Inland Navigation Rules

Inland Rules · US inland waters, inside the COLREGS demarcation lines.

The Inland Navigation Rules, the rules on US inland waters, inside the COLREGS demarcation lines, current as of 22 October 2026. The full text, in English, from ecfr.gov. The version at the source is the one that counts. Seaward of those lines the International Rules (COLREGs) apply.

Rule 1(g), § 83.01: a copy on board every self-propelled vessel of 12 m (39.4 ft) or more.

Official text: ecfr.gov ›

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§ 83.01 Application (Rule 1)
§ 83.05 Look-out (Rule 5)
§ 83.06 Safe speed (Rule 6)
§ 83.07 Risk of collision (Rule 7)
§ 83.08 Action to avoid collision (Rule 8)
§ 83.09 Narrow channels (Rule 9)
§ 83.12 Sailing vessels (Rule 12)
§ 83.13 Overtaking (Rule 13)
§ 83.14 Head-on situation (Rule 14)
§ 83.15 Crossing situation (Rule 15)
§ 83.18 Responsibilities between vessels (Rule 18)
§ 83.19 Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19)
§ 83.25 Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars (Rule 25)
§ 83.34 Maneuvering and warning signals (Rule 34)
§ 83.35 Sound signals in restricted visibility (Rule 35)
§ 87.01 Need of assistance

Part 83 · Navigation rules

Subpart A General
- § 83.01 Application (Rule 1)
- § 83.02 Responsibility (Rule 2)
- § 83.03 General definitions (Rule 3)
Subpart B Steering and Sailing Rules
- Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
  - § 83.04 Application (Rule 4)
  - § 83.05 Look-out (Rule 5)
  - § 83.06 Safe speed (Rule 6)
  - § 83.07 Risk of collision (Rule 7)
  - § 83.08 Action to avoid collision (Rule 8)
  - § 83.09 Narrow channels (Rule 9)
  - § 83.10 Traffic separation schemes (Rule 10)
- Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
  - § 83.11 Application (Rule 11)
  - § 83.12 Sailing vessels (Rule 12)
  - § 83.13 Overtaking (Rule 13)
  - § 83.14 Head-on situation (Rule 14)
  - § 83.15 Crossing situation (Rule 15)
  - § 83.16 Action by give-way vessel (Rule 16)
  - § 83.17 Action by stand-on vessel (Rule 17)
  - § 83.18 Responsibilities between vessels (Rule 18)
- Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
  - § 83.19 Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19)
Subpart C Lights and Shapes
- § 83.20 Application (Rule 20)
- § 83.21 Definitions (Rule 21)
- § 83.22 Visibility of lights (Rule 22)
- § 83.23 Power-driven vessels underway (Rule 23)
- § 83.24 Towing and pushing (Rule 24)
- § 83.25 Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars (Rule 25)
- § 83.26 Fishing vessels (Rule 26)
- § 83.27 Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver (Rule 27)
- § 83.28 [Reserved] (Rule 28)
- § 83.29 Pilot vessels (Rule 29)
- § 83.30 Vessels anchored, aground and moored barges (Rule 30)
- § 83.31 Seaplanes (Rule 31)
Subpart D Sound and Light Signals
- § 83.32 Definitions (Rule 32)
- § 83.33 Equipment for sound signals (Rule 33)
- § 83.34 Maneuvering and warning signals (Rule 34)
- § 83.35 Sound signals in restricted visibility (Rule 35)
- § 83.36 Signals to attract attention (Rule 36)
- § 83.37 Distress signals (Rule 37)
Subpart E Exemptions
- § 83.38 Exemptions (Rule 38)

Part 84 · Annex I: Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes

§ 84.01 Definitions
§ 84.02 Vertical positioning and spacing of lights
§ 84.03 Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights
§ 84.04 Details of location of direction-indicating lights for fishing vessels, dredgers and vessels engaged in underwater operations
§ 84.05 Screens
§ 84.06 Shapes
§ 84.13 Color specification of lights
§ 84.14 Intensity of lights
§ 84.15 Horizontal sectors
§ 84.16 Vertical sectors
§ 84.17 Intensity of non-electric lights
§ 84.18 Maneuvering light
§ 84.19 High-speed craft
§ 84.20 Approval