This version of the navigation rules and regulations handbook includes the most recent updates as of january 2020 includes lnm ntm 7 18 the international rules in this book were formalized in the convention on the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea 1972 and became effective on july 15 1977. Navigation rules 1 part a general 2 rule 1 application 2 rule 2 responsibility 6 rule 3 general definitions 6 part b steering and sailing rules 12 section i conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility 12 rule 4 application 12 rule 5 look out 12 rule 6 safe speed 14 rule 7 risk of collision 16 rule 8 action to avoid . Out rules 1 through 38 the main body of the rules the five annexes were published as regulations it is important to note that with the exception of annex v to the inland rules the international and inland rules and annexes are very similar in both content and format the effective date for the inland navigation rules was december 24 1981. The navigation rules regulations handbook nav rules contains the essentials of boating protocol and safety it is the reference manual every boat should carry and every skipper should be intimately familiar with so valuable in fact the us coast guard requires a copy on board all vessels 12 meters approximately 39 or more in lenght 34