Which regulation outlines how vessels should conduct themselves when meeting at sea?

The Collision Regulations, formally known as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), provide the framework for how vessels should interact when meeting at sea to ensure safe navigation and prevent collisions. These regulations set forth the responsibilities of vessels in various situations, detailing how vessels should maneuver based on their type, size, and the circumstances of their encounter—such as whether they are approaching head-on, crossing paths, or overtaking one another.

This regulatory framework includes rules that govern actions such as maintaining a proper lookout, determining safe speed, and taking appropriate actions to avoid collisions, which are vital for maritime safety. The COLREGs are universally recognized and apply to all vessels on the high seas and in all navigable waters, making them essential for mariners to understand and follow to ensure safe passage at sea.

The other options, while relevant to maritime operations, do not specifically address conduct between vessels in terms of collision avoidance at sea. The Safety Management Code focuses on environmental management and safety management systems; Navigational Standards pertain more to the technical requirements for navigational equipment; and the International Maritime Act encompasses various regulatory aspects but does not singularly cover vessel conduct during encounters at sea.