The Convention on the International Regulations for

Preventing Collision at Sea 1972, as amended

HISTORY OF COLREG 72
• Until 19th Century, there are no statutory rules for collision at sea.
• 1840 – London Trinity House drew up a set of rules & come in operation in 1846.
• 1863 – British Board of Trade drew up a complete new set of rules & came into
operation.
• End of 1864 – these rules had been adopted by over 30 maritime countries,
including US & Germany.
• 1889 – 1st conference in Washington.
• 1910 – Reach international agreement in Brussels Conference & came into force
in 1954.
• 1960 – amended by IMCO (Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative
Organization) & came into force in 1965
i. Fitted with Radar
ii. Series of collision
iii. Include conduct of Vessel in Restricted Visibility
• 1972 – Revised again & came into force in 1977 due to
i. Wide spread acceptance & use of radar
ii. Introduction of traffic separation
iii. Increase side & speed of many ships

• 2007 – Amend & enter into force 2009

i. Annex IV

• 2013 – Amend & enter into force 2016

i. Part F: Verification of Compliance with the Provision of the
Convention
• PART A – GENERAL
Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 as amended

• Rule 1 – Application
• Rule 2 – Responsibility
• Rule 3 – General Definitions
• PART B – STEERING AND SAILING RULES
• Section I – Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
• Rule 4 – Application
• Rule 5 – Look-out
• Rule 6 – Safe Speed
• Rule 7 – Risk of Collision
• Rule 8 – Action to avoid Collision
• Rule 9 – Narrow Channels
• Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes
• Section II – Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
• Rule 11 – Application
• Rule 12 – Sailing Vessels
• Rule 13 – Overtaking
• Rule 14 – Head-on Situation
• Rule 15 – Crossing Situation
• Rule 16 – Action by Give-way Vessel
• Rule 17 – Action by Stand-on Vessel
• Rule 18 – Responsibilities between Vessels
• Section III – Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
• Rule 19 – Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
• PART C – LIGHTS AND SHAPES
• Rule 20 – Application
• Rule 21 – Definitions
• Rule 22 – Visibility of Light
• Rule 23 – Power-driven vessel underway
• Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing
• Rule 25 – Sailing vessels underway and vessels under Oars
• Rule 26 – Fishing vessels
• Rule 27 – Vessels not under Command or Restricted in their Ability to
Maneuver
• Rule 28 – Vessels constrained by their Draught
• Rule 29 – Pilot Vessels
• Rule 30 – Anchored Vessels and Vessels aground
• Rule 31 – Seaplanes
• PART D – SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS
• Rule 32 – Definitions
• Rule 33 – Equipment for sound signals
• Rule 34 – Maneuvering and Warning Signals
• Rule 35 – Sound Signals in restricted Visibility
• Rule 36 – Signals to attract Attention
• Rule 37 – Distress signals
• PART E – EXEMPTIONS
• Rule 38 – Exemptions
• PART F – VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS
OF THE CONVENTION
• Rule 39 – Definitions
• Rule 40 – Application
• Rule 41 – Verification of compliance
ANNEX I – POSITIONING AND TECHNICAL DETAILS OF LIGHTS AND
SHAPES
1. Definition
2. Vertical positioning and spacing of lights
3. Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights
4. Details of location of direction-indicating lights for fishing vessels,
dredgers and vessels
engaged in underwater operations
5. Screens for sidelights
6. Shapes
7. Color specification of lights
8. Intensity of lights
9. Horizontal sectors
10. Vertical sectors
11. Intensity of non-electric lights
12. Maneuvering light
13. Hight speed craft
14. Approval
ANNEX II – ADDITIONAL SIGNALS FOR FISHING VESSELS FISHING IN CLOSE
PROXIMITY
1. General
2. Signals for trawlers
3. Signals for purse seiners
ANNEX III – TECHNICAL DETAILS OF SOUND SIGNAL APPLIANCES
1. Whistles
2. Bell or gong
3. Approval
ANNEX IV – DISTRESS SIGNALS

