Which rules apply to all vessels operating upon the high seas?

The international rules apply to all vessels operating upon the high seas because they are formulated to ensure safe and efficient navigation between vessels from different nations in international waters. These rules, often referred to as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), provide standardized guidance on various aspects, including how vessels should conduct themselves to avoid collisions, navigation lights, and shapes that vessels must display based on their activities and size.

In contrast, inland rules are specific to the waters within the jurisdiction of a single country and are not applicable on the high seas, where multiple countries’ regulations intersect. Coastal navigational rules pertain to waters near shorelines but do not encompass the broader regulations required for high seas operations. Local harbor rules are specific to individual ports or harbor areas and are not relevant in the vast expanses of the open ocean. Therefore, international rules are essential for maintaining order, safety, and predictability in high seas navigation.