COLLISION REGULATIONS

PART A – GENERAL

Rule 1
a) These rules apply to all vessels
b) Rules shall not interfere with special bye laws
c) Rules shall not interfere with special rules made by any government with respect to
additional lights, shapes or signals for ships of war, vessels under convoy or for fishing
vessels fishing as a fleet.

Rule 2 – Responsibility
a) Nothing shall exonerate any vessel from neglecting to comply with the rules. ( All vessels
bound by the rules)
b) Due regard shall be given to all navigation dangers and collision and to any special
circumstances when departure from the rules may be made to avoid immediate danger.

Rule 3 – General Definitions

a) Vessel includes every description of water craft, including non- displacement craft and
seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
b) ‘Power Driven Vessel means any vessel propelled by machinery
c) ‘Sailing Vessel’ means any vessel under sail, provided that propelling machinery if fitted
is not being used.
d) ‘Vessel engaged in fishing’ means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other
fishing apparatus which restrict manoeuvrability, but does not include a vessel trolling
with lines or other fishing apparatus which does not restrict manoeuvrability.
e) ‘Seaplane’ includes any aircraft designed to manoeuvre on water.
f) ‘Vessel Not Under Command’ means a vessel which through some exceptional
circumstances is unable to manoeuvre as required by these rules and is therefore unable
to keep out of the way of other vessels.

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 g) ‘Vessel Restricted in her Ability to Manoeuvre’ means a vessel from which the nature
of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre and is unable to keep out of the way
of another vessel. The term shall include, but is not limited to:
(i) A vessel laying, servicing or picking up navigation marks,
submarine pipeline or cable
(ii) A vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations
(iii) A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or
cargo while underway
(iv) A vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft
(v) A vessel engaged in mineclearance
(vi) A vessel engaged in towing operations which severely restricts the vessel
and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course.

h) ‘Vessel Constrained by Draught’ means a power driven vessel which because of her
draught in relation to the depth and width of navigable water is severely restricted in her
ability to deviate from her course.
i) ‘Underway’ means that a vessel is not at anchor or made fast to the shore, or aground.
j) ‘Length’ and ‘breadth’ mean a vessels overall length and greatest breadth.
k) Vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only when one can be observed
visually from the other.
l) ‘Restricted Visibility’ means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist,
falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or other similar causes.

PART B- STEERING AND SAILING RULES

Section 1 – Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility

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Rule 4
Rules in this section apply in any condition of visibility

Rule 5 – Lookout
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all
available means.

Rule 6 – Safe Speed

Every vessel shall proceed at safe speed so as she can take proper and effective action to avoid
collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to avoid collision .
The following factors should be considered:
a) Visibility
Traffic Density
Manoeuvrability of vessel
Background lights at night
Wind, sea, current and nav hazards
Draught in relation to water depth

True Virgins Make Dull Bed Company

b) Additionally for vessels with radar

Characteristics, efficiency and limitations of radar equipment
Constraints imposed by the range in use
Effect of sea state, weather and other interference
Small vessels, ice and floating objects may not be detected
Number, location and movement of vessels detected
Assessment of the visibility.

Rule 7 – Risk of Collision

a) Vessels shall use all available means to determine if risk of collision exists.

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 b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment including long range scanning (radar
plotting, CPA)
c) Assumptions shall not be made on scanty information, particularly scanty radar
information.
d) Risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel
does not change. Risk may still exist if bearing does change, particularly when
approaching a large vessel or tow, or when approaching a vessel at close range.

Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision

a) Action taken shall be positive and made in ample time
b) Any alteration shall be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel.
c) Alteration of course alone may be the most effective action.
d) Action taken will result in safe passing distance. Action will be checked until passed and
clear.
e) To avoid collision or to allow more time to assess, a vessel shall slow down or take all
way of by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.
f) (i) A Give Way vessel shall take early action to allow safe passage of other vessel
(ii) The give way vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the other
vessel so as to involve risk of collision.
(iii) The Stand On vessel remains obliged to comply with the rules of this part
when the 2 vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of col.

