Crew Training Module

COLREGS – Lights, Sounds

and Shapes
COLREGS
In Australia, The “COLREGS” are given the force of law by The Australian Navigation Act and various
State Acts. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is The United Nations Agency responsible
for the COLREGS.

Brief history:
Originally the ordinary practice of
Seaman

Introduction of Steam ships made Rules

necessary

First Regulations having the backing of

a Government was the UK STEAM
NAVIGATION ACT 1846

2
COLREGS
The “COLREGS” are in Five Parts:

Part A – General (Rules 1-3) Sect 1 Conduct of vessels in any

condition of visibility
Part B – Steering and Sailing (Rules 4-
19) Sect 2 Conduct of vessels in sight of
one another
Part C – Lights and Shapes (Rules 20-
31) Sect 3 Conduct of vessels in Restricted
Visibility
Part D – Sound and Light Signals (Rules
32-37)

Part E – Exemptions

Four Annexes Mainly Technical details

except for Annex IV – Distress Signals

3
Where do COLREGS Apply – General Part A Rule One: Application

Applies to all vessels upon the High Seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by
seagoing vessels.

Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of special rules made by an appropriate
authority for roadstead, harbours, rivers or inland waterways connected with the high seas and
navigable by sea going vessels.

Special rules must conform as close as possible to the COLREGS.

Nothing in these rules shall interfere with Government with respect to additional lights, signals,
signs for ships of war or vessel proceeding under convoy. Any additional signal, light and or sign
must not be mistaken for lights, signals or signs within these rules.

4
General Part A Rule Two: Responsibility

Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the
consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of neglect of any precaution which may
be required by the ordinary practice of seaman, or by the special circumstances of the case.

In construing and complying with these rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation
and collision and any special circumstances including:

Limitations of the vessels involved

This may make a departure from these rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.

5
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

For the purpose of the rules, except where the context otherwise requires:

Vessel

Includes every description of water craft capable of being used as a means of transportation on
water.

Power driven vessel

Means any vessel propelled by machinery.

Sailing vessel

Means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being
used.

6
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

For the purpose of the rules, except where the context otherwise requires:

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 fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus
which do not restrict manoeuvrability.

Seaplane

Means any aircraft designed to manoeuvre on the water.

Vessel not under command

Means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to manoeuvre as required
by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.

7
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

Fishing Vessel
Trawling

8
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

Seaplane

9
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

Vessel not under

command

10
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

For the purpose of the rules, except where the context otherwise requires:

Vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre

Means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as
required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. The term
shall include but not be limited to:
• A vessel engaged in laying, servicing or picking up a navigation mark, submarine cable or
pipeline;
• A vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations;
• A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or cargo while underway;
• A vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft;
• A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations;
• A vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow
in their ability to deviate from their course.

11
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

Vessel restricted in
her ability to
manoeuvre

12
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

Vessel restricted in
her ability to
manoeuvre –
Anchored

13
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

Vessel constrained by her draught

A power-driven vessel
which, because of her
draught in relation to
the available depth of
navigable water, is
severely restricted in
her ability to deviate
from the course she is
following

14
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

For the purpose of the rules, except where the context otherwise requires:
• The word “underway” means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or
aground.
• The words “length” and “breadth” of a vessel mean her length overall and greatest breadth.
• Vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only when one can be observed visually
from the other.
• The term “restricted visibility” means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist,
falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or any other similar causes.
• The term “Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft” means a multimodal craft which, in its main operational
mode, flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effect action.

15
Part C – Lights and Shapes

Rule Twenty – Application

The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times
no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for the lights
specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with
the keeping of a proper look-out.

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.

The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day.

The lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to
these Regulations.

16
Part C – Lights and Shapes: Definitions

Masthead light
Means a white light placed over the fore and aft centreline of the vessel showing an unbroken light
over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5
degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

Sidelights
Means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an
unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from
right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel of less than 20 metres
in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centreline of the
vessel.
Stern light
Means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an
arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on
each side of the vessel.

17
General Part A Rule Three: Definitions

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 fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus
which do not restrict manoeuvrability.

Towing light
A yellow light having the same characteristics as the “sternlight” defined in paragraph (c) of this Rule.

All-round light
Means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

Flashing light
Means a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.

