Rules of the Road

with

Ben & Teresa Carey

Morse Alpha Expeditions

Confused by the Navigation Rules? You’re not alone. This practical online class breaks down the complex COLREGS into understandable, real-world guidance to keep you safe on the water.

90-Minute Live Session

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

Every boater is legally required to follow the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), yet many recreational sailors find these rules overwhelming and difficult to apply. This online class simplifies key concepts and uses real-world examples to make navigation rules accessible and memorable.

FREE

Rules of the Road

Online class overview

In this online class, participants will explore the essential navigation rules governing vessel movement with a focus on collision avoidance. We will break down scenarios such as meeting, crossing, and overtaking other vessels; explain vessel responsibilities and right-of-way; and cover navigation lights, shapes, and sound signals. Through practical tools and real-world experience, this course empowers confident decision-making in complex boating situations to enhance safety on the water.

Who is this online class for?

This online class is designed for recreational boaters of all experience levels—from beginners just starting out to seasoned coastal cruisers—seeking a clear, practical understanding of navigation rules. If you want to navigate with confidence and reduce collision risks, this course is tailored for you.

What will I learn?

Participants will learn to interpret and apply the COLREGS effectively in everyday boating. Key takeaways include recognizing navigation lights and sound signals, understanding right-of-way protocols, and mastering collision avoidance tactics.

List of topics:

Overview of COLREGS and their legal significance
Meeting, crossing, and overtaking vessels: responsibilities and right-of-way
Understanding navigation lights, shapes, and sound signals
Vessel responsibilities to avoid collisions
Practical collision avoidance techniques and decision-making tips
Real-world scenario analysis and learning tools

Navigation Rules Made Simple

Clarity, Confidence, and Collision-Free Cruising

The Navigation Rules, formally known as the COLREGS, are the “rules of the road” for every vessel at sea. But for many boaters, they can feel like a dense, technical puzzle. This online class transforms those regulations into straightforward, real-world guidance you can actually use on the water. You’ll learn how to recognize risk early, make smart decisions, and keep yourself, and those around you, safe in any boating situation.

Practical Collision Avoidance for Every Boater

Led by experienced captains and educators Teresa and Ben Carey, this course takes the mystery out of COLREGS by breaking them into clear, memorable lessons. You’ll work through real-world scenarios like meeting, crossing, and overtaking, discover how to read navigation lights and sound signals at a glance, and master collision-avoidance strategies that hold up in the unpredictable conditions of real boating. Whether you’re in a busy harbor or offshore at night, you’ll know exactly what to do, and why.

A Must for Confident Coastal and Offshore Navigation

Perfect for both beginners and seasoned cruisers, this online class bridges the gap between theory and hands-on seamanship. If you want to navigate with confidence, understand your legal responsibilities, and avoid stressful close calls, this class is your essential guide. You’ll walk away with practical tools, a sharper situational awareness, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing the rules inside and out.

Your Host

Ben & Teresa Carey

Teresa Carey and Ben Eriksen Carey are seasoned maritime professionals and co-owners of Morse Alpha Expeditions, a renowned coastal and offshore sail-training program. Teresa is a US Coast Guard licensed captain, educator, and accomplished media producer. Her experience includes captaining diverse vessels—schooners, motor yachts, sailing yachts, and even a lobster boat—and teaching for sea programs like Outward Bound. Teresa’s solo offshore sailing and her work as a science journalist, and experience teaching high school, college, and on-the-water enrich her teaching with practical and scientific insights. Ben holds a 200 Ton US Coast Guard Master's License and a 500 Ton Mate of Towing credential. His extensive maritime career spans schooners, tugboats, sailing and motor yachts, with expertise as captain, mate, and beyond. A lifelong waterman and marine biology graduate, Ben brings a deep understanding of seamanship and safety to his instruction. Together, Ben and Teresa have sailed thousands of nautical miles, co-founded Morse Alpha Expeditions, and produced engaging sailing media including podcasts, like the Morning Muster Sailing Podcast, and documentaries. Their combined hands-on experience and passion for education make them exceptional instructors for this navigation rules online class.

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Online Class Registration

@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)

Regular Price

ASA Member Price

On-Demand Access

All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.

ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT

American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you’re not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!

Online Course
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- Rules of the Road
ASA Certification
ASA Online Achievement Seal
- ASA Online Achievement Seal
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By completing this entire course you can earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal - an official ASA seal that can be entered into your ASA Logbook!
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- ASA Logbook
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The ASA Logbook is a living document that chronicles your certifications and can also be used to keep a record of any and all sea-hours accrued along the way. If you chose to earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal and don't have an ASA Logbook then you *must* chose this option and purchase one.
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