COLREGS

(COLLISION REGULATIONS)

Units: 3, Lecture: 3 Hours, Laboratory:

0 Hour
PART C - LIGHTS AND
SHAPES
 Rule 20-Application

(a) Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all weathers.

 Rule 20-Application
(a) Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all weathers.

(b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with

from sunset to sunrise and during such times no other
lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be
mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not
impair their visibility or distinctive character, or
interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.
 Rule 20-Application
(c) The lights prescribed by these Rules shall, if carried, also be
exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and
may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is
deemed necessary.
(d) The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day.
(e) The lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall comply
with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.
 Rule 21-Definitions
(a) “Masthead light” means a
white light placed over the fore
and aft centre line of the
vessel showing an unbroken light
over an arc of the horizon of
225 degrees and so fixed as to
show the light from right ahead
to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam
on either side of the vessel.
 Rule 21-Definitions
(b) “Sidelights” means a green light on the
starboard side and a red light on the port
side each showing an unbroken light over
an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and
so fixed as to show the light from the
right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam
on its respective side. In a vessel of less
than 20 metres in length the sidelights may
be combined in one lantern carried on the
fore and aft centreline of the vessel
 Rule 21-Definitions
(c) “Sternlight” means a white light placed as nearly
as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken
light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so
fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on
each side of the vessel.
(d) “Towing light” means a yellow light having the same
characteristics as the “sternlight” defined in
paragraph (c) of this Rule.
(e) “All-round light” means a light showing an unbroken
light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.
(f) “Flashing light” means a light flashing at regular
intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more
per minute
 Rule 22-Visibility of lights
The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as
specified in Section 8 of Annex I to these Regulations so as to be
visible at the following minimum ranges:
(a) In vessels of 50 metres or more in length:
- a masthead light, 6 miles;
- a sidelight, 3 miles;
- a stern light, 3 miles;
- a towing light, 3 miles;
- a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles.
 Rule 22-Visibility of lights
(b) In vessels of 12 metres or more in length but less than 50
metres in length:
- a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of
the vessel is less than 20 metres, 3 miles;
- a sidelight, 2 miles; 15
- a sternlight, 2 miles;
- a towing light, 2 miles;
- a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.
 Rule 22-Visibility of lights
(c) In vessels of less than 12 metres in length:
- a masthead light, 2 miles;
- a sidelight, 1 mile;
- a sternlight, 2 miles;
- a towing light, 2 miles
- a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.
 Rule 22-Visibility of lights

(d) In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects

being towed:
- a white all-round light, 3 miles
Rule 23-Power-driven vessels underway
(a) A power-driven vessel underway
shall exhibit:
(i) a masthead light forward;
(ii) a second masthead light abaft of
and higher than the forward one; except
that a vessel of less than 50 metres
in length shall not be obliged to
exhibit such light but may do so;
(iii) sidelights;
(iv) a sternlight.
 Rule 23-Power-driven vessels
underway
(b) An air-cushion vessel when operating in the
non-displacement mode shall, in addition
to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this
Rule, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light.
(c) A WIG craft only when taking off, landing
and in flight near the surface shall, in addition
to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of
this Rule, exhibit a high intensity all-round
flashing red light.
 Rule 23-Power-driven vessels underway
(d) (i) A power-driven vessel of less than 12
metres in length may in lieu of the lights
prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule
exhibit an all- round white light and
sidelights;
(ii) a power-driven vessel of less than 7
metres in length whose maximum speed
does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the
Lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of
this Rule exhibit an all-round white light
and shall, if practicable, also exhibit
sidelights;
 Rule 23-Power-driven vessels underway