SHALL- MANDATORY
SHOULD- STRONGLY RECOMMEND
MAY- OPTION
Rule 1
Application

• (a) These Rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters
connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.
• (b) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of special rules made
by an appropriate authority for roadsteads, harbors, rivers, lakes or inland
waterways connected with the high seas and navigable by seagoing vessels. Such
special rules shall conform as closely as possible to these Rules.
• (c) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules
made by the Government of any State 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 possible, be such that they cannot be
mistaken for any light, shapes or signal authorized elsewhere under these Rules.
• (d) Traffic separation schemes may be adopted by the Organization for
the purpose of these Rules.
• (e) Whenever the Government concerned shall have determined that
a vessel of special construction or purpose cannot comply fully with
the provisions of any of these Rules with respect to the number,
position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the
disposition and characteristics of sound-signalling appliances, such
vessel shall comply with such other provisions in regard to the
number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well
as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signalling
appliances, as her Government shall have determined to be the
closest possible compliance with these Rules in respect to that vessel.
On my ship = Fore & Aft center line
carrier’s = Off center line & reduce horizontal separation
Rule 2
Responsibility

• (a) 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 the neglect of
any precaution which may be required by the ordinary
practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the
case.
• (b) In construing and complying with these Rules due regard
shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to
any special circumstances, including the limitations of the
vessels involved, which may make a departure from these
Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
TO AVOID IMMEDIATE DANGER
Rule 3
General Definitions
• For the purpose of these Rules, except where the context otherwise
requires:
• (a) The word 'vessel includes every description of water craft,
including non-displacement craft, WIG craft and seaplanes, used or
capable of being used as a means of transportation on water'.
• (b) The term 'power-driven vessel' means any vessel propelled by
machinery.
• (c) The term 'sailing vessel' means any vessel under sail provided that
propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.
• (d) The term 'vessel engaged in fishing' means any vessel fishing with
nets, lines, trawls or other fishing apparatus which restrict
maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling
lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict
maneuverability.
• (e) The word 'seaplane' includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on
the water.
• (f) The term 'vessel not under command' means a vessel which
through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as
required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the
way of another vessel.
• (g) The term 'vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver' means a
vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to
maneuver as required by these Rules and therefore is unable to keep
out of the way of another vessel.
The term 'vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver' shall include
but not be limited to
• (i) a vessel engaged in laying, servicing or picking up a
navigation mark, submarine cable or pipeline;
• (ii) a vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or
underwater operations;
• (iii) a vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring
persons, provisions or cargo while underway;
• (iv) a vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of
aircraft;
• (v) a vessel engaged in mine clearance operations;
• (vi) 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.
• (h) The term 'vessel constrained by her draught' means a power-
driven vessel which because of her draught in relation to the
available depth and width of navigable water, is severely
restricted in her ability to deviate from the course she is
following.
• (i) 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 shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only
when one can be observed visually from the other.
• (l) 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.
• (m) 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.
Rule 4
Application

Rules in this Section apply in any condition of visibility.

Rule 5
Look-out
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper 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 proper and effective
action to avoid collision and be stopped within a
distance appropriate to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions. In determining a
safe speed the following factors shall be among
those taken into account:
(a) By all vessels:
• (i) the state of visibility;
• (ii) the traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels
or any other vessels;
• (iii) the manoeuvrability of the vessel with special reference to
stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing
conditions;
• (iv) at night the presence of background light such as from
shore lights or from back scatter of her own lights;
• (v) the state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of
navigational hazards;
• (vi) the draught in relation to the available depth of water.
(b) Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:
• (i) the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar
equipment;
• (ii) any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
• (iii) the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and
other sources of interference;
• (iv) the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects
may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;
• (v) the number, location and movement of vessels detected by
radar;
• (vi) the more exact assessment of the visibility that may be
possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or
other objects in the vicinity
Wheelhouse Poster / Maneuvering Characteristic / Turning Circle

