28 tal-1989

SUflplimel!llal·Ga Z~e/la lal-C",!"l ta' M a/la, Nm . 15.1J98, 14 Ill ' Ma'm. 1989

L.N. 28 of 1989

MERCIIANT SHlPPING ACT . lon3

(ACT NO. XI OF 1973)

CIVIL AVIATION ACT. 1972

(ACT NO. XL III OF 1972)

Merchltnl Shipping (pn'H' ntion of Collisions) Regulations. 19119

IN exe rcise of the powers conferred by section 292 oflhe Merchant

Shipping Act, 1973 and by section 3 of the Civil Aviation Act , 1972, the

Pri me Minister , with th e concurrence of the Minister for Develo pme nt

of Tertiary Sector, has made the following regulations:-

I. T hese regulations may be cited as Ihe Merchant Shipping Cita'ioo .

( Prevention o f Collisions) Regulations . ]989.

Rulc2(1)

INTERNATIONAL REGULATIO NS FOR

PREVENTING COLUSlONS AT SEA, 1972

PART A - GENERAL

Rule 1

Application

(a)

These Rules shall apply to aD vessels ulJOn the high seas and in all waters

connected therewith navigable by sengoing vessels.

(b)

Nothing in these Rules shall in terfere with the operation of special rules

made by an appropriate authority for roadsteads, harbours, rivers, lakes

or ill land waterways connected with the high seas and navigable by sea-

going vessels. Such special rules shall conform as closely as possible to these

Rules.

Nothing in these RuIn shall interfere with Ihe operatio n OfallY special rules

(c)

made by the Government of any Slale with respect to additional station or

signal lights, shapes or whistle signals for ships of war and vessels proceeding

under convoy, or with respect to additional station or signal lights or shapes

for fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet. These additional station or

signal lights, shapes or whistle signals shall, so far as possihle, be such that

they cannot be mistaken for any light, shape or signal authorized elsewhere

under these Rules_

(d)

Traffic separation schemes may be adopted by the Organization for the

purpose of these Rules.

Whenever the Government concerned shall have determined that a vessel

(c)

of special construction or purpose cannot comply fuHy with the provisions

of any of these Rules with respect to the number, position, range or arc of

visibility of lights or shapes, as weU as to the disposition and characteristics

of sound-signalling appliances, without interfering with the special function

of the vessel, such vessel shall comply with such othe r provisions in regard 10

the number. position, range or 3rc of visibilily of ligh ts or shapes. as well as

to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signalling appliances, as her

Government shall have determined 10 be the closest possible compliance

with these Rules in respect of that vesseL

Rut e 2

Responsibility

(a)

Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or

crew thereo f, from the consequences of any neglect 10 comply with these

Rules or of the neglec t of any precaution which may be required by the

ordinary practice of seamen , or by the special cilcumstances of the case .

B IIJ

In construing and complying with these Rules du e regard shall be had 10 all

(b)

dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, includ·

ing the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from

these Ru les necessary to avoid immediate danger.

Rule 3

General Definitiom

Fo r the puipOsc of these Rules, except where the context otherwise requires

T he word "vessel" inc ludes every descr iption o f wa te r c raft, in cludin g non-

d isplacement c raft and seaplanes, u,cd or capable of being u!!Cd as a means

o f trallsportation o n water.

(b)

The te rm "powe r-drivcn vesse l" means any vessel propelled by mac hinery.

(c)

The te rm "sailing vessel" mean s. any vessel unde r sail provided that

propeUing mach in ery , if filted, is no t being used,

The term "vc!oScl engaged in fishing" means any vesse l fishing with nets,

lines, trawls o r other fishing apparatus which restrict manoeuvrability. but

does not include a vesse l fishing with trolli ng lines or other fish ing apparatus

which do not rest ri ct manoeuvrabili ty.

(c)

The word "seaplane" in cludes an y aircraft designed to manoeuvre on the

water.

The term "vessel not under comma nd" means ~ vessel wh ich through some

(f)

exce ption al circumstance is unable to manoeuwe as requ ired by these Rules

and is the refore unab le to keep (lu t of Ihe way of another vesse l.

The te rm " vessel res tric ted in her abilily to manoeuvre" means a vessel

(g)

wllich from the natu re of lIer wo rk is restricte d in her ability to manoeuvre

as requ ired by these Rules and is Iherefore un able to keep out of the way of

·another vessel. The term "vcssels res tricted in thei r ability to manoeuvre"

sJl~1J incl ude bu t no t be limited 10

(i)

a vessel engaged ill laying, sel'll icillg or p ick ing up a navigation mark,

submari ne cable o r pipeline;

.

a vessel engaged ill dredging . surveying or un dcrwate r operations

( ii)

(iii)

a vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons. provisions

or ca rgo wh ile undcrway;

(iv)

a vessel engaged in t he launching 0 r recovery of airc ra ft

(v)

a vessel cngaged in minc clearance operations

(vi)

a vessel ellgagcd in a towing operation such as severely restric ts thc

towill g vessel and her tu w in their ab ility to deviate fro m th eir course.

(h)

the lenn "vessel constrained by her draught" means a power-driven vessel

which because of her draught in relation to the available depth of water is

seve rely restric ted in her abili ty to deviate from the course she is following.

The word "underway" means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to

the shore, or aground.

(j)

The words "length" and "breadth" of a vessel mean her length overall and

greatest breadth.

(k)

Vessels $hall be deemed to be in sight of onc another only when one can be

observed visually from the other.

(1)

The term "restricted visibility" means any co nditio n in which visibility is

restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstonns or any

nther $imilar causes.

PART B - STEERING AND SAILING RULES

SECT ION I - CONDUCT 01' VESSELS IN ANY

COND ITION OF VIS I RILlTY

Rule 4

Application

Rules in this Section apply in any condition of visibility.

Rule 5

Look..out

[very vessel shall at all times mailltain a prope r look..out by sight and hearing

as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and

conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

Rule 6

Safe Speed

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take

pmp'" and ~{rectiye action to avoid ooUision and be stopped within a distance

appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and cOllditions.

In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those laken

ill\o account

(a)

By all vessels

(i)

the state ofYisibiHty;

(ii)

the traffic density including concentrations of fiShing vessels or any

other vessels;

the manoeuvrability of the vessel with special reference 10 slopping

distance and turn ing ability in the prevailing condit ions;

at night the presence of background light such as from shore lights

(iv)

or from back scatter of her own ligh ts;

the state of wind, sea and current, and the pro)timity of navigational

hnards;

the draught in relation to the available depth of water.

(vi)

(b)

Additionally, by vessels with operational radar

(i)

the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipme nt;

(ii)

any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;

the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources

ofinterference;

the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may

not be detected by radar at an adequate range;

the number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar;

(v)

the mote ex~d ass.;,ssruent of th~ visibility that may be possible when

(vi)

radar is used to dete rmine the range of vessels or other objects in the

vicinity.

Rule 7

Risk of OJl/isio/l

Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing

circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision ellists. If the re

is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to ellis!.

(b)

Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and ope rational,

including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision

and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.

Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially

scanty radar information.

(d)

In dete rmining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be

among those taken into account

such risk shall be dee med to exist if the compass bearing of an

(i)

approaching vessel does not a ppreciab ly change;

(ii)

such ris,k rn:'Y sometil'!"les exist eYe n when an appreciable bearing

change 1.5 eVIden t. parhcularly when approaching a very large vessel

or I tow or when approaching a vessel at close range.

Rule 8

Action to IJl'Qid Co llision

Any actio n to avoid coUision shall, if Ihe cirCUmstances of the Clse admit,

be posi tive, made in ample time and with due regard 10 the observance of

good seamanship.

(b)

An y al terat ion of course an d/or speed 10 avoid co llision shall, if the

ci rcumstances of the case admit, be targe enough to be readily apparen t

to another vesse l observin8 visually or by radar ; a SliC(;cssion o f small

a1tetlllions of OOUISe and/or speed should be avoided ,

If thc re is surficient sea room , alterat io n of tourse alone may be the mo st

effective action to avoid a closc..quarters situation provided that it is made

in good time , is substantial and d~s not rcsu!t in anothc r dose-quarten

si tuat ion.

Action taken to avoid collision with anothe r vessel shall be ruch as to result

(d)

in passing at a safe di stance. TIle effectiv cness of the ac tion shall be carefully

ch«:ked until the other vesse l is fmally past and dear.

If necessary to avoid coDision or allow more time to assess the situation,

a vessel shall slacken her speed or take III way off by stopping or reversing

her means of propulsion.

Rule 9

A vessel proceeding along the cou!Se of a narrow c!lannel o~ fai~way shall

keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or faIrWay whIch hes on he r

starboard side as is SlIfe and practicable.