18
Part C – Lights and Shapes

Rule Twenty Two – Visibility of Lights

Light Picture Less than 12m – 50m Greater than Submerged

12m 50m or Towed
5 Miles
Masthead 2 Miles except for vessels
<20M in length, 3
6 Miles -
miles

Side 1 Miles 2 Miles 3 Miles -

Stern 2 Miles 2 Miles 3 Miles -

Towing 2 Miles 2 Miles 3 Miles -

All Round 2 Miles 2 Miles 3 Miles 3 Miles

19
Rule 23 – Power Driven Vessels Underway

A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:

• A masthead light forward

• A second masthead light abaft of and higher than
the forward one, except that a vessel of less than
50 metres in length shall not be obliged to exhibit
such light but may do so
• Sidelights
• A sternlight

20
Rule 23 – Power Driven Vessels Underway

An air-cushion vessel when operating in the non-

displacement mode

• A masthead light forward

• A second masthead light abaft of and higher than
the forward one; except that a vessel of less than
50 metres in length shall not be obliged to exhibit
such light but may do so
• Sidelights
• A sternlight
• An all-round flashing yellow light

21
Rule 23 – Power Driven Vessels Underway

Less than 12 metres in length

May in lieu of the lights prescribed in

paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an
all-round white light and sidelights

22
Rule 23 – Power Driven Vessels Underway

Less than 7 metres in length

Whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in

lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule
exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also
exhibit sidelights.

The masthead light or all-round white light on a power-

driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may be
displaced from the fore and aft centreline of the vessel if
centreline fitting is not practicable, provided that the
sidelights are combined in one lantern which shall be
carried on the fore and aft centreline of the vessel or
located as nearly as practicable in the same fore and aft line
as the masthead light or the all-round white light.

23
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing

A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit

Instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line.
When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the aft end of
the tow exceeds 200 metres, three such lights in a vertical line:
• Sidelights
• A sternlight
• A towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight
• When the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, a diamond shape where it can best be
seen

24
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing

A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit

Note:
The tow light
and STERN
lights on both
vessels can not
be seen from
the front of the
vessel

25
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing

A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit

Note:
The tow light
and STERN
lights on both
vessels can not
be seen from
the front of the
vessel

26
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing

A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit

When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite
unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule
23.

27
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing

A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit

Power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing

alongside, except in the case of a composite unit,
shall exhibit:
• Instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or
(a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line
• Sidelights
• A sternlight

28
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing

A vessel or object being towed shall exhibit

A vessel or object being towed, other than those

mentioned in paragraph (g) of this Rule, shall
exhibit:
• Sidelights
• A sternlight
• When the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres,
a diamond shape where it can best be seen

29
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing

A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit

If it is less than 25 metres in breadth, one all-round

white light at or near the forward end and one at or
near the after end.

If it is 25 metres or more in breadth, two additional

all-round white lights at or near the extremities of its
breadth.

If it exceeds 100 metres in length, additional all-

round white lights between the lights prescribed in
subparagraphs (i) and (ii) so that the distance
between the lights shall not exceed 100 metres.

30
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing

Where it is impracticable to Display the Lights prescribed for towing operations.

Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in
towing operations to display the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule, such
vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in
distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate
the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being towed as
authorized by Rule 36, in particular by illuminating the towline.

31
Rule 25 – Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars

A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:

• Sidelights
• A sternlight

In a sailing vessel of less than 20 metres in length

the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule
may be combined in one lantern carried at or
near the top of the mast where it can best be
seen.

32
Rule 25 – Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars

A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the

lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule,
exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they
can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical
line, the upper being red and the lower green, but
these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction
with the combined lantern permitted by
paragraph (b) of this Rule.

33
Rule 25 – Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars

A vessel proceeding under sail when also being

propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward
where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex
downwards.

This vessel is then considered a power driven

vessel, and conforms to the rules for such vessels.

34
Rule 25 – Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars

A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights

prescribed for sailing vessels, but if she
does not, she shall have ready at hand an
electric torch or lighted lantern showing
a white light which shall be exhibited in
sufficient time to prevent collision

35
Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels

A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and
shapes prescribed in this Rule.

A vessel when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the dragging through the water of a
dredge net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance, shall exhibit:

• Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being green and the lower white, or a shape
consisting of two cones with their apexes together in a vertical line one above the other
• A masthead light abaft of and higher than the all-round green light; a vessel of less than 50
metres in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so
• When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph,
sidelights and a sternlight.