Rule 9 – Narrow Channels

a) A vessel in a narrow channel shall keep as near to starboard side of channel
as is safe.
b) A vessel <20m shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can only navigate
safely within a narrow channel
c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede passage of another vessel navigating in a
narrow channel.

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 d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel if crossing impedes the passage of a vessel
navigating in a narrow channel.
e) (i) In a narrow channel if overtaking can only take place if the vessel being overtaken
has to take action to permit overtaking, the overtaking vessel shall sound signal as in
Rule 34c. The overtaken vessel shall reply as per rule 34c.
This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligations under Rule 13.
f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area where other vessels may be obscured shall navigate
with particular alertness and caution and shall sound signal as in rule 34e.
g) Any vessel shall avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes

a) This Rule does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other Rule.
b) Any vessel using a TSS shall
(i) Proceed in the appropriate lane in the general direction of traffic flow for
that lane.
(ii) Keep clear of the traffic separation line or zone.
(iii) Normally join or leave at the termination of the lane, but if not, join or
leave at as small an angle as possible.
c) A vessel shall avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if necessary, do so at right angles to the
flow of traffic.
(i) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone if she can use an adjacent TSS
but <20m, sailing vessel and vessels engaged in fishing may use inshore
zone
(ii) But a vessel may use an inshore zone enroute to and from a port, offshore
installation, pilot station or any other place in an inshore zone.
d) A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a TSS shall not
normally cross a separation line or zone except:
(i) In cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger
(ii) To engage in fishing within a separation zone.
e) A vessel navigating near the termination of a TSS shall do so with particular

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 caution.
f) A vessel shall avoid anchoring in a TSS or in the areas of its terminations.
g) A vessel not using a TSS shall give it as wide a berth as possible.
h) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a
traffic lane.
i) A vessel of <20m or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power driven
vessel following a lane.
j) A vessel RAM when engaged in an operation for maintenance of safety of navigation in
a TSS is exempt from this rule.
k) A vessel RAM cable laying is in a TSS is exempt from this rule.

Section II – Conduct of Vessels in Sight of one Another.

Rule 11 – Application
Rules in this section apply to vessels in sight of one another.

Rule 12 – Sailing Vessels

a) When 2 sailing vessels approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision, one
shall give way to the other as follows:
(i) When each has wind on different side, the vessel with wind on the port side
shall be the give way vessel
(ii) When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel to windward shall be
the give way vessel.
(iii) If a vessel with the wind on her port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot
determine whether the vessel has the wind on port or starboard side, she shall
be the give way vessel.
(iv) The windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite to that on which
the mainsail is carried, or in the case of a square rigged vessel, the side
opposite to that on which the largest fore and aft sail is carried.

Rule 13 – Overtaking

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 a) Any vessel overtaking another shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
b) A vessel is deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a
direction more than 22.50 abaft her beam. That is in a position such that at night she
would only be able to see the stern light of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.
c) When a vessel is in doubt if she is overtaking, she shall assume that she is.
d) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the 2 vessels shall not make the
overtaking vessel a crossing vessel or relieve her of her duty to keep clear until finally
past and clear.

Rule 14 – Head-on Situation

a) When 2 power driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or near reciprocal courses so as
to involve risk of collision, each shall alter course to starboard to pass on the port side of
each other. (Red to Red)
b) Such situation is deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly ahead and
by night she sees masthead lights in a line and/ or both side lights and by day she sees
the corresponding aspect of the other vessel.
c) When in doubt that such a situation exists, assume it to be so and act accordingly

Rule 15 – Crossing Situation

When 2 power driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has
the other on her own starboard side shall give way, and avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

Rule 16 – Action by Give Way Vessel

Every Give Way vessel shall take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Rule 17 – Action by Stand- on Vessel

a) (i) Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way of the other shall keep her
course and speed.
(ii) The latter may take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent
that the give way vessel is not taking appropriate action.

