COLREGS (IRPCS) – Rules of the Road Online

Learn the COLREGS (Rules of the Road) — essential for safe boating, Yachtmaster exams, and commercial certification, covering all rules required for Yachtmaster preparation.

Description

The COLREGS (IRPCS) are the internationally recognised rules that govern how vessels interact at sea to prevent collisions.

This 6–8 hour online course teaches the rules in a clear, practical format, structured into three manageable modules so you can complete it in sections at your own pace.

This is essential knowledge for anyone operating a vessel and a core requirement for RYA Yachtmaster and commercial qualifications.

You will learn to recognise situations quickly, understand vessel responsibilities, and make safe, confident decisions by day, by night, and in restricted visibility.

The course concludes with an end-of-course exam to test your knowledge and reinforce learning.

Course content

Module 1: COLREGS foundations

  • Application, responsibility, and key definitions
  • Understanding vessel types and terminology

Module 2: Rules and vessel interactions

  • Safe speed and lookout
  • Risk of collision
  • Action to avoid collision
  • Narrow channels and traffic separation schemes
  • Head-on, crossing, and overtaking situations
  • Sailing vs power-driven vessels
  • Stand-on and give-way responsibilities

Module 3: Lights, signals and exam preparation

  • Identifying vessels at night
  • Understanding vessel status and hierarchy
  • Manoeuvring signals
  • Restricted visibility (fog signals)
  • Distress signals
  • Knowledge checks throughout
  • Techniques to improve memory and recall

Before you start

This course is suitable for:

  • Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean candidates
  • Commercial skippers (power and sail)
  • Superyacht crew preparing for exams
  • Recreational boaters wanting to improve safety and confidence
  • Anyone progressing beyond basic boating knowledge

No prior experience is required, although it is ideal alongside Day Skipper or Yachtmaster theory.

What's included

  • Structured online learning modules
  • Clear summaries of the key COLREGS rules
  • Knowledge checks throughout the course
  • Downloadable PDF quick-reference guide
  • End-of-course assessment
  • Certificate of completion
  • 12 months' access

What next?

  • RYA Day Skipper Theory
  • RYA Yachtmaster Theory

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