A vesscl of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel dlall nOI impede

(b)

the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow

channel or fairway.

A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other ve5Se1

navigating within a narrow chan nel or fairway.

A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes

(d)

the passage of a vessel which can safely naviga.te only wi~in su.ch cha nnel or

fairway . The la tt er ves.sel may use the sound sIgnal prescnbed In Rule 34(d)

if in doubt as 10 the intention of Ihe crossing vessel.

(e)

(i)

In I narrow channel or fairway when o¥'e rtaking can take place only

if the vessel to be ove rtaken hIS to take action to permit safe passing,

the vessel in tending 10 overtake shall indicate her inten tion by sounding

the appropriate signal presc ribed in Ru le 34{cXi). The vessel 10 be

ove rtaken shall,lf In agf~ment, sound the app ropriate signal prescribed

in Rule 34(cXii) and take ste ps to permi t safe passing. If in doubt she

may ","nd the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d}.

(il)

This Rule does nOI relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation u nder

Rule 13.

A vesse l nearing. bend Of an area of a narrow channel or fairway where

olher vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstructio n shall navigate

with particula r alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal

prescribed in Rule 34(e).

Any vesse l shall, if the ci rcumstances o f the cue admit, aYOid anchoring in

(g)

a narrow channel.

Rule 10

Traffic Separa /iolr Sclremet

(a)

Th is Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organil.ation .

(b)

A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall

proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of

traffic flow for that lane;

(ii)

so far as practicable keep clear o f a traffIC scplr1tion line o r separ1lion

zone;

(iii)

nonnaUy join or leave a traffic lane I t the termin. tion of the lane,

but when joining o r leaving from either side shall do so at as small

an Ingle \0 the general direction of !ramc flow as practicable .

(c)

A vessel shall so fa r as practicable avoid crossin& traffIC lanes, but if obliged

to do so shall cross as nearly as practicable at right angles to the &cneral

direction o f traffic flow .

Inshole traffIC zones shall not nonnaUy be used by through traffic which can

safely use the appropriate tramc lane within the adjaccnt traffic sepa ra tion

scheme. Howeve r, vessels of lcss than 20 met res in length and sailing vessels

m:ry under;,U1 circumstances use inshore traffic zoncs.

A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane

shall not nonnally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except

(i)

in cases o f emergency to avoid immediate danger;

(il)

to engage in fishing wi thin a separation zone.

(f)

A vessel navigat ing in areas near the lcnnina lions of Irame sepanlion

schemes shall do so with particular caution.

(s)

A vessel shall so rar as practicable avoid ancho ring in a tramc separa tion

scheme or in areu near its terminations.

A vessel not using a traffic se paration scheme mall avoid it by as wide I

(h)

mugin as is practicable.

A ¥esse) engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel

fo llOwing Ilrafnt lane.

(j)

1\ vessel of less than 20 me tres in length or a sailing vCS5Ill 5haJI 1I0t impede

the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.

(k)

A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation

fo r th e maintenance of safe ty o f navigation in a Inffic separation scheme is

exem pted from «Im plying with this Rule to the extent ncccS$ary to carry

out the operation.

A vesse l re stricted in he r abili ty to manoeuwc when engaged in an operation

fo r the laying, servicing or pic king up of a submarine cable, with in a traffic

separatio n scheme, is exempted from complying with this Rule to the ex tent

necessary to cury out the operation.

SI:;CTlON 11 - CO ND UCT 01' VI;SSELS IN SIGHT OF ON E ANOTHER

Rule 11

A,'pliCQ/iul1

Rules in this Section apply to vessels in ~ight of one another.

Rule 12

Sailil1g Vends

(a)

When tw o sailing \'essels arc approaching one anothe r, so as \0 in volve risk

of collision, one of them shall keep out o f the way of the other as follows

(i)

when each has th e wind on a dirrerent side. the \'esscl which has the

willd 011 the pOll side shall keep out of the way of thc othe r;

(ii)

whc lI bo th have the wind on the same side. th e vessel which is to wind-

wald shall keep out of the way of the vessel wh ich is to leeward;

if a ~esscl with the wind on the poll side sees a \'essel to windward

(iil,

and can no t determine with certain ty whether the other vessel has the

wind on the port 01 on the stalboard side. she shall keep out of the

way of the other.

(b)

For the purposes of this Ru le the windwa rd side shall be deemed 10 be the

side opposite to that 011 which th e ma insail is tarried or. in the case of a

square-rigged veutl, th e siue opposite to that on which the largest fore-and·

aft sail is carried.

Rule 13

Overtakillg

Notwithstandi ng anything con tained in the Ru les of Part D, Sections I and 11 ,

any vessel ove rtaking any oth er shall keep oul of the way of the vessel being

overtaken .

A ve~1 shall be deemed to be overtak ing when comi ng up with another

(b)

vessel from a direction morc than 22 .5 degrees abaft he r beam , th at is, in

such a position with reference 10 the vessel she is o vert aking, that at night

she would be able to sce only the stcrnligh t of that vessel bu t neithe r of

her sidelights.

When -a vessel Is In any doubt as to whether she il overtaking anot her, she

(c)

511all assume that this is the case and act acco rdin gly .

(d)

Any subsequen t al tera tion of the bearing between the two yessels shall not

make th e ove rtaking vessel a crossing vesse l wi thin the meaning of these

Rules or relieYe her o f the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken ¥essel

until she is finally past and clear.

Rule 14

J/etxi«J1I Si(!lation

(a)

When two power.(]riyc n vessels are me eting on re ciprocal or nearly re ciprocal

courses 50 as to involve risk of collision each shall alte r her course to

slaro oard 50 that each sh all pass o n the port side of th e other.

Such a si tua tion shall be deemed to eltist when a vessel sees the o ther ahead

(b)

or nearly ahead and by night she couid sce the masthead lights o f the o ther

in a line or nearly in a line and/o r both sidelights and by day 511e obse rves

the corresponding aspect of the other vessel .

(c)

When a vesse l is in any doubt as 10 whether such a si tua tion exisn she shall

assume that it doc s exist and ac t acco rdingly.

Rule 15

OOSJillg Situation

When two power.(]riven yessels are c rossing so as to involve risk of collision,

Ihe vessel which has the othe r on her own starboard side shall keep outof the way

and 511a11. if the circumstances o f the case admit. avoid crossing ahead of the o the r

vessel.

Rule 16

Action by GiI>t·WIlY Vt'ssel

Every vessel which is di rected to keep out of the way of another vessel

shall, so far as possible , take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Rule 17

Actioll by Stalld-on Vessel

(0

(a)

Where one of two vessels is to keep out of Ihe way the othe r shall

keep her course and speed.

(ii)

The la tter vessel may however lake act io n 10 avoid collision by her

manoeuvre atone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel

required to keep out of the way is no l laking appropriate action in

compliance with these Rules.

When. from any cause, the vessel required 10 keep her course and speed

(b)

finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the

give-way vessel alone, :she shall take $lIch ac tion as will best aid 10 avoid

collision.

A powe r.driven vesse l which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance

(c)

with sub·paragraph (a)(ii) of this Rule to avoid collision with another power·

driyen vessel shall, if th e circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to

port for a vessel on her own port side.

This Rule does not relieve the give·wav vessel of her obligatio n to It~CP out

(d)

or lh e way.

Rut. 18

RfS(JQnsibilirit$ bellveen Vessels

Excep t where Rules 9, 10 and 13 othe rw ise require

A power-driye n vessel underway shall keep out oflhe way of

(a)

a vessel nol under command;

(i)

(ii)

a vessel restric ted In her ability to man oeuvre;

(iii)

vessel engaged in [ismn! ;

I

(jv)

a sailing vessel.

(b)

A saili ng vessel ulldcrway shall keep out of the way of

0)

a vessel not under command ;

n

B

(ii)

a vessel rest ricted in her ability 10 manoeuvre;

a vessel engaged in fishing.

(iii)

(c)

A veuel engaged in tithing when underway shall, 50 far as possible, keep

out of the way of

a vessel not under command;

(I)

(ii)

I vessel restricted in het ability 10 manoeuvre.

(i)

(d)

Any vessel othe r than a vcue] not under command or a vessel restricted

in her ability 10 manoeuvre shall, if the circumstanus of the case admit,

1¥Old imped ing the afe passage o f a vessel constrained by her draught,

clthibiting the signals in Ru le 28.

(il)

A vessel constrained by her draught shall navigate with particular

cau tion having full rega rd \0 her special condition .

A seaplane on the water !hall, in general, keep weU clear of all "usel! and

(c)

avoid imPeding tll ciT naviga tio n. In circu mstances, howeve r, where risk of

collisio n exists, she shall comply with the Rules of this Part .