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 b) When the Stand-on vessel finds herself so close that action by the give way vessel alone
cannot avoid collision, she shall take such action as necessary to avoid collision
c) A stand- on vessel taking action to avoid collision shall not alter course to port for a
vessel on her own port side.
d) This rule does not relieve the give way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.

Rule 18 – Responsibilities between Vessels

Except where Rules 9, 10 and 13 require:
a) A power driven vessel shall keep out of the way of:
(i) A vessel not under command
(ii) A vessel R.A.M
(iii) Vessel engaged in fishing
(iv) Sailing vessel

b) A sailing vessel shall keep out of the way of:

(i) A vessel n under command
(ii) A vessel R.A.M
(iii) A vessel engaged in fishing
c) A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall keep out of the way of:
(i) A vessel not under command
(ii) A vessel R.A.M

d) (i) Any vessel other than a vessel N.U.C or R.A.M shall keep out of the way of a
vessel constrained by her draught, [see below] exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.
(ii) A vessel constrained by her draught shall navigate with particular caution,
having full regard for her special condition.
e) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid
impeding navigation. In circumstances where risk of collision exists, she shall comply
with the rules of this part.

Vessel NUC

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Vessel RAM
Vessel Fishing ] the fishing vessel could be construed as a vessel
Vessel Constrained by Draught ] RAM, so VCD may be ‘give way’ vessel.
Sailing Vessel
Power Driven Vessel

Section III Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

Rule 19 – Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

a) This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an
area of restricted visibility.
b) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed and power driven vessels shall have engines
ready for immediate manoeuvre.
c) Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of
restricted visibility.
d) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a
close quarters situation is developing and/ or risk of collision exists. If so she shall take
avoiding action in ample time. When the action consists of an alteration of course, the
following should be avoided:
(i) An alteration to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a
vessel being overtaken.
(ii) An alteration towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.

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If vessel seen in red area, turn to port, i.e. away from vessel. If vessel seen in green area, turn to
starboard.
e) Except where it has been established that a risk of collision does not exist every vessel
which hears apparently forward of her beam, the fog signal of another vessel, or which
cannot avoid a close quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall
reduce speed to a minimum at which she can be kept on course, if necessary taking all
way off.

PART B. Lights and Shapes

Rule 20 – Application
a) Rules of this part shall be complied with in all weathers.
b) Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, no other lights
should be exhibited except lights which cannot be mistaken for lights in these Rules.
c) These lights should also be exhibited in daylight during restricted visibility and all other
circumstances where deemed necessary.
d) Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day.

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Rule 21 – Definitions
a) Masthead light – Placed over fore/ aft centreline – 225o / 22.5o abaft beam either side.
b) Sidelights – Green starboard/ red port. – 112.5o / 22.5o abaft the beam.
On vessel < 20m, the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on fore/ aft
centreline of vessel.
c) Sternlight – White light on stern – 135o
d) Towing Light – Yellow light with similar characteristics as stern light.
e) All round light – Unbroken light over 360o
f) Flashing light – Light flashing at frequency of 120 or more / min.

Rule 22 – Visibility of Lights

The lights prescribed in these Rules shall be visible at the following minimum ranges:
a) In vessels of 50m or more in length:
- a masthead light, 6 miles
- a sidelight, 3 miles
- a sternlight, 3 miles
- a towing light, 3 miles
- a white, red, green or yellow all round light, 3 miles

b) In vessels 12m or more but less than 50m in length:

- a masthead light, 5 miles except if vessel <20m, 3 miles
- a sidelight, 2 miles
- a stern light, 2 miles
- a towing light, 2 miles
- all round light, 2 miles.

c) In vessels < 12m

- a masthead light, 2 mile

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 - a sidelight, 1 mile
- a sternlight, 2 miles
- a towing light, 2 miles
- all round light, 2 miles

d) In inconspicuous, partly submerged objects or vessels being towed:

- all round white light, 3 miles
Rule 23 -Power Driven Vessels Underway (making way or stopped)
a) (i) a masthead light forward
(ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than forward one, except if
vessel <50
(iii) sidelights
(v) a sternlight

