Learning the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Colregs) will not in general present the nautical student with any insuperable problems. After passing several tests and exams the officer-to-be has the impression that the Colregs and the manoeuvres for giving way hold no secretsfrom him. The study of other nautical subjects often asks for more effort than is needed for mastering the Colregs. His firstsolo watch, taking place on an empty ocean, seems to corroborate this belief.