SEC TI ON III - CO ND UCT 01' VESSE LS IN RESTRICTED VIS I BILITY

Rule 19

Ccmt/ucl 01 VeJSd.f in Rermicloo Visibilily

Th is Ru le applie s 10 vessels not in sight of onc another when navigating

in or near an area of restrie ted visibility.

(b)

Every vessel shall proceed a1 a s.afe speed adapted to the prevailing

circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power·driven vessel

shall have her enginu ready for immediate manoeuvre.

(c)

Every vessel shall have due regard to the pre'l3iling circumstances and

conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules of Section I

of lhis Part .

(d)

A vessel which delects by radar alone the presence of ano thl' r vessel shall

dl'te rminl' if a c!05e<ju3 rters situation is deve loping and/o r risk of collision

I'xiSlS. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample timl'. provided that when

such actio n consists of an alteration of course, so rar as possible Ihe following

shall be avoidl'd

(i)

an altl' rat ion of conr!IC to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other

Ihal1 for a vessel being over lak en;

(ii)

an alte ration of cou rse towards a vessel abeam o r aba ft the beam.

Except where it has been determined that a risk of colHsion does not C)tiSI,

(c)

every vessel which hean apparently forwa rd of her beam the fog signal of

another vessel, or which cannot avoid a c1ose.quarters situation with another

vessel forward o f her beam, thaU reduce her speed 10 the minimum at which

the can be kept on her course. She shall if necess.ary like all he r way o ff and

in any event navigate with c)(treme caution until dUlger of coUuion is oYer .

PART C -

LIGHTS AND SHAPES

Rule 20

Applica/ion

Rules in this Part shall be complied wi th in all weathers.

(a)

The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunse t 10 sunrise,

(b)

and during such times no othe r lights shall be exhibited. except such lights

as cannot be mistaken for the lights spedfied in Ihc5e Rules o r do not impair

their visibility or distinctive chafllcler, or interfere with the keeping of

a proper Jook-out.

(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.

Th e lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall comply with the

(e)

provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.

Rule 21

De,/initiolls

"Masthead lighl" means a white Heht placed over the fore and aft eentrtline

of the vessel showing an unb roken ligh t o ver an arc of the horizon of

225 degrees and so fixed 35 to show the light from right ahead 10 22.5 degrees

abaft the beam on ei ther side o f the vessel.

(b)

"Sidelights" mea ns a green light on Ihe starboard side and a red light on

the pilrt side each showing an unbroken ligh t over an arc of th e horizon

of 112 .5 degrees and so fixed as to shuw the light from right ahead to

( I) Until the eighteenth day of November 1989. the ApplicatK>llol

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972. set 0111 '"tc~.llOn'l

in Schedule I 10 these regulations shall. wit h the exception of Rule 37 ,egu at"""

and Annex IV thereof. have effect for the prevention of collisions at sea

a nd othcr navigable wate rs.

(2) With effect from the nineteenth day of November 1989.

the Internatio nal Regulations for Prevcnting Collisions at Sea. 1972 . set

out in Schedule I 10 these regulations as amended by Schedule " to

the se regulatio ns . sha ll . with the exception of R ule 37 and Annex IV

thereof. have effect for the prcvention of collisions at sea and other

navigabl e waters .

J. These regulations shall apply to a ll vessels registered in Malta AW';e .. ..,., 01

a nd shall also be observed by all foreign vcssels within Maltese tcrritorial ,~

rcgul.,i<>o>.

and inland waters.

4 . The Merchant Shipping ( Prevention of Collisions) Regula· R • ...,kes

L. N. 87

lions. 1978, are he reby revoked.

of 19711.

5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel o f less than

20 metres in le ngth the sideligh ts may be co mbined in one lantern carried

on the fo re and art cen treHne of thc-vessel.

(c)

"Sterlllight" means a white light placed as nearly as prac ti cable at the stem

showing an unbroken light over an ar c of the horizon of 135 degrees lnd so

fixed as to show the light 67.s degrees from right aft o n each side o hhe vessel.

(d)

''Towin g ligh t" mean s a yellow light having the same chara cteristics as the

"ste rnlight" defined in paragraph (c ) of this Rule.

·'AIl·round light" means a light ~owing an unbroken light over an arc of the

(c)

horizon of 360 degrees.

"Flashing tigh t" means a light flashing al regular in lc~aJs at a frequency o f

120 flashes o r mOff: per minute.

Rule 22

ViJibllity of Lights

The ligh ts presc ribed in these Rules sha ll have an in tensit y as specified in

Section 8 of Annex I to these Regulat ions so as 10 be visible at the foll owing

minimulll ranges

(a)

In vessels of SO metres or mo,re in lengt h

- a mast head light, 6 miles;

- a sid elight , J miles

- a sternligh t , 3 miles

- a towing light , 3 miles

- 3 while, red, green or yellow all -round light, 3 miles.

In vesse ls of 12 metres o r more in lengt h but less tha n SO met re10 in length

(b)

3 muthead light . 5 miles; except th at where the length or th e vessel is

-

less than 20 metres, 3 mil es;

_ a sideligh t, 2 miles;

3 stern ligll t. 2 miles

-

- a lowing ligh t. 2 miles

~ white. red. gree n or yellow all·round ligh t. 2 miles.

-

(c)

[n vessels or less th3n 12 me tres in le ngth

- a masthead ligh t. 2 miles

- a si(jeligltt . I mil e

- a sternligh!, 1 miles

~ towing ligh t. ~ mil es

-

~ whit e. red. green o r yell ow all·round light . 2 miles.

-

In inoonspiCllOUS. pa rtly subme rged vessels o r objec ts being towed

- a wh ite all-rollnd light. 3 miles.

Rule 23

PoweH/rjl'tll Vessels underway

A powtr-drivcn vessel underway shall exhibit

(a)

(i)

a masthead light forwa rd;

a $ei;ond masl~ad ligh t abaft of and higher Ihan Ihe forward O~

(ii)

except tha t l vesse l of less than SO metres in length shall not be obliged

to exhibit such light but may do so

(Hi) sidelights;

(iv)

a sternlight.

An ai r-cushion ~sse l when opera ting in the non-displacemen t mode shall.

in addition 10 the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, c)(hihil

an all-round flashing yellow light.

(c)

A powcr-drive n vessel of less than 12 metres in length may in lieu of

the Hghts prescribed in paragraph (a) of Ihis Rule exhibit an all-round

white light and sidelights;

a power-d ri'lcn vessel of less than 7 met res in leng th whose maximum

speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of Ihe lights prcscribeJ in

paragra ph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and shall,

if prac\ icable , also exhibit sideligh IS

the masthead light or all-round while light on a power-driven vessel

of less than 12 metres in le ngth may be displaced from the fore and aft

cenlreline of the vessel if centreline fiUing is not practicable_ provided

that the sidelights are combined in one lantcrn which shall bt carried

on the fore and afl celltreiille of the vessel or loca ted 3 S nearly 35

pract icable ill the same fore and aft line 3§ the muthead Hght or the

all-round white light.

Ru le 24

To willgul/d Pus/rillg

(a)

A PQwcr.Jriven vessel when towiug shall exhibit

(i)

instead of the light prescribed in Rul e 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two muthe ad

lights in a vertical line_ When the lengt h of the to w, mea~uling from

the stem of the towing vessel to the after cnd of the tow exceeds

200 metres, three such lights in a vertical line;

(ii)

sidelights;

Oii) a slernlighl;

"

a towing ligh t in a Yerlical line above the stt roUghl ;

(iv)

(v)

when the length of the IOW exceeds 200 lIle tres, a diamond shape where

it ca n best be seen.

(b)

Wh en a puming vcssel and a vessel be ing pushed ahe ad are rigidly connec ted

in a co mposite uni t they shall be regarded as a powc r.d riven vc~l and e xhibit

the lights prescribed in Rule 23.

A power.driven ¥esse] when push ing ahead or towing alongsid e, Cllce pt in

(c)

the case o f a composit e unit, shall exhibit

instead of the ligh t prcS(:ribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (aXii), two masthead

lights in a vertical line;

sidelights;

(ii)

I SlcmJight .

(d)

A power·driven vessel to whi ch paragraph (a) 01 (c) of this Rule applies shall

Jlso com ply with Rul e 23(aXil).

(c)

A ...... ssel or object being towed, other Iha,l those mentioned in pa ragraph (g)

of th is Rule, shall e:dtibit

sidelights;

(i)

(ii)

a stcmUght;

(iii)

when the lcngth of the tow excecds 200 met res, a diamond shape where

it can beSt bNeen .

Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushe d in a

group shlll be lighted IS o nc vessel,

(i)

a vessel being pushed ahead. not be in g part of a composite uni t , shall

c)l hibit at the forward en d, sidelights;

(il)

a vessel being towed alongside shall uhibit a ste rn light and at the

forward end. sidelights .

(g)

An inconspicuo us. partly submerged vessel or object, or combination of suc h

vessels or objects being towed, shall exhibi t

if it is less th an 25 metres in breadt h, onc all·round wh ite light at o r

near the forward end ~ n d one at o r ne ar the after cnd except that

dr acones need not exhibit a light at or near th e forward end;

(ii)

if it is 25 metres o r mo re in breadth, two additio nal all -rou nd whi te

lighu at or near the ex tremi ties of its breadth;

If it e)lc~eds 100 metres in lengt h, additional all·round whi te lights

(iii)

between the lights prescribed in sub-paragraphs (i) a nd (ii) so

that the distance between the lighl5 sha ll not exceed 100 me tres;

a diamond shape at or near the arlellllost ext remity of the last ve uel

(iv)

Of objec t being towed and if th e length of th e tow exceeds 200 metres

an additional diamond shape where 11 ca n best be seen and loca ted

IS far forward as is practicable.

Whe re fwm any suffICien t cause it is impra cticable for a vessel or o bject

(h)

being towed 10 exhibit the lights or shapes presc ribed in paragraph (e) or

(s) o f this Rule, all possible measu reS shall be taken 10 ligh t Ihe vessel o r

object towed or at least to indicate IIH! presence of such vessel or objec t.

Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normall y

(i)

engaged in to wing operations 10 display the lights prescribed in pu agra ph (a)

or (c) of this Ru le, such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights

whe n engaged in towing another vessel in di stress or oth erwise in need of

usbtance. All possible measu res shall be taken to indicate the nature of the

relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being towed as

aut horiud by Rule 36, in particular by llluminaUng the towli ne.

Ru l. 25

SDiling VesselJ undClWfl)' Qnd Vessels under Oars

(a)

A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit

(I)

sidelights;

(li)

a sternHght.

(b)

In a sailing vessel of less than 20 metres in leng th th e ligh ts prescribed in

paragra ph (a) of this Rule may be combined in one lantern ca rried at or near

the to p of the mast where it can best be seen.

A sailing ~ssel underway may, in addition to the ligh ts prescribed in

(c)

paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit at o r near the to p of Ihe mast, where they

can best be seen. two all-lOu nd lighlli in a vertical Ihlt. the upper being

red and the lower grccn . but these lights shallllOt be exhibi ted in conjunction

wi th the (:Ombined lant ern pennit ted by paragraph (b) o f th is Ru le.

0)

A sailing vessel of less than 7 metres in length shall. If pract icable,

exh ibi t the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) o f this Rule. but

if she does no t, she shall have ready at hand an electric lorch or lighted

lantern showing a white ligh t which shall be cxhibitcd in sufficient time

to prevent collision.

(ii)

A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights presc ribed in this Rule for

sailing vessels. but if she does not, r.he shall have ready at hand an

electric lorch or lighted lantern showing a wh ite tigh t wh ich shall be

exhibited in sufficient time to pre~ nt collis.ion.

(e)

A vessel proceeding unde r sail when abo being propelled by machinery shall

exhibit forward where it can best be scen a conical shape. ape)!. downwards.

8J

B

Rule 26

Fishing Vessell

A vessel engaged in fishing. whe ther unde rway o r al an,hor, shall exhibit

only the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule.

A \'elSe ] when engaged in trawling, by which is mean t the dragging through

(b)

the water of a dredge net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance.

shall exhibit

two all-round light, in I vertical ltoe, the upper being IIr~n .Itd the

lower white. or a shape consisting of two cones wi th their apexes

togelher in a vert~l line onc above the o tll(~ r ; a vessel of less than

20 met res in length may instead of this shape exhib it a basket;

(ii)

a masthead light abaft of and higher than the all·round green light;

a vessel of less than SO met res in length shal l not be obliged to exhib it

such a tight bu t may do iIO;

(iii)

when making way through the water, in addition to the lights

prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights 3nd a sternlight.

It. vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling shall exhibit

two all·round lights in a vertkal line. the upper being red and the

lower white, o r a shape I:o nsis ting o f two oones with ape)(eS together

in 3 vertkal line one above the other; I vessel of le!.S than 20 metres

in lcngth may imtead o f this 51lape c)(hibi! 3 basket

when thcre is outlying gcur e)( tending more than 150 metres hor izon tally

(ii)

from the vessel. an aU ·round white light or a cone apex upwards in the

direction of Ihe gear;

wh ... n rnaking way th rough the w3t ... r. in addition to the lights

prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternUght .

fl. vessel ellgaged in fishing In close proximity to other vessels engaged in

(d)

fishing may exhibi t the add itional signals described in Annex 11 to these

R ... gulations.

It. ,"t'sscl wllClI not engaged in fishing shall not exh ibit the lights or shapes

prescribed in this Ru le, but only those prescribed for a vessel of her leng th .

Aule 27

!'rUt'/s 110/ IIl/dl'r COli/manu or Resrrictru in

rl/rir Ability to Mal/()('w·r('

(3)

It. vcss,", not untler commantl sha ll exhibi t

all·round red lights ill a verticalli lle where they can best be seen

[WO

two balls o r sim ila r 51lapes ill 3 vertkallinc where they can best be see n;

""'hen making ..... ay through Ihe water. in addi tion to the ligh ts

(ill)

pltscribed in this paragrllph. ~ideligh l$ and a sternHght.

A vessel rest ricted in her ability to manoeuvre, except a vessel engaged in

(b)

minc clearance operations, shall exhibi t

three all-round lights In a ve rt ical line where Ihey can besl be stClI.

The hiKhest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the mi ddle light

shall be white ;

three IMp" In I Wlrtical line where-they tan ~UI be seCfl, The highest

(li)

and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond ;

(iil) whcn making way through the water. a masthead light o r lights, side-

lights and a ste rnlight, in addition 10 the ligh ts prescribed in sub-

paragraph (I);

(iv)

when al anchor, in addition \0 the lighll o r shapes prescribed in sub '

paragraphs (i) and (ii), the light. lights o r shape prescribed in Rule 30,

A power.driven vessel engaged in a towing operation such as seve rely restricts

th e towing vessel and her IOW in Iheir ab ili lY 10 devia te from their course

shall, in addition 10 Ihe lights o r shapes prescribed in Ru le 24{a), exhibit

the lights or shapes prescribed in sub·paragraphs (b)(l) and (ii) of this Rule.

A vessel eng.1ged in dredging or undcIW31cr ope ration~. when restricted

(d)

in he r ability to manoeuvre , shall exhibit the ligh ts and shapes prescrihed

in sub·paragraphs ( b)(i), (ii) and (Hi) uf Ihis Ru le and shall in addition, when

an obstruction exists, exhibit

two all, round red lights or two baUs in a ver tical line to indica te the

side on which the obstruction ex ists;

two all·rou nd green lights or two diamo nds in a vertical line to indica te

the side on wh ich another vesse l may pass;

(iii)

when at anchor, the lights or shapes prescribed in this paragraph instea d

of the Ugh tsor sh ape presc ribed in Rule 30 ,

Wh enever the size of a vessel e ngage d in diving operations mak es it

(e)

imp rac tic ab le 10 exhibil all lighu and shapes p rescribed in pa ragraph (d) of

this Rule, the following shall be exh ib ited

(i)

three all·ro und lights in a vertical line whe re they ca n best be see n.

The highest and loweu of these lights sh all be rcd and the middle

ligh t shall be wh ite ;

a rigid replica o f the Internatio nal Code nag "A"' nOll ess than I metre

(11)

in height. Measu res shall be taken to ensure its all·round visibili ty.

A vesscl engaged in mincclearance opcr~tion s shall ill additio n 10 th e lights

(f)

prescribed for a power.driven ycssel in Rule 23 or to the lights o r shallC

prescfibed for a vessel al an chor In Rule 30 as appropriate, exhibit three

B "

all-round green lights or th ree balls. One of these lights or !.hapes mall be

exhibited nea r t he foremas t head and one at each end of the fore yard. TI1Cse

lights or shapes indicate that it is dange rous for another vessel to approach

wi thin 1000 me tres of the mineclearance vessel.

(g)

Vessels of less than 12 me tre s in lengt h, except those engaged in diving

ope rat ions. shall not be req uired to exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed

in this Ru le.

(h)

The signals presc ribe d in thi s Rule are nOI signals of vessels in dist re ss and

requiring assistance . Such signals are contained in An nex IV to these

Regulations.