36
Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels

Fishing Vessel
Trawling

37
Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels

A vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling shall exhibit:

• Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower white, or a shape
consisting of two cones with apexes together in a vertical line one above the other
• When there is outlying gear extending more than 150 metres horizontally from the vessel,
an all-round white light or a cone apex upwards in the direction of the gear
• When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph,
sidelights and a sternlight.

38
Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels

39
Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels

Shooting Nets

The additional signals described in Annex II to these regulations apply to a vessel engaged in
fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing.

40
Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels

Hauling Nets

The additional signals described in Annex II to these regulations apply to a vessel engaged in
fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing.

[Link]
RTO Number:70223
Building 1, 202 Nicholson Parade 41
Cronulla
Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels

Nets Fast Upon Obstruction

The additional signals described in Annex II to these regulations apply to a vessel engaged in
fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing.

42
Rule 27 – Vessels Not Under Command

A vessel not under command shall exhibit:

• Two all-round red lights in a vertical line where

they can best be seen
• Two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line
where they can best be seen
• When making way through the water, in addition
to the lights prescribed in this paragraph,
sidelights and a sternlight.

43
Rule 27 – Vessels Restricted in Their Ability to Manoeuvre

A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, except a vessel engaged in mine clearance
operations, shall exhibit:

• Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of
these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white
• Three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these
shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond
• When making way through the water, a masthead light or lights, sidelights and a sternlight, in
addition to the lights prescribed in sub-paragraph (i)
• When at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii), the
light, lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30.

44
Rule 27 – Vessels Restricted in Their Ability to Manoeuvre

45
Rule 27 – Vessels Restricted in Their Ability to Manoeuvre

A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted in her ability to

manoeuvre, shall exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in subparagraphs (b)(i), (ii) and (iii) of
this Rule and shall in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:

• Two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to indicate the side on which the
obstruction exists
• Two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical line to indicate the side on which
another vessel may pass
• When at anchor, the lights or shapes prescribed in this paragraph instead of the lights or
shape prescribed in Rule 30.

46
Rule 27 – Vessels Restricted in Their Ability to Manoeuvre

47
Rule 27 – Vessels Engaged in Mine Clearance Operations

A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations

shall in addition to the lights prescribed for a
power-driven vessel, or to the lights or shape
prescribed for a vessel at anchor, exhibit three
all-round green lights or three balls. One of
these lights or shapes shall be exhibited near
the mast head and one at each end of the fore
yard. These lights or shapes indicate that it is
dangerous for another vessel to approach
within 1000 metres of the mine clearance
vessel.

48
Rule 28 – Vessels constrained by their draught

A vessel constrained by her draught may, in

addition to the lights prescribed for power-
driven vessels in Rule 23, exhibit where they
can best be seen three all-round red lights in
a vertical line, or a cylinder.

49
Rule 29 – Pilot Vessels

A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit:

• At or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being white
and the lower red
• When underway, in addition, sidelights and a sternlight
• When at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in subparagraph (i), the light, lights
or shape prescribed in Rule 30 for vessels at anchor
• A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights or shapes
prescribed for a similar vessel of her length.

50
Rule 29 – Pilot Vessels

51
Rule 30 – Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground

A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best

be seen:

• In the fore part, an all-round white light or one

ball
• At or near the stern and at a lower level than
the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), an all-
round white light.

A vessel of less than 50 metres in length may

exhibit an all-round white light where it can best
be seen instead of the lights prescribed in
paragraph (a) of this Rule.

52
Rule 30 – Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground

A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed

in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule and in addition,
where they can best be seen:

• Two all-round red lights in a vertical line

• Three balls in a vertical line

53
Rule 32 – Definitions

For the purpose of the rules, except where the context otherwise requires:

Whistle

Means any sound signaling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which
complies with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations.

Short Blast
Means blast of about one second’s duration.

Prolonged Blast

Means a blast of from four to six seconds’ duration.

54
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 33 – Equipment for Sound Signals

• A vessel of 12 metres or more in length shall be provided with a whistle

• A vessel of 20 metres or more in length shall be provided with a bell in addition to a whistle
• A vessel of 100 metres or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a gong, the tone
and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell.

The whistle, bell and gong shall comply with the specification in Annex III to these regulations. The
bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound
characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the required signals shall always be possible.

A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signaling
appliances prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule but if she does not, she shall be provided with
some other means of making an efficient sound signal.