(iii) the masthead light or all-round white light on a power-

driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may be
displaced from the fore and aft centre line of the vessel if
centreline fitting is not practicable, provided that the
sidelights are combined in one lantern which shall be carried
on the fore and aft centre line of the vessel or located as
nearly as practicable in the same fore and aft line as the
masthead light or the all-round white light.
 Rule 24-Towing and pushing
(a) A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit:
(i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i)
or (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical
line. When the length of the tow, measuring
from the stern of the towing vessel to the afterend of
the tow exceeds 200 metres, three such
lights in a vertical line;
(ii) sidelights;
(iii) a sternlight;
(iv) a towing light in a vertical line above the
sternlight;
(v) when the length of the tow exceeds 200
metres, a diamond shape where it can best be
seen.
 Rule 24-Towing and pushing
(b) When a pushing vessel and a vessel
being pushed ahead are rigidly
connected in a composite unit they shall
be regarded as a power-driven vessel
and exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule
23.
(c) A power-driven vessel when pushing
ahead or towing alongside, except in the
case of a composite unit, shall exhibit
(i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule
23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two masthead lights in
a vertical line;
(ii) sidelights;
(iii) a sternlight.
 Rule 24-Towing and pushing
(d) A power-driven vessel to which paragraph (a) or (c) of this
Rule applies shall also comply with Rule 23(a) (ii).
(e) A vessel or object being towed, other than those
mentioned in paragraph (g) of this Rule, shall exhibit:
(i) sidelights;
(ii) a sternlight;
(iii) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, a
diamond shape where it can best be seen.
 Rule 24-Towing and pushing
(f) Provided that any number of
vessels being towed alongside or
pushed in a group shall be
lighted as one vessel,
(i) a vessel being pushed ahead,
not being part of a composite unit,
shall exhibit at the forward end
sidelights;
(ii) a vessel being towed alongside
shall exhibit a sternlight and at the
forward end, sidelights.
 Rule 24-Towing and pushing
g) An inconspicuous, partly submerged
vessel or object, or combination of such
vessels or objects being towed, shall
exhibit:
(i) if it is less than 25 metres in breadth,
one all-round white light at or near
the forward end and one at or near the
after end except that dracones need not
exhibit a light at or near the forward end;
(ii) if it is 25 metres or more in breadth,
two additional all-round white lights at
or near the extremities of its breadth;
 Rule 24-Towing and pushing
(iii) if it exceeds 100 metres in length,
additional all-round white lights between
the lights prescribed in sub-paragraphs
(i) and (ii) so that the distance between
the lights shall not exceed 100 metres;
(iv) a diamond shape at or near the
aftermost extremity of the last vessel or
object being towed and if the length of
the tow exceeds 200 metres an additional
diamond shape where it can best be seen
and located as far forward as is practicable.
 Rule 24-Towing and pushing
(h)Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a
vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights or shapes
prescribed in paragraph (e) or (g) of this Rule, all possible
measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object
towed or at least to indicate the presence of such vessel
or object.
 Rule 24-Towing and pushing
(i) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel
not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights
prescribed in paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule, such vessel
shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in
towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of
assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate
the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and
the vessel being towed as authorized by Rule 36, in particular
by illuminating the towline.
Rule 25-Sailing vessels underway
and vessels under oars
(a) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:
(i) sidelights;
(ii) a sternlight.
(b) In a sailing vessel of less than 20
metres in length the lights prescribed in
paragraph (a) of this Rule may be
combined in one lantern carried at
or near the top of the mast where it
can best be seen.
 Rule 25-Sailing vessels
underway and vessels under
oars
(c) A sailing vessel underway may, in
addition to the lights prescribed in
paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit at or
near the top of the mast, where they
can best be seen, two all-round lights
in a verticalline, the upper being red
and the lower green, but these lights
shall not be exhibited in conjunction
with the combined lantern permitted
by paragraph (b) of this Rule.
 Rule 25-Sailing vessels underway and vessels
under oars
(d) (i) A sailing vessel of less than 7 metres in length shall, if practicable,
exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, but if
she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or
lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time
to prevent collision.

(ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this Rule for
sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an
electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be
exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
 Rule 25-Sailing vessels
underway and vessels
under oars

(e) A vessel proceeding under sail

when also being propelled by
machinery shall exhibit forward
where it can best be seen a conical
shape, apex downwards.
 Rule 26-Fishing Vessels

(a) A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at

anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and shapes
prescribed in this Rule.
 Rule 26-Fishing Vessels
Fishing and Trawling Vessels
A fishing vessel is a vessel
engaged in fishing but not A trawling vessel drags a
trawling. This usually means large dredge net or other
the pulling of fishing lines, fish gathering apparatus
hooks or an assortment of through the water to catch
both. fish.
 Rule 26-Fishing Vessels
Fishing and Trawling Vessels