Rula 28

Ves$t/J CQlI$lrainet/ by their Drough t

A vessel const rained by her drllught may, in addilioll to the lights presc ri bed

for power-driven vessels in Ru le 2r. exhibit where they can best be seen three

all-round red Iigllts in a vertical Hne, or a cylinder .

Rul. 29

PIlot Vtsuds

A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit

at or near the mas thead , two all-round lights in a vertical line, the

(i)

upper being white and the lower red;

(ii)

when undcrway, in additio n, sidelights and a sternlight;

(iii) when al an chor. in addition to the lights prescribed in snb.paragraph

(i). the ligh t , ligh ts or shape prescribed in Rule 30 for vessels at anchor.

A pilot vessel whe n not engaged on pilotage duty $hall exhibit the lights

or $hapes prcscribed for a 5imilar vcssel of her length.

Ru le 30

A ncirored Vestt'ls Qnd Vessels Qgroulld

(a)

A vessel at anchor shall cxhibit where it can best be seen

in the fore pari , an aJl-round while light or one ball

(i)

(ii)

at or near Ihe ste rn and at a lower level th an the light prescribec in

su b-p:llagraph (I), an all·round white light.

(b)

A Yer.sel of less tharl 50 metres in length may exhibit an all-round white

light where it can best be seell instead of Ihe ligh ts pres.t:ribed in paragraph (a)

of this Rule.

A vessel al anchor may , and a vessel of 100 metres and more in lengt h. 'Shall

also U!C the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.

A vessel aground shall ex hibit the lights presc ri bed in paragraph <_> or (0)

(d)

of this Rule and in addition , where they can best be $Un

(0

two .U-round rcd lights in a vcrticalline ;

(ii)

three balls in a vc rticalline.

A vessel of less than 7 metres in length, whcn at anchor, not in Of ntar a

narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or whe re olhe r vessels normally

navigate, sha ll not be required 10 exllibit th e lights or shape prescribed in

<.>

and (b) of this Rule.

p,aflgraphs

A vessel of less than 12 metres in length, when agrou nd , shall nol be required

to exhibit the lights or s11SpeS presc ribed in sub.paragraphs (dXi) and (ii)

orlhis Rule.

Rul.31

SwpilllleJ

Whe re it is impracticlblc for I supllne to ex hibit lights and shapes o f the

characteristics o r in the positions dC5Cribed in the Rul es of this ParI she mall

exhibit ligh ts :;md shapes as closely similar in charac teristics and position as is

possib le.

PART 0 - SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS

Ru le 32

Definitions

The word "whistle" means any Klund signalling appliance capable of

producing the prescribed blasts and which com plies with the specifica tions

in Annex III to these Regulations.

(b)

The term "shorl blast" means a blast o f abou t o ne second's duration .

(c)

The term "prolonged blast" means a blast o f from four to six sc<:ond s'

du ratio n.

Rul.33

Equipment for Sound SignQlr

A vessel of 12 metres o r more in leng th mall be provided with a whistle

(a)

and a bell and a ve ssel o f 100 me tres or morc in lengt h sha ll , in addition.

be provided with a gong, the tone and sound o f which ca nnot be con fu sed

with that of the bell. The whistle , be ll and gong sha ll comply with Ihe speci·

fiCJtions in Anne x III to these Regulations. The bell or gong o r both may

B '"

be replaced by other equipment h3Vil1g the same respective sound cha rac-

teristics. pro vided that llIanual so unding of the prescribed signals shall al ways

be possible.

A ~ssel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged 10 carry the

(b)

sound signalling 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.

Ru le 34

Ma/l()cr.wring Q/ld Wamillg Sigl/llls

(a)

When ¥essels are in sight of one another. a power.(!riven vessel underway,

when manoeuvring as autho rized or required by these Rule s, shall indicate

Ihal manoeuvre by the following signals on her whistle

- onc short bl.:Jst 10 mean " la m alte ring rny course to starboard";

two !.horl blasts to mean "~ I am altering m1 course to port";

three short blasts 10 mean " I am opera tin!: astern p ropulsion".

(b)

Any vessel may supplement th e whistle Signals presc ribed in paragraph (3)

of this Rulc by light si!:nals, repeated as appro pria te, whilsl the manoeuvre

is bei ng ca rri ed 0111

(i)

these light signals shall have th e following significan ce

- une n ash tu 111ean " I 3111 alteri ng my eourse 10 starboard";

tw o nashes to Ulean " I am altering my COlliK to po rt";

three nashcs 10 mean " I aln opera tin g utC Ill propulsion";

the lIuratio n of ea ~ h na sh sllall be about one second, the int erval

(i i)

bet ween nashcs shall be about one second, and the in terval between

successive sign als shall be nut less than tcn seconlls

(iii)

the light usell for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white

light. visible at a minimum range of S miles, and shall romply with the

provisions of Annex I to these Regulation s.

When in sigll t "f oue al10lh cr in a narrow channel or fairway

(e)

vessel in len d in!! tu overtake another sl1311 in compliance with

( i)

:I

Rule 9(c)(i) illdkatc her inl elllion by the fullowing signals on her

whistle

- tW\) prolunged bbsls f"lIo ... ·ed by one short blast 10 mean "1 intend

lu uYCrta k.; yuu on yllUI starboard side"

- IWU 1)wlul11te d bbsts followed by twu sllort bbst! to mean hI

inte nd to ()\'e rl ake you un yun r purt side",

B BB

(ii)

the ¥essel about to be overtaken when acting In accorda nce with

Rule 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement by the (oUo wing signal on

her whistle

- one prolonged , one sltor!, one prolonged and Onc short blast, In

that order.

When vessels in sight of one another IIC approaching each other and from

(d)

any cause either vessel fails to undentand the intenlions or actions of the

other, or is in doubt whether suffICient action is being taken by the other

10 avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doub t

by giving al least five short and rapid blasts on the wh ist le . Such signal may

be supplemen ted by a light signal of at least five short and rapid names.

A vesse l nearing a bend or an area ora channel o r fairway where other vessels

(e)

may be ob$CUred 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 Sig/lil/l 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 shaJlsound at in terval s

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.

(c)

A vessel not under command . a vessel rest ricted in her I bilily to manoeuvre,

a vessel constrained by her draught. a sailing vessel. a vesse l enpged in fishing

and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall. instead orlhe

signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule. sound 11 in tervals

of not more than 2 minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged

followed by two short blasts.

(d)

A vessel engaged in fishing. when at anchor, and a vessel restricted in her

ability to manoeuvre when carrying out her work al anchor, shall instead

of the signals prescribed in paragnph (g) of this Rule sound the signal

prescribed in paragraph (c) of this Ru le .

A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed the lut vessel of the

to .... , if manned, shall at intervals of nOI mOTC than 2 minutu sound four

blasu in succession, namely o ne prolo nged followed by three short blasts.

When practkab le, this signal shall be made immediately after the signal

made by the to wing vessel.

When a pushed vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected

In I composi te unit they shall be regarded 11 I power-driven vessel and shall

give the signals prescribed in paragraphs <a) o r (b) of this Rule.

A vessel at anchor shall al intervals of not more than one minute ring the

(g)

bell rapidly for about 5 seconds. In a vcs.sel of 100 metres or more in length

the beU shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and immediately after

the ringing of the beU the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about 5 seconds

in the afte r part of the vessel. A vessel a! anchor may in addition sound three

blasts in succession, namely one short, one prolonged and one short blast ,

10 give warning of he r position and of the possibili ty of collision to an

approaching vessel.

(h)

A vesse l aground shall gi\le the bell signal and if required the gong signal

prescribed in paragOlph (g) of th is Rule and shllll, in addition, give three

sepa rate Ind di!linct 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.

(i)

A vessel of less than 12 me tres 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.

A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may in addition to the signals

prescribed in pa ragraphs (a), (b) o r (g) of this Rule sou nd an identity signal

consisti ng of four shoft blasts.

Rule 36

SigntllJ 10 llllrllct A Utlllloll

If necessary to att ract the attent io n of another vessel any vessel may make

ligh t o r sound signllls that !;annot be mistaken fo r any signal authorized elsewhere

in these Rules. or may direc t the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the

danger. in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. Any light to attrac t the

attention of another vessel shall be such that it canno t be mistaken for any aid

to navigJtion. For the purpose of this Ru le the use of high intensity inlennittent

or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided.

Rule 37

DUlre" SiI/wlJ

Wh en a vessel is in distress and requires assistanoe ~le shall use or exhibit

th e signals de$Cribed in Annex IV to these Regulations.

