On sea certain rules apply in order to prevent collision and troubles. These rules are in place to protect sailors, just like traffic rules which apply on land are in place to protect the people in traffic. Similar rules apply to traffic in the sky which aeroplane and other aircrafts must follow. When collisions occur on sea it can more often than not be traced to recklessness, carelessness or ignorance;   none of which are desirable traits and we should not let that be our fate. We should therefore always be certain of what to do. The rules about how vessels should keep out of the way, how to meet another vessel and how to overtake another vessel; all can be found in these Regulations.

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

(With amendments)