What does Rule 20 address?

Rule 20 of the U.S. Coast Guard Rules of the Road focuses on the application of the rules to various vessels and situations. This rule is essential because it establishes the framework within which the other rules operate, clarifying who is subject to these regulations and under what conditions. It emphasizes that the rules apply to all vessels upon the waters and encompasses circumstances regarding visibility, defined navigational situations, and the responsibilities of different types of vessels.

Understanding Rule 20 is key not just for compliance, but also for ensuring safety and proper conduct on the waters, as it helps define the operational context for the navigation rules that follow.