A fishing vessel is a vessel A trawling vessel drags a

engaged in fishing but not large dredge net or other
trawling. This usually means fish gathering apparatus
the pulling of fishing lines, through the water to catch
hooks or an assortment of fish.
both.
 Rule 26-Fishing Vessels
(b) A vessel when engaged in trawling, by which is
meant the dragging through the water of a dredge
net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance,
shall exhibit:
(i) two all-round lights in a vertical line, the
upper being green and the lower white, or a shape
consisting of two cones with their apexes together in
a vertical line one above the other;
(ii) a masthead light abaft of and higher than the
all-round green light; a vessel of less than 50 metres
in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light
but may do so;
(iii) when making way through the water, in addition
to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights
and a stern light.
 Rule 26-Fishing Vessels
(c) A vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling,
shall exhibit:
(i) two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper
being red and the lower white, or a shape
consisting of two cones with apexes together in a
vertical line one above the other;
(ii) when there is outlying gear extending more
than 150 metres horizontally from the vessel, an all-
round white light or a cone apex upwards in the
direction of the gear;
(iii) when making way through the water, in
addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph,
sidelights and a sternlight.
 Rule 26-Fishing Vessels
(d) The additional signals described in Annex II to these
Regulations apply to a vessel engaged in fishing in close
proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing.
(e) A vessel when not engaged in fishing shall not exhibit the
lights or shapes prescribed in this Rule,but only those
prescribed for a vessel of her length.
 Rule 27-Vessels not under
command or restricted
In their ability to manoeuvre
(a) A vessel not under command shall
exhibit:
(i) two all-round red lights in a vertical
line where they can best be seen;
(ii) two balls or similar shapes in a
vertical line where they can best be seen;
(iii) when making way through the water,
in addition to the lights prescribed in this
paragraph, sidelights and a stern light.
Rule 27-Vessels not under command or
restricted In their ability to manoeuvre
(b) A vessel restricted in her ability to
manoeuvre, except a vessel engaged in
mine-clearance operations, shall exhibit:
(i) three all-round lights in a vertical line
where they can best be seen. The highest
and lowest of these lights shall be red and
the middle light shall be white;
(ii) three shapes in a vertical line where they
can best be seen. The highest and lowest of
these shapes shall be balls and the middle
one a diamond;
Rule 27-Vessels not under command or
restricted In their ability to manoeuvre
(iii) when making way through the water, a
masthead light or lights, sidelights and a
sternlight, in addition to the lights
prescribed in sub-paragraph (i);
(iv) when at anchor, in addition to the lights
or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (i) and
(ii), the light, lights or shape prescribed in
Rule 30.
 Rule 27-Vessels not under command or
restricted In their ability to manoeuvre
(c) A power-driven vessel engaged in a towing operation such
as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in
their ability to deviate from their course shall, in
addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 24(a),
exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in sub- paragraphs
(b)(i) and (ii) of this Rule.
 Rule 27-Vessels not under command or
restricted In their ability to manoeuvre
(d) A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater
operations, when restricted in her ability to manoeuvre,
shall exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in sub-
paragraphs (b) (i), (ii) and (iii) of this Rule and shall in
addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:
(i) two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical
line to indicate the side on which the obstruction
exists;
(ii) two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a
vertical line to indicate the side on which ,another
vessel may pass;
 Rule 27-Vessels not under command or
restricted In their ability to manoeuvre
(iii) when at anchor, the lights or shapes prescribed in this paragraph
instead of the lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30.
(e) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes
it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed in
paragraph (d) of this Rule, the following shall be exhibited:
(i) three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be
seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red
and the middle light shall be white;
 Rule 27-Vessels not
under command or
restricted In their ability
to manoeuvre
(ii) a rigid replica of the
International Code flag “A” not
less than 1 metre in height.
Measures shall be taken to
ensure its all-round visibility.
 Rule 27-Vessels not under command or
restricted In their ability to manoeuvre
(f) A vessel engaged in mine-clearance operations
shall in addition to the lights prescribed for a
power-driven vessel in Rule 23 or to the
lights or shape prescribed for a vessel at anchor in
Rule 30 as appropriate, exhibit three all-round
green lights or three balls. One of these lights or
shapes shall be exhibited near the foremast head
and one at each end of the fore yard. These lights
or shapes indicate that it is dangerous for another
vessel to approach within 1000 metres of the
mine clearance vessel.
 Rule 27-Vessels not under command or
restricted In their ability to manoeuvre
(g) Vessels of less than 12 metres in length, except those
engaged in diving operations, shall not be required to exhibit
the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule.
(h) The signals prescribed in this Rule are not signals of vessels
in distress and requiring assistance. Such signals are contained
in Annex IV to these Regulations.
 Rule 28-Vessels constrained by their draught
A vessel constrained by her draught may, in addition to the lights
prescribed for power-driven vessels in Rule 23, exhibit where they
can best be seen three all-round red lights in a vertical line, or a
cylinder.
 Rule 29-Pilot vessels
(a) A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit:
(i) at or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper
being white and the lower red;
(ii) when underway, in addition, sidelights and a sternlight;
(iii) when at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in sub-paragraph (i),
the light, lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30 for vessels at anchor.
 Rule 29-Pilot vessels

