The COLREGs, or International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, are a set of rules established by the International Maritime Organization to ensure safe navigation on the water. These regulations apply to all vessels, regardless of size or type, and are designed to prevent accidents by providing guidelines on how ships should behave in various situations. The COLREGs consist of 38 rules divided into different sections, covering topics such as the responsibilities of vessels, navigation lights, and sound signals. By following these rules, mariners can reduce the risk of collisions and promote safer maritime operations worldwide.