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) (i) A power driven vessel >12m may instead of the lights on paragraph a
may show an all round white light and sidelights.
(ii) A power driven vessel <7m speed <7 knots, can show one all round
white light and if practicable, sidelights.
(iii) Vessel <12m, the masthead or all round light may be displaced from
the centreline of the vessel

Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing

a) A power driven vessel when towing shall exhibit:
(i) Instead of light in 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), 2 masthead lights in vertical line
When length of tow exceeds 200m, 3 lights in vertical line.
(ii) Sidelights
(iii) Sternlight
(iv) A towing light in line above sternlight

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 (v) When tow >200m, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

b) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected, they
shall be regarded as one power driven vessel and shall show the lights as 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 mastheads in 23(a) (i) or (ii), 2 mastheads in a vertical
line.
(ii) Sidelights
(iii) a sternlight

d) A power driven vessel to which paragraph (a) or (c) of this rule apply shall also comply
with Rule 23(a)(ii) [ second masthead aft]
e) A vessel or object being towed, other than those mentioned in (g) of this rule, shall
exhibit:
(i) sidelights
(ii) a sternlight
(iii) when tow >200m, a diamond shape where best be seen.
f) (i) a vessel being pushed ahead, not part of a composite unit, shall
at at the forward end, sidelights
(ii) a vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the
forward end, sidelights.
g) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object, or combination of such vessels
or objects being towed, shall exhibit:
(i) If <25m breadth, one all round white forward and one all round aft
except dracones which do not need the forward light.
(ii) If >25m breadth, two additional all round white lights at or near the
extremities of its breadth.
(iii) If >100m in length, additional all round whites in between the lights fore and
aft so that the distance between lights shall not exceed 100m.

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 (iv) A diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel being
towed and if the length of the tow >200m an additional diamond shape
forward.

h) When it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to display the lights, all
possible measures shall be taken to light the object or to indicate the presence of the
object.
i) If a vessel is not normally engaged in towing cannot show the lights, she shall not be
required to show the lights when towing another vessel in distress or in need of
assistance but should illuminate the towline.

Rule 25 – Sailing Vessels Underway and vessels under oars

a) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit: (making way or stopped)
(i) sidelights
(ii) sternlight

b) In a sailing vessel of less than 20m the lights prescribed in (a) may be combined in one
lantern at or near the top of the mast.
c) A sailing vessel may, in addition to the lights in (a) show at the top of the mast, a red
light over a green, but not in conjunction with the combined lantern in (b)
d) (i) A sailing vessel <7m may show the lights in (a) or (b) but if not, she will
have a torch or lighted lantern
(iii) A vessel under oars as above.
e) A vessel under sail, also being propelled by machinery, shall show a cone 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 in this rule.
b) A vessel engaged in trawling shall exhibit:

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 (i) Two all round lights in vertical line, green over white, or two cones
apexes together
(ii) A masthead light abaft of and higher than the all round green. A
vessel <50m need not show this light but may do so.
(iii) When making way through the water, in addition to these lights, a
sternlight and sidelights.
c) A vessel engaged in fishing other than trawling shall exhibit:
(i) Two all round lights, red over white, or 2 cones apexes together
(ii) When gear extends more than 150m horizontally from vessel, an all round
white light or cone apex upwards in direction of gear.
(iii) When making way, sidelights and sternlight as well

d) Additional signals in Annex II apply when fishing in close proximity to other vessels.
e) When not engaged in fishing the lights above will not be shown other than the lights for
a vessel of her prescribed length.

Rule 27 – Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in their Ability to Maneouvre

a) A vessel N.U.C shall exhibit:
(i) Two all round red lights in vertical line
(ii) Two balls in vertical line
(iii) When making way through water, sidelights and sternlight.

b) A vessel R.A.M except a vessel involved in mine clearance shall exhibit:

(i) Three all round lights in vertical line, red – white – red
(ii) Three shapes, ball – diamond – ball
(iii) When making way, masthead(s) – sidelights – sternlight also
(iv) When at anchor, in addition to the lights in (i) and (ii), the lights or shape
prescribed in Rule 30.

c) A vessel towing which restricts her manoeuvrability shall show in addition to the lights
or shapes in Rule 24(a), the lights or shapes in (b)(i) or (ii) of this Rule.