B .,

PART E -

EX EMPTIONS

Rule 38

Exonptions

Any vessel (or class of vessels) provided that w complies with the

requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at

Sea. 1960, th e kee l of which is laid or wh ic h is at a corresponding stage

of construction before the entry into force of these Regulations may be exempted

fTo m com pliance the rewith IS foUows

(a)

The instillation of li&hu with ranges prescribed in Rule 22, until four years

ane r the date of entry into force of these Regulations.

The installation of lights with colour specincltions as prl:$Cribed in Section 7

(b)

of Annex I to these Reg ulations, until four yean after the dale of entry

into force of these Regulations.

(c)

The reposi tioning of lights as a result of conversion from Irnperiallo metric

units and rounding off measuremen t figures. permanent exemption .

(d)

(i)

n.e repositioning of masthead lights on vessels orless than 150 metres

in length, resulting from the prescriptions of Section 3(a) of Annex I

to these Regulations. permanent exemption.

(ii)

The repositioning of masthead lights on vessels of ISO metres or more

in length, resulting from the prescriptions of Section 3(a) of Annex I

to these Regulat ions, unt il nine years after the date of entry into force

of th~ Regulations.

(c)

TIle reposition ing of masthead lights resul ting from the presc riptio ns of

Section 2(h ) of Annex I to these Regulations, un til nine years afler the date

of entry in to force of these Regulat ions.

TIle repositio ning of sidelights resulting from the plcscriptions of Sl:ctions 2(g)

and 3{b) of Ann ex I to these Regulat io ns. until nine years after the date of

entry into force oflhese Regulations.

(g)

The requi rements for iOund signal appliances prescribed in An nex 111 to

th ese Regulations, until nine years after the date of entry in to force of these

Regulations.

(h)

The repositioning of all·round lights resulting from the prescription of

Section 9(b) of Annex I to these Regulat io ns, pe rmanent exemption.

ANNEX I

POSITIONING AND TECHNICAL DETAilS OF

LIGHTS AND SHAPES

Definition

The te rm "height above the hull" means heigh t above the uppermost

co ntinuo us dec k. Th is height shall be measured from the position vertically benea th

th e 10ca lio n oflh e light.

2. Vertical positioning and spacing of light.

(a)

On a powe r-driven vessel of 20 me tres or more in length the masthtl.d

lights shall be placed as follows

th e forward masthead ligh t, or if only one masthead light is

(0

carried, then that ligh t. at a heiglu above the hull of not less

than 6 me tres, and , if the breadth of the vessel exceeds 6 metres,

then at a height above th e hull not less than such bread th, so

howev er that the light need not be placed at a greater height

above the hull than 12 metres;

when tw o masthead lights are carried the after one shall be at

(ii)

least 4 .5 metres vertically higher than the forward onc.

(b)

The verti ta l separation of masthead lights of power·driven ve!;Stls shall

be such that in all no rmal condit ions of trim the after light will be

see n over and separate from tile forward light at a distance of

1000 metres from the stem when viewed from sea level.

(c)

The masth ead ligh t of a power·driven vesse l of 12 metres but less than

20 me tres in le ngth shall be placed at a height above the gunwale of

nO lless tha n 2 .5 metres.

A power-tiriven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may carry the

uppermost ligh t at a height o f less than 2.5 metres above the gunwale.

When however a masthead ligh t is carried in add ition to sidelights and

a ste rn ligh t. then such masthead light shan be carried a(least I metre

higher than Ihe sidelights.

One of the twO or three mastllead lights prescribed for a power·driven

(e)

vessel when engaged in towing or pushing anot her vessel sllall be placed

in th e same position as eithe r the forward masthead light or the after

masthead light; provided that. if carr ied on the afte rmast, tile lowest

after masthead tight shall be at least 4.5 met res vertically higher than

the forward masthead light.

The masthead tight or tights presc ribed in Rule 23(a) shall be so

(i)

placed U 10 be above and d ear o f all o ther tights and obstr uctions

excep t as desc ribed in sub-paragraph (ii).

When it i3 imp racticab le to carry the all-round lights prescribed

(ii)

by Rule 27(b)(i) or Rule 28 below the masthead lights, they may

be car ried

above the after masthead light(s) or vertically in

betw een the forward masthead Iigh l(s) and after masthead

light(s), provided that in Ihe latter case the requiremen t of

Section J(e) of Ihis Annex shall be complied with.

The sideligh t5 of I power.a riven vc5sc1 5hall be placed at a height above

(g)

the huD not greate r thin three q uarters of that o f the forward masthead

ligh t . They maU nOI be so low as to be interfered with by deck ligh ts.

The sidelights, if in a combined lantern and carried on a power-<h iven

(h)

VC5SC1 of less than 20 metres in length, shall be placed not less than

1 metre below the masthead ligh t.

When the Rules prescribe two or three lights to be clrried in a vertical

(i)

line, they shall be spaced as follows

(i)

a vessel of 20 me tret ill length or more such lights shall be

spaced Ilot less than 2 metres apart. and the lowest of these lights

shall, except where I towing light is requi red, be placed at a

height of not less than 4 metres above the hull;

(ii)

on a vessel of less than 20 metres ill length such lights shall be

spaced not less than I metre apart, and the lowest of these lights

shall, except where a towing ligh t is requ ired, be placed at a

height of not less than 2 metres above the hull;

when three lights are carried they shall be equally spaced .

(in)

The lower of the two a11·round lights prescribed fo r a vessel when

engaged in fishing shall be at a height above the sidelights not less than

twice the distance between the two vertical lights.

The forwatd anchor light prescribed in Rule 30(aXi). when two are

(k)

carried , 5hall no t be less than 4 .S me tres above the after one. On a

vessel of SO metres or more in length this forward allchor ligh t shall

be placed at a height of not less than 6 metres above the hull.

Horizontal positioning and spacing or lights

3. When two masthead Iighu are prescribed fo r a powcr-d riven vessel,

the horizontal distance between them shall not be less than one half of

the length of the vesse l but need Ilot be more than 100 metres. The

forward ligh t shall be placed not mo re th an olle quarter of the length

o f the vessel from the stem.

(b)

On a power-d riven vessel of 20 metres or more in lengt h the sidelights

shall not be placed in front of the forward masthead lights. They shall

be placed at or near the side of the vessel.

(c)

Whcll the lights prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) or Rule 28 are placed

vertically between the forward masthead Jight(s) and the after mast·

head ligh t(s) these all-round lights shall be placed at a horizon tal

distance of not less than 2 metres from the fore and aft centreline o f

the vessel in the athwar tship direction .

• 93

Details of loca tion of diredion-ind~tinl lights fo r fishin& vaseh, dmlaen

4. and vessels enwtd in underwl ter o perations

The light iodica ting the direction of the ou tlying gear from I vessel

engaged in fishing as prescribed in Rule 26(c)(ii) shall be placed It

a horizontal distance of oo t less than 2 metres and not more than

6 met res away (rom the two all·rou nd red and white lights. nu, light

shall be placed not higher than th e all·round while light prescribed in

Rule 26(<=)(0 and no t lower than Ihe sidelights.

The lighl5 and shapes on a vessel eRsaged in dredgin, or underwater

(b)

operations 10 indicate the obstructed side and/or the side on which it

is safe to pass. as prescribed in Ru le 27(d){i) and (ii), shall be placed

lIthe maximum practical horizontal distance, but in no case less than

2 metres, from the liahts or shapes prescribed in Ru le 27{b)(i) and (ii).

In no case shall the upper of these ligh ts or shapes be at a greater height

than the lower of the three lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i)

and (ii).

5. Scrnns fo r sideligh ts

The U1elights o f vessels of 20 metres o r mo re in length shall be fitted with

inboard screens painted mall black, and mee ting the requirements of Section 9

of th is An nex . On vessels o f less than 20 me tres in lengt h the s.idelighlS, if necessary

to me et the requi rements of Seclio n 9 of this Annex, shall be fitted with inboard

ma ll black screens. Wit h a combined lantern, using a single verlical filament and

a very narrow division between the green and re d sections. external scree ns need

not be fitt ed .

6. Shapes

(a)

Shapes shall be black and of the following sizes

(i)

a ball shall have a diameter of not less than 0.6 metre;

(H)

a cone shall have a base diameter of not less than 0.6 metre

and a height equa l to its diameter;

(m ) a cylinder ilhall have a diameter of alleast 0.6 metre and a height

of tw ice itl diameter

a diamond shape shall consist of two cones IS define d in (il)

(iv)

above having a common base.

TIlc vertical distance between shapes shall be al lcl$t 1.5 met res.

(c)

In a vessel of less than 20 metres in length shapes of leUt r dimen.

sions but commensu ra te with the size of the vessel may be used and

the dist an ce apart may be correspondingly red uced.

