Which regulations outline the lighting and signaling of vessels when meeting?

The Collision Regulations of 1862, also known as the first set of international rules for preventing collisions at sea, specifically address the lighting and signaling requirements for vessels when they encounter each other. These regulations were established to enhance safety on the water by providing clear guidelines on how vessels should operate during various scenarios, including their requirements for displaying lights and signals. This is crucial for maritime navigation as it helps prevent misunderstandings between vessels, ultimately reducing the risk of collisions.

The other options relate to different aspects of maritime regulation. The Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (now known as the International Maritime Organization, or IMO) was formed in 1948 to oversee a broader range of maritime safety and environmental issues, but it does not specifically cover the meeting lights and signals of vessels. Similarly, SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), established in 1914, focuses on ship safety and life-saving procedures but does not specifically regulate meeting signals. The Plimsoll Act of 1876 pertains to the load line regulations to prevent overloading of ships rather than directly addressing lighting and signaling for collision avoidance.