(b) A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall

exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed for a similar
vessel of her length.
 Rule 29-Pilot vessels

“WHITE over RED, Pilot ahead”

Rule 30-Anchored vessels and vessels aground
(a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
(i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball;
(ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light
prescribed in sub-paragraph (i), an all-round white light.
 Rule 30-Anchored vessels and vessels aground

(b) A vessel of less than 50 metres in length may exhibit an all-

round white light where it can best be seen instead of
the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.
(c) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 metres and
more in length shall, also use the available working or
equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.
 Rule 30-Anchored vessels and vessels aground

(d) A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in

paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule and in addition, where they
can best be seen:
(i) two all-round red lights in a vertical line;
(ii) three balls in a vertical line.
 Rule 30-Anchored vessels and vessels aground

You are not considered to be "aground" for purposes of the

navigation rules if you have intentionally moved your vessel
against the bottom or bank of a river or other body of water
to hold your position. If you have to keep your engines
engaged to maintain your position, or if you are free to move
away from your holding position at any time, then you are not
considered to be "aground." You would be underway but not
making way through the water
 Rule 30-Anchored vessels and vessels aground
(e) A vessel of less than 7 metres in length, when at anchor,
not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or
where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be r
equired to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule.
(f) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length, when aground,
shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes
prescribed in sub-paragraphs (d) (i) and (ii) of this Rule.
 STCW Code Table A- II/ 1
Rule 31-Seaplanes
Where it is impracticable for a
seaplane or a WIG craft to exhibit
lights and shapes of the
characteristics or in the positions
prescribed in the Rules of this
Part she shall exhibit lights and
shapes as closely similar in
characteristics and position as is
possible.
PART D - SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS
 Rule 32-Definitions
(a) The word “whistle” means any sound signalling appliance
capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which
complies with the specifications in Annex III to these
Regulations.
(b) The term “short blast” means a blast of about one
second’s duration.
(c) The term “prolonged blast” means a blast of from four to
six seconds’ duration.
 Rule 32-Definitions
-Sound signals for International Rules are signals of action
-Signals are sounded upon rudder order
-Exchanged by a power-driven vessel and another vessel
-Exchanged if vessels are “in sight” and maneuvering is
required
 Rule 33-Equipment for sound signals
(a) A vessel of 12 metres or more in length shall be provided with
a whistle, a vessel of 20 metres or more in length shall be
provided with a bell in addition to a whistle, and a vessel of 100
metres or more in length shall, in addition, be provided
with a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused
with that of the bell. The whistle, bell and gong shall comply with
the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. The bell or
gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the
same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual
sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible.
 Rule 33-Equipment for sound signals

• Short Blast- about one second duration

• Prolonged Blast - 4-6 second duration

• Vessels < 100m in length: whistle and bell

• Vessels >= 100m in length: whistle, bell, and gong
• Vessels < 12m in length: some type of sound signaling
device
 Rule 33-Equipment for sound
signals

(b) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length

shall not be obliged to carry the sound
signaling appliances prescribed in
paragraph (a) of this Rule but if she does
not, she shall be provided with some other
means of making an efficient sound signal.
 Rule 34-Manoeuvring and warning signals
(a) When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven
vessel underway, when manoeuvring as authorized or required
by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the
following signals on her whistle:
- one short blast to mean “I am altering my course to
starboard”;
- two short blasts to mean “I am altering my course to
port”;
-three short blasts to mean “I am operating astern
propulsion”.
 Rule 34-Manoeuvring and warning signals

