In the context of the rules, what does the term 'mile' refer to?

The term 'mile' in the context of COLREGs, which governs navigational rules, refers specifically to the international nautical mile, defined as 1852 meters. This is the standard unit of measurement used in maritime navigation to ensure consistency and clarity across international borders.

Using the international nautical mile allows for uniformity in the documentation and communication of distances and navigational instructions among vessels operating in various waters around the world. This standardization is essential for safety, as all mariners rely on the same definitions and measures to avoid confusion during navigational situations.

In maritime contexts, other types of miles, such as the statute mile or the US nautical mile, are not applicable, reinforcing that the measurement used by the COLREGs is the international nautical mile. The kilometer is also not relevant here as it is a metric unit not used in nautical applications.