1. (a)These Rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all connected waters navigable by seagoing vessels.
2. (b)Nothing shall interfere with special rules made by an appropriate authority for roadsteads, harbours, rivers, lakes or inland waterways; such rules shall conform as closely as possible to these Rules.
3. (c)Nothing shall interfere with special rules made by a Government for additional station or signal lights, shapes or whistle signals for warships, vessels in convoy, or fishing vessels in a fleet.
4. (d)Traffic separation schemes may be adopted by the Organization for the purpose of these Rules.
5. (e)Whenever a Government decides that a vessel of special construction or purpose cannot fully comply with the provisions on lights, shapes or sound signals, she shall comply as closely as her Government determines.