7. Colour sp«ificalion of lights

Th e chromati city of all navigation lights shall conform to th e fo llowing

standards, which lie within the boundaries of th e area of the d iagram specified

fo r each culo ur by the International Commission on Illumina tion (Cl E).

B "

The boumiaries of the I rea for each colour are given by indicating the

corner co-ordinates, which are as follows;

(I)

White

,

0 .452

0 .443

0.525

0.525

0.283

0.440

0.440

0.382

Y

Green

(ii)

,

0.028

OD09

0 .203

0.511

0.723

0.385

Y

R,d

(IU)

,

0.121

0<80

0.660

0 .735

0.265

0 .259

Y

(Iv)

Yellow

,

0.618

0.575

0 .575

0.6 12

0.406

0 .382

0.425

Y

8. intensi ty of lights

The minimum luminous intensity of lights shall be talculatcd by

(.)

using the fannula

I =' 3.43 x 10' x TXOl x K- D

I

whe re

is luminous intensity in cande las under service condi·

tions,

T is threshold r.ctor 2 x I 0- 7 lux,

D is range of visibili ty (luminous range) of the light in

nautical miles,

K is atmosphe ric Irllnsminivity.

For prescribed lights the value of K

shall be 0.8, corresponding to a

meteorological visibility of approxi-

mately 13 nautical miles,

B "

A selection of figures derived fTOm the formula is givc n in the

(b)

following table

Luminous intensity of

Range o f visibility

light in candebs for

(luminous range) o f

KZ' 0.8

light in nautical

miles

I

I

0 .9

NOT!'; TIle maximum luminous jnl~nsilY of nlvig.:ltion lilhlJ should b. limited

to •• oid undue ,Iare. TIti. $hoJt not be achieved by a variable contro l

of the Jurnin",u jnt.naily.

9. lIorh.onlal stClon

(i)

(a)

In the forward d irection, !idelighu as fi tted on the vessel shall

show the mi nimum required intensitics. The in tensities shall

decrease to reach practical cul-off bet ween 1 degree and

3 degrtts ouuide Ihe prescribed sectors.

For uernlights and masthead lights al 22.5 degrees abaft the

beam for sidelights, the minimum required int ensities shall be

maintained over the arc of the horizon up 10 S degrees within

the limits of tbe sectOIi prcsc ribcd in Rulc 2 1. From 5 degr~s

within the prcscribed secto rs thc intcnsity may decrcase by

50 per cent up to the prescribed limits; it shall decrease stcadily

to rcaeh practical cu t·off al not more than 5 degrccs outsidc

the prcscribed sectors.

All·round lights shall bc 50 loca tcd as not to bc obscured by masts. topm3S1S

(b)

or struClllrC5 within angular sectors of more tha n 6 dcgrces, cxcept allchor

ligh" prescribed in Rule 30, wltich n~d not be placed at an impracticable

heigh t above the hull.

10. Vertical sec tors

(a)

TIIC vc rtical sectors of elect ric lights as filted. with the exception

of lights 011 sailing vessels shall ensure that

(i)

at least the req uired minimum intensity is maintained at all

angles from 5 degrees above 10 5 degrees below the horizontal ;

at least 60 per cent of the required minimum intensity is nain-

(ii)

tained ftom 7.5 degrees above 10 7.5 degrees below the hor i-

zontal.

(b)

In the case of sailing vcuels the vertical sectors of electric lights as

filled shaD ensure that

(i)

at \eut the requ ired mlnlfll Um intensity is main tained al all

angles from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below the horizontal;

at least SO per cent of the required minimum intensity is main-

(ill

tained from 2S degr«s above 10 25 degrees below the horizontaL

In the case of lights olher than electric !hesc specifications shall be me l

(c)

as closely IS possible

11. Intensity of non -elec1ric lightJ

Non-electric lights shall so far IS practicable comply with the minimum

in tensities, as specified in the Table given in Section 8 of th.is Aonell .

12 .

Man oeuvring light

Notwithstanding th e provlsLons of paragraph 2(f) of this Annex the

manoeuvring liglu described in Ru le J4(b) shall be placed in the same fore and

aft ~rtical plane as the mas thead light or lights and, where practicable. at a

minimum height of 2 me tres vertk:ally above th e forward masthead light , provided

that it shall be carried not less th.an 2 metres vertically above o r below th e afler

masthead light. On a ¥eml where only one masthead ligh t is carried the

manoeuvring ligh t, if fitted. shall be carried where it can best be seell, not less

than 2 metres vertically ap ar t from the masthead light.

13 .

Approval

The construction of ligh ts IIlld shapes and the installa tion of lights on board

the vessel shall be 10 the satisfaction of the appropria te au thority of the State

whose nag the vessel is entitled to fly.

ANNEX 11

ADDITIONAL SIGNALS FOR FISHING VESSELS

FISHING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY

~ neral

1. The lights ment io ned herein shall, if exhibited in pursuance of Rule 26(d),

be placed where they can best be seen. They shaU be I1 least 0.9 metre apart bu t

at a lower leve l than lights preso:.:ribed in Rule 26(bXI) and (e)(i). The lights shall

be vi sible all round the horizon at a distance of at least 1 mile but at a lesse r

distance than the Ii&hIJ prescribed by these Rules fo r fishing vessels.

2. Signals for Inwk n

Vessels when engaged in t~wlilll , whethe r using demersal or pelagic

<a)

gear, may exhibit

(i)

whe n shooting their nets

two while lights in a vert ic al line;

(il)

when hauling their uels

one white light over one red light in a ve rtica1 line;

(iil)

when the ne t has come fast upon an o bstruction

Iwo red lights in a venk:tlline.

(b)

Each vessel engaged in pair trawlina may exhibit

by night , a searchlight dir«ted roward and in the direction of

(i)

the other vessel of the pUr;

when shooting o r hauling their nets or when thei r nets have

(ii)

co me fast upon an obstruction, the lights prescribed In 2(1)

above .

3. SignaJs for pune seiDen

Vessels engaged id fishing with purse seine gear may uhibi t twu yellow

light s in a ve rtical line. Th~ lights shan flash alte rnately every second and with

equa.lligh t and occultation durat ion. These li&hu may be exhibited o nly when the

vesse l is hampered by its fishing gear.

ANNEX III

TECHNICAL DETAILS OF SOUND SIGNAL APPLIANCES

1. Whistlcs

Fnqutncksand ral1gt of audibility

The fundamental frequen cy of the signal shall lie within th e rlnge

70 -700 HI.

The range of audibility of the signal from. whistle shall be determined

by thOle frequencies, which may include the fundamental and/or

one or more higher frequen cies, which lie within the range 180 - 700 Hz

(:t 1 per cent) and which pro vide the sound pressure levels specified

in paragraph 1 (c) below.

(b)

Limltl of fUlldamcntal frequencies

To ensure I wide vBriety of wh istle charac teristics, the fundamental

frequency o f I whistle shall be between the foUowing limits

70 - 200 Hz. for a vessel 200 me tres or mo re in length;

(i)

130· 3SO Hz, for a vessel 75 mw es but ltu than 200 met res

(ii)

In length;

250 · 700 Hz, for a vesse l lcss than 75 me tres in length.

OH)

Sound signal intensity and range of audibility

(c)

A wh istle fitted in a ve$$tl shall provide, in the dirution of max imum

in te nsi ty of the whl stle and at a distance of I metre from it, a sou nd

pres.wre level in at least o ne I/Jrd-octave band within the range of

frequencies 180 . 700 Hz (1 1 per cent) of no t le$$ than the applOpriate

figure given in the table below .

Length of vessel

Audibility

l/3 rd-octave band

range in

in metres

level at 1 IIIttre

bI dB referred to

nautical miles

2 x 10' s N/m 1

200 or more

I.,

75 but less than 200

I

20 but less than 75

Less than 20

0 .'

The range of audibility in the table above is ror in rormat ion and is

approximately the range at whi ch a whi stle may be heard on in forward

axis with 90 per cent probability in conditio ns of still air o n board a

vessel having ave rage background noise level al the Iislcninj: posts

(taken 10 be 68 dB in the octave band tentred 011 250 Hz and 63 dB

in Ihe octave band cen tred on 500 H:z) .

In practice the range al which a whistle may be heard is cll trcmtly

variable and depends cri tically on weather conditions; the values

given ca n be regarded as typical but unde r condi tio ns of strong wind

or high ambient noise level at the listen ing post the range may be much

reduced.

