Rules?

The main purpose of the Navigation Rules is to define responsibilities of vessels in various situations. These rules, often referred to as the "Rules of the Road," provide a framework for safe and effective navigation on the water. They establish standardized protocols that help ensure that operators know what is expected of them when encountering other vessels, thereby promoting safety and assisting in the prevention of collisions.

By delineating responsibilities, such as who has the right of way, signaling requirements, and actions to take in different circumstances, these rules facilitate orderly interactions between boats. This is essential for maintaining safety on congested waterways and preventing misunderstandings among operators.

In contrast, while eliminating all risks of collision seems ideal, it is not possible to completely remove risk; the rules aim to minimize risks rather than eliminate them. Similarly, establishing standard operating speeds or dictating vessel sizes are not primary goals of these rules. The focus is primarily on the conduct of vessels in regard to each other to enhance navigation safety.