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 d) A vessel dredging or underwater activities, when R.A.M shall exhibit the lights and
shapes in (b)(i), (ii) and (iii) and shall in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:
(i) 2 all round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to indicate the
side that the obstruction exists
(ii) Two all round green lights or two diamonds to indicate the side on
which another vessel may pass
(ii) When anchored, the lights and shapes in this rule as opposed to those
in Rule 30.

e) When the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to show
all the lights in (d), the following shall be exhibited:
(i) Three all round lights Red – white – red
(ii) A rigid replica of Code Flag ‘A’, not less than 1m in height.

f) A vessel engaged in mineclearance operations shall exhibit, 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, three all round green lights or three balls. One of these lights
or balls 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
1000m of the mineclearance vessel.
g) Vessels <12m, except those involved in diving operations, shall not be required to show
the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule.
h) The signals in this rule are not signals of distress. Such signals are in Annex IV.

Rule 28 – Vessels Constrained by their Draught

A vessel constrained by her draught may, in addition to the lights for power driven vessel in
Rule 23, may exhibit 3 red lights in vertical line or a cylinder.

Rule 29 – Pilot Vessels

a) A vessel engaged on pilotage duties shall exhibit:
(i) Two all round lights white over red

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 (ii) When underway, in addition, sidelights and sternlight
(iii) When at anchor, in addition to lights in (i), the lights prescribed for a vessel of
her length.
b) A pilot vessel when not on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights prescribed for a power
driven vessel of her length.

Rule 30 – Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground

a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit:
(i) In the fore part an all round white light or one ball
(ii) At or near the stern and lower than the forward light, an all all round white
light.

b) A vessel <50m may show one all round white light instead of the two whites.

c) A vessel>100m shall illuminate her decks.

d) A vessel aground shall exhibit the anchor lights as above plus:

(i) 2 all round red lights in vertical line
(ii) 3 balls in vertical line

e) A vessel <7m at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or

where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to show the lights or shapes
prescribed above.
f) A vessel <12m when aground does not have to show the lights prescribed in (d)
Rule 31 – Seaplanes
Where it is impracticable for a seaplane to show lights and shapes of the characteristics or in the
positions prescribed in the Rules, she shall exhibit lights and shapes as closely similar in
characteristics and positions as is possible.

PART D. Sound and Light Signals

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Rule 32 – Definitions
a) ‘Whistle’ means any sound signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed
blasts which complies with the specifications in Annex III
b) ‘Short blast’ means a blast of about 1 sec duration
c) ‘Prolonged blast’ means a blast of from 4 – 6 secs.

Rule 33 – Equipment for Sound Signals

a) A vessel 12m or more in length shall have a whistle and a bell and a vessel of 100m or
more in length shall also have a gong, the sound of which cannot be confused with the
bell.
b) A vessel <12m shall not have to carry the sound signalling appliances, but shall be
provided with some other means of making an effective sound signal.

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and Warning Signals.

a) When vessels are in sight of one another, a power driven vessel underway shall
indicate her manoeuvres by the following signals on her whistle:
(i) One short blast – I am altering course to starboard
(ii) Two short blasts – I am altering course to port
(iii) Three short blasts – I am operating astern propulsion

b) Any vessel may supplement her sound signals by light signals as per the sound signals
above using an all round white light, visibility 5 miles.

c) When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway:

(i) A vessel intending to overtake another shall indicate her intentions
with the following signals:
- Two prolonged blasts followed by one short to mean” I intend
to overtake you on your starboard side”
- Two prolonged blasts followed by two short to mean “ I intend
to overtake you on your port side”

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 (ii) The vessel being overtaken shall indicate her agreement by sounding
one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, one short

d) When vessels are approaching one another and either vessel fails to understand the
intentions of the other, she shall indicate such doubt by sounding at least
5 short blasts

e) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel where other vessels may be obscured,
she shall sound one prolonged blast. Such a signal shall be answered by a prolonged
blast by any approaching vessel within hearing.

f) If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than 100m, one whistle only
shall be used for giving warning and manoeuvring signals.

