The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, often referred to as the COLREGs, are a set of rules established to ensure safe navigation and prevent maritime accidents. These regulations apply to all vessels on the high seas and in navigable waters, providing guidelines on how ships should behave in various situations to avoid collisions. The COLREGs include rules about vessel visibility, right of way, and signaling between ships. They are essential for maintaining order on the water, helping mariners understand their responsibilities and ensuring that all vessels can operate safely and efficiently in shared waterways.