(d)

DlrfCl i{maillropeflicJ

The sound pressure level of a directional whistle shall be no l more

than 4 dB below the prescribed sound pressure level on the axis at any

direc tion in th e horizon tal plane wit hin ± 4S degrees of the axil, The

sound pressure level at any other direction in the horizontal plane

shall be no t mo re th an 10 dB below the prescribed sound pressure

level o n the al( is, $0 that the range in any direction will be at len t haU

the range on the forward al(is. The sound pressure level shall be

measured in th at 1/3rd-octave band whi ch determines the audibility

range.

Positiollillgofwllislles

Wh en a directional wh islle is to be used as the only whistle on a vessel,

it shall be install ed with its mu imum intensity dirC1: ted straight ah ead.

A wh istle 1.h811 be placed as high as practicable on a vesse l, in o rder

to reduce interception of the emitted sound by obstructions and al$O

to min imize hearing damage risk to personnel . TIle sound pressure leve l

of th e vessel's o wn signal al li1.tening posts shall not el(ceed 110 dB (A)

and so far as practicable should not ellceed 100 dB (A).

Fill ing of lIIore IllIm O/ll~ whistle

If wh ist les are fitted at a distance apart of more than 100 metres. it

shall be so arrange d that Ihey are no t sou nd ed Simultaneously.

eo",bi"cd whist/!' S),Sft'III S

(g)

If d ue to the prese nce of obstruc tions the sound fi eld of a single whbtle

o r one of the wrnst les referred to in paragrap h I(t) above is likely to

have a zone of greatly reduced signal I!'vel, il is re co mm!'nded that

a combined whistle system be fitted so as to overcome this reduc tion.

For the purposes of the Ru les a co mb ined whistle syste m is to be

rega rd ed is a single wh istle. The whistles of a combined system shall

be located at a distance ap3rt of not more than 100 met res and

arranged to be sounded sim ult aneo usly. The frequenc)' of an y one

whistl e shall dirrer from those of the OtlleTS by at least 10 Hz.

BeU or long

2. Intensity ofsigNll

A bell or gong, or other device having similar 30und characteristics

shall produce I lOund prCS$Ure level of not less than 11 0 d B al I

distance of 1 metre from il.

eo,mruction

(b)

Bells and gongs shall be made of co rrosion·resistant material and

designed to give a clear tone. The diameter of the mouth of the bell

shal1 be nol less than 300 nun for veuels of 20 metres or more in

length , and shall be nol less than 200 mm for vessels o f 12 metres

or mo~ bu t of less than 20 metres in length. Where practicable, a

power-drlven bell striker is recommended to ensure constant force

bu t manual operation WlI be possible. The mass of the sHiker shall

be not less than 3 per cent of the mass of the beU.

Approval

The construct ion of sound ~gnal appliances, their performance and their

installation on board the vessel Yuill be to the satisfaction of the appropriate

authority of the State whose nag the vessel is entitled to ny .

IJ

ANNEX IV

DISTRESS S IGNALS

The following signals, used o r ellhibited either together or separately, Indicate

distress and need o f assistance

(a)

a gun o r other explosive signal rued at intervals of abou t I minute;

a co ntinuous sounding with any fog-lignalUng apparatus;

(b)

rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short

(c)

inte"als;

a signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signalling method

(d)

co nsisting of the group ... _ __ ... (SOS) in the Moue Code;

a Signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word

(e)

'·Mayday";

the International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.;

a signill oonsisting of a square flag having aboW! or below it a ball

(g)

or anything resembling I ball;

flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.);

(h)

(i)

a rocket parachute flare o r a hand flare showing a red light;

a smoke signal giving off o range-<:olo uled smoke;

slowly and repeatedly raising and lowe ring arms outstretched to each

(k)

side;

the radiotelegraph alarm signal;

(m)

the radiotelephone alarm signal;

(n)

signals transmitted by e mergency positioning·indicating rad io beacons.

2. The use or exhibition of any of the foregOing sl&nais except for the pu rpose

of indicating distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may

be confused with Iny of the above lignals is prohibited .

Attentio n is drawn 10 the relevan t sections of the Inte rna lional Code of

3. Signals, the Merchant Ship Sea rch and Rescue Manual and the follo wing signals

a piece of ora ngc-<:oJou red canvas with either a black square and circle

or other appropria te symbol (for identification from the air);

(b)

a dye marker .

SC HEDU LE 11

Rule2(2)

Amt'ndmenu tu Ihe International M.qulallons ror

Prto·en tlng Collisions III Sea, 1972

I.

Rule I(e}- VesseIQf!i~ciaJcotlSlrucl;Qn

TIle e.isting lex l is replaced by the following

'.(1') WheJtever the Government cooccmed shall ha,·e tictermined that a

vesse l o f special construction orpurpose cannot comply fully with the provisions of

any of Ihese Rules with respect to the number. position, range OI'arc of visibilityof

lights o r shapes. as well as to the disposition and charaeteristit$ of $OUnd-signalling

appliances. such vessel shall comply with such other provisions in regard 10 the

number. position. range or arc of visibi lity of lights or shapes, as we ll as 10 the

disposition and ehaf1lCleri$lies of sound-signalJing appliances. as her Government

shall have determined to be the closest possible compliallce with these Rules in

respecl of that vessel."

Rule 3(h) - Vessel cortJlra;n~d by her draught

z.

The e.iSling 11'.1 is replaced by lhe following

·'(h) 1lIe term "vcssel constrained by her draught"· means a power-<lriven

,·essel which. because of her draughl in relation to the available deplh and widlh of

navigable wate r. is severely restrieled in her ability 10 deviate from the course: she is

following.'·

J.

New ,ule8(f) - NQIIQ;mp~de

The following new paragraph (0 is added

··(I)(i) A vesse l which . by any of these rules. is required not to impede the

passage o r safe pas..'lage of another vessel shall. when required by the circumstances

of the case, take early action to allowsufficicnt sea room fo r the safe passage of tne

othe r v~1.

(ii) A vessel req uired not to impede lhe passage or safe passage of

another vessel is nol re lieved Oflhisobligalion if approaching the other vessel $0 as

10 involve risk of collision and sha ll , when taking action. have full regard to the

action which may be rC<jui rcd by the rules of Ihis pan.

(ii i) A vesse l the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully

obliged to comply with the rules of th is pan when lhe IWO vessels are approaching

one another 50 as 10 involve risk of collision."

Rul~ 1O(1l) -

Trtlffic stptUllrion 5chnn~<Jdopl~d by t~ Orgllni~al;on

4. Th.: ex isting text is replaced by the foflowing

"(a) This rule applies to lrame separation schemes adopted by the Organiza·

tion and does nOI relieve any vessel of her obligation ulldc r any other rule."

5. Rule 10/c} - Crossing traffic flll ltS

The existing text is replaced by the following

"(c) A \·es.scl shall. w far as practicable, avoid CI"OS$ing traffIC lanes but if

obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to

Ill" general direct ion of IrafrlC now."

o. Annu I. 5~lion 1(dl - UppermOSllilthl

Th" existing text is replaced by the following

"(d) A power-drivcn vessel of I~ than 12 me tres in length may carry the

uppel1llQSt light at a hcight of less than 2.5 metres abovc the gunwale. When

Ilo .... c\·cr a masthead light is carried in addition to sidelighlS and a slcmligh l or the

all·round light prescribed in ru le 23(c)(i) is carried in addition to side ligllts. then

su"h mast head lighl or all-round ligllt shall be carried at least I metre higher than

Ihe sidelights."

Annu I, ~Iio" 2(i)(ii} - Vertical spucing ollighlS

7. The e xisting tcxt is replaced by the following

" (ii) on a ve:loSC l of less than 20 metre$ in length such lights sha ll be spaced not

Ics:; than 1 metre apart and the lowest of these lights shall . e.cept where a towing

light is required. be placcd at a height of not less th an 2 me tres above the gunwa le ."'

8. Anntx I. section 10 - S<liling vends lighlS

In .eclion 100a)

I n the lead·in , the \' .. o rd " underway"" is added after ""sailing \'esscls" .

In ..eclion 10(b)

In the lead-in. the word "underway"' is added after "sailing vessels" .

9. Anntx IV. new paragraph / (0) - DistrtSS signals

The follO\\-'ing new paragraph (0) is added

"(0)

approved signals transmitted by radiocommunica tion systems."'.

t~ ,""""Ii ' .' m,J.D'I"''',men' '' 1 . ' nf,"mu>~,",

... , ,, ,Ii<' "\ !'o<1>I;1hN! by ""IH"" "" "~' of 1_f<1<-

K.",'!"

""""'

,,1>0,.. n.t".""", rr I" ,.Ki-.• ", _ PnNnI .. lit. (;., ...... _..,

f'rl"~_,

M

"' . ... 1iJ< _ """ tlk