Rule 35 – Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or by night, the signals 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 with an interval
of about 2 secs between them.
c) A vessel NUC, RAM, constrained by draught, sailing vessel, vessel engaged in
fishing and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall sound instead
of the signals in (a) or (b), at intervals of not more than 2 mins one prolonged blast
followed by 2 short.

NUC
RAM
Constrained by draught

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 Sailing vessel
Engaged in Fishing
Towing vessel

d) A vessel engaged in fishing when at anchor, or a vessel RAM when carrying out
work at anchor shall sound the signals in (c) instead of (g). ( one prolonged two short)

e) A vessel towed, or if more than 1 vessel is towed, the last vessel of the tow, if manned,
shall at intervals of not more than 2 mins, sound one prolonged blast followed by 3
short blasts immediately after the signal made by the towing vessel.

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 (a) or (b) of this rule.

g) A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one minute, ring the bell rapidly
for 5 seconds. In a vessel of 100m or more, the bell in the forepart of the vessel shall
be followed by the gong sounded rapidly for 5 secs in the after part of the vessel.
A vessel at anchor may also sound one short, one prolonged, one short to warn of her
position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel.
h) A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if necessary the gong signal prescribed
above in (g) and shall in addition give three separate strokes on the bell immediately
before and after the ringing of the bell.

i) A vessel<12m shall not be obliged to make the abovementioned signals, but if she does
not, shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals not exceeding 2 mins.

j) A pilot vessel on pilotage duty may in addition to the signals in (a), (b) or (g) sound an
identity signal of four short blasts.

Rule 36 – Signals to Attract Attention

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If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals
that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorised elsewhere in the rules, or may direct the beam
of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way so as not to embarrass any vessel.
The use of strobe lights shall be avoided.

Rule 37 – Distress Signals

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance, she shall use the signals described in Annex
IV.

PART E. EXEMPTIONS
Rule 38 – Exemptions

Annex 1
Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes.

Annex II
Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity.
1. General
2. Signals for trawlers
(a) Vessels of 20m or more in length when engaged in trawling whether
using demersal or pelagic gear, shall exhibit:,
(i) When shooting nets, white over white lights
(ii) When hauling nets, white over red
(iii) When nets fast, red over red

(b) Each vessel of 20m or more engaged in pair trawling shall exhibit:
(i) By night, a searchlight in direction of other vessel of pair.

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 (ii) When shooting, hauling or fast, lights as in 2(a) above.
(c) A vessel under 20m engaged in trawling or pair trawling may exhibit
the lights prescribed above.
3. Signals for Purse Seiners
Vessels engaged in fishing with purse seine gear may show two flashing yellow lights in a
vertical line.

Annex III
Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances

Annex IV
Distress Signals
1. The following signals used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and
need of assistance:
a) A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about I minute.
b) A continuous sounding with any fog signalling apparatus
c) Rockets or shells throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals.
d) A radiotelegraphy signal of SOS in morse.
e) A radiotelephony signal of the spoken word ‘ MAYDAY’
f) Int. Code Signal of distress N.C
g) A square flag having above or below it a ball.
h) Flames on the vessel [ burning tar barrel, oil barrel etc]
i) A rocket parachute flare or hand flare showing a red light
j) A smoke signal showing orange smoke.
k) Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering the arms outstretched to each side
l) the radiotelegraph alarm signal
m) the radiotelephone alarm signal
n) Signals transmitted by EPIRB’s
o) Approved signals transmitted by radio communications systems including survival
craft transponders (SART’s)

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2. The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals except for the purpose of indicating
distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may be confused with
any of the above signals is prohibited.
3. Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the International Code of Signals, the
Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual and the following signals:

(a) A piece of orange coloured canvas with either a black square and
circle or other appropriate symbol ( for identification from the air)
(b) A dye marker

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