55
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as
authorised or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on
her whistle:

one short blast to mean:

I am altering my course
to starboard

56
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as
authorised or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on
her whistle:

two short blasts to mean:

I am altering my course
to port

57
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as
authorised or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on
her whistle:

Three short blasts to

mean:
l am operating astern
propulsion

58
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule by light
signals, repeated as appropriate, whilst the manoeuvre is being carried out:

one flash to mean

I am altering my course
to starboard

59
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as
authorised or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on
her whistle:

two flashes to mean

I am altering my course
to port

60
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as
authorised or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on
her whistle:

three flashes to mean

I am operating astern
propulsion

61
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as
authorised or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on
her whistle:

• The duration of each flash shall be about one second, the interval between flashes shall be
about one second, and the interval between successive signals shall be not less than ten
seconds
• The light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white light, visible at a minimum
range of 5 miles, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.

62
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

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

A vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention
by the following signals on her whistle:

two prolonged blasts

followed by one short
blast to mean
I intend to overtake you
on your starboard side

63
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

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

A vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention
by the following signals on her whistle:

two prolonged blasts

followed by two short
blasts to mean:
I intend to overtake you
on your port side

64
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

When a vessel agrees and understands the commands of the vessel wishing to overtake, the vessel
being over taken should sound their horn with a long short, long short meaning Charlie – I agree.

65
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel
fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is
being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such
doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. Such signal may be
supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and rapid flashes.

66
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and warning signals

67
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 35 – Sound signals in restricted visibility

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule
shall be used as follows:

A power-driven vessel Power-driven vessel underway but

making way through stopped and making no way through the
the water shall sound water shall sound at intervals of not more
at intervals of not than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts in
more than 2 minutes succession with an interval of about 2
one prolonged blast. seconds between them.

68
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 35 – Sound signals in restricted visibility

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule
shall be used as follows:

A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in

her ability to manoeuvre, a vessel constrained by
her draught, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in
fishing and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing
another vessel shall, instead of the signals
prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule,
sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three
blasts in succession, namely one prolonged
followed by two short blasts.

69
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 35 – Sound signals in restricted visibility

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule
shall be used as follows:

A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed

the last vessel of the tow, if manned, shall at
intervals of not more than 2 minutes sound four
blasts in succession, namely one prolonged
followed by three short blasts. When
practicable, this signal shall be made immediately
after the signal made by the towing vessel.

70
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 35 – Sound signals in restricted visibility

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule
shall be used as follows:

A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one

minute ring the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds. In a vessel
of 100 metres or more in length the bell shall be sounded
in the forepart of the vessel and immediately after the
ringing of the bell the gong shall be sounded rapidly for
about 5 seconds in the after part of the vessel. A vessel at
anchor may in addition sound three blasts in succession,
namely one short, one prolonged and one short blast, to
give warning of her position and of the possibility of
collision to an approaching vessel.

71
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 35 – Sound signals in restricted visibility

A vessel of 12 metres or more but less than 20 metres in length shall not be obliged to give the
bell signals prescribed in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this Rule. However, if she does not, she shall
make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals
but, if she does not, shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2
minutes.

72
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 37 – Distress signals

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described:

• A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute

• A continuous sounding with any fog-signalling apparatus
• Rocket or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals
• Signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signalling method consisting of the group ...---...
(SOS) in the Morse Code
• A signal sent be radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word “Mayday”

73
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 37 – Distress signals

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described:

• The International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C

• A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball
• Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.)
• Rocket parachute flare or a hand-flare showing a red light
• A smoke signal giving off orange-coloured smoke

74
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 37 – Distress signals

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described:

• Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side
• The radiotelegraph alarm signal
• The radiotelephone alarm signal
• Signals transmitted by emergency positioning-indicating radio beacons
• Approved signals transmitted by radiocommunication systems, including survival craft radar
transponders

75
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 37 – Distress signals

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described:

• A piece of orange-coloured canvas with either a black-square over a circle or other appropriate
symbol (for identification from the air)

In Australia, the V Sheet can also be used

76
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 37 – Distress signals

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described:

77
Part D – Sound and Light Signals

Rule 37 – Distress signals

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described:

N = November
Meaning No

ABOVE

C = Charlie
Meaning Yes

= DISTRESS = DISTRESS

78
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

USE THE AUSTRALIAN BOATING

MANUAL REVISION QUESTION
GENERATOR TO PRODUCE REVISION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR
COLLSION REGULATIONS.

79
Thank you

80