“Operating astern propulsion" is not the same as

"proceeding astern." You may of course be moving forward
or astern or stopped when your astern propulsion is
engaged. The state of the machinery, not motion through the
water, constitutes the distinction here.
 Rule 34-Manoeuvring and warning signals
(b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in
paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals, repeated as
appropriate, whilst the manoeuvre is being carried out:
(i) these light signals shall have the following significance
- one flash to mean “I am altering my course to starboard”;
- two flashes to mean “I am altering my course to port”;
- three flashes to mean “I am operating astern
propulsion”;
 Rule 34-Manoeuvring and warning signals
(ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second, the
interval between flashes shall be about one second, and
the interval between successive signals shall be not less
than ten seconds;
(iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round
white light, visible at a minimum range of 5 miles, and
shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these
Regulations
Rule 34-Manoeuvring and warning signals
(c) When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway:
(i) a vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance
with Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on
her whistle:
- two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast to mean “I
intend to overtake you on your starboard side”;
- two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts to mean “I
intend to overtake you on your port side”.
 Rule 34-Manoeuvring and warning signals
(ii) the vessel about to be overtaken when acting in
accordance with Rule 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement
by the following signal on her whistle:
- one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one
short blast,in that order.
 Rule 34-Manoeuvring and warning signals
(d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching
each other and from any cause either vessel fails to
understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is
in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the
other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall
immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short
and rapid blasts on the whistle. Such signal may be
supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and
rapid flashes.
Rule 34-Manoeuvring and warning signals
(e) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a
channel or fairway where other vessels may be
obscured by an intervening obstruction shall
sound one prolonged blast. Such signal shall
be answered with a prolonged blast by any
approaching vessel that may be within
hearing around the bend or behind the
intervening obstruction.
(f) If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance
apart of more than 100 metres, one whistle
only shall be used for giving manoeuvring
and warning signals.
 Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility
In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or
night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as
follows:
(a) A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall
sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one
prolonged blast.
(b) A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no
way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more
than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an
interval of about 2 seconds between them.
 Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility
(c) A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her
ability to manoeuvre, a vessel constrained by her draught, a
sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing and a vessel
engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of
the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule,
sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three blasts
in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short
blasts.
 Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility
(d) A vessel engaged in fishing, when at anchor, and a vessel
restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when carrying out her work
at anchor, shall instead of the signals prescribed in paragraph (g)
of this Rule sound the signal prescribed in paragraph (c) of this
Rule.
(e) A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed the last vessel
of the tow, if manned, shall at intervals of not more than 2
minutes sound four blasts in succession, namely one prolonged
followed by three short blasts. When practicable, this signal shall
be made immediately after the signal made by the towing vessel.
 Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility

(f) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead

are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be
regarded as a power- driven vessel and shall give the signals
prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule.
 Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility
(g) A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one minute ring
the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds.

In a vessel of 100 metres or more in length the bell shall

be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and
immediately after the ringing of the bell the gong shall be
sounded rapidly for about 5 seconds in the after part of the
vessel.
 Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility
A vessel at anchor may in addition sound three blasts in
succession, namely one short, one prolonged and one short blast,
to give warning of her position and of the possibility of collision
to an approaching vessel.
 Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility
(h) A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if required
the gong signal prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Rule and
shall, in addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on
the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the
bell. A vessel aground may in addition sound an appropriate
whistle signal.
 Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility
(i) A vessel of 12 metres or more but less than 20 metres in
length shall not be obliged to give the bell signals prescribed in
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this Rule. However, if she does not,
she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of
not more than 2 minutes.

(j) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to

give the above-mentioned signals but, if she does not, shall make
some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more
than 2 minutes.
 Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility

(k) A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may in

addition to the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a),(b) or (g)
of this Rule sound an identity signal consisting of four
short blasts.
Rule 35-Sound signals in restricted visibility

Pilot vessel on duty (H)

 Rule 36-Signals to attract attention
If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel any vessel may
make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any
signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the
beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a
way as not to embarrass any vessel. Any light to attract the
attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be
mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the
use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as
strobe lights, shall be avoided.
 Rule 37-Distress signals
When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or
exhibit the signals described in Annex IV to these Regulations.