TURNING CIRCLE : when a vessel is made to turn

under a continuous helm through 360° it will follow a
roughly circular track called turning circle.
ADVANCE : It is the distance travelled by ship along
original course line when she alter her course through
360°.
TRANSFER : It is the distance travelled by the ship
measured from original course line to the point when she
alter her course by 90°.
TACTICAL DIAMETER : It is the distance travelled
by the ship measured from original course line to the point
when she alter her course by 180°.
DRIFT ANGLE : It is the angle between the ship fore
and aft line and tangent drawn to the turning circle
Rule 7
Risk of Collision
• (a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the
prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of
collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to
exist.
• (b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and
operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of
risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic
observation of detected objects.
• (c) Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information,
especially scanty radar information.
• (d) In determining if risk of collision exists the following
considerations shall be among those taken into
account:
(i) Such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass
bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably
change;
(ii) such risk may sometimes exist even when an
appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly
when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when
approaching a vessel at close range.
Rule 8
Action to avoid Collision
• (a) Any action to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with the Rules of
this Part and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in
ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.
• (b) Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision, shall, if the
circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to
another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of
course and/or speed should be avoided.
• (c) If there is sufficient sea room, alteration of course alone may be the most
effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in
good time, is substantial and does not result in another close-quarters situation.
• (d) Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such as to result
in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully
checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.
• (e) If necessary to avoid collision or allow more to assess the
situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by
stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.
• (f)
• (i) A vessel which, by any of these Rules, is required not to impede the
passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the
circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea
room for the safe passage of the other vessel.
• (ii) A vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of
another vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the
other vessel so as to involve risk of collision and shall, when taking
action, have full regard to the action which may be required by the
Rules of this part.
• (iii) A vessel the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully
obliged to comply with the rules of this part when the two vessels are
approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision.
 What is observance of good seamanship?
•  Based on experience & practice and it takes into account not
only the safety of own vessel but
• also for other vessel.
•  Avoid sailing vessel from windward side
•  Avoid NUC from upwind / upstream side
•  Avoid passing ahead of anchor vessel
•  Understand and comply the master standing order
•  Understand and apply compass error.
•  Understand tidal stream, wind and other weather condition.
Rule 9
Narrow Channels

• (a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall
keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her
starboard side as is safe and practicable.
• (b) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not
impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a
narrow channel or fairway.
• (c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other
vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.
• (d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing
impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such
channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use the sound signal prescribed in
Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
• (e)
• (i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only
if the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing,
the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intention by
sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel
to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal
prescribed in Rule 34(c)(ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in
doubt she may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d).
• (ii) This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation
under Rule 13.
• (f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway
where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction
shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound
the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e).
• (g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid
anchoring in a narrow channel.
What is Narrow Channel? What is Fairway?
Narrow Channel
•  Channel which is narrow & naturally exists, restricted on either side by shallow water.
•  It cannot define easily, neither necessary to be definite length nor terminate last buoy
or
• marking
•  It may be a channel between 2 piers & 100 m outwards beyond a harbour entrance
•  It may be sometimes approximately 2 miles wide
•  We cannot define a recommended route between two buoys as NC because outside
of the
• route could be safe for navigation
•  We cannot define traffic lane of a TSS as NC even it may be relatively narrow
Fairway
•  Open navigable passage of water
•  Dredge and maintained by port authority
•  Marked by packed lines (dashed line) on chart
Rule 10
Traffic Separation Schemes
• (a) This Rule Applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the
Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under
any other rule.
• (b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:
• (i) proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of
traffic flow for that lane;
• (ii) so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or
separation zone;
• (iii) normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane,
but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an
angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.
• (c) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if
obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at
right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
• (d)
• (i) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely
use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation
scheme. However, vessels of less than 20 meters in length, sailing
vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic
zone.
• (ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (d) (i), a vessel may use an inshore
traffic zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or
structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore
traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger.
• (e) A vessel, other than a crossing vessel, or a vessel joining or leaving
a lane shall not normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation
line except:
• (i) in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;
• (ii) to engage in fishing within a separation zone.
• (f) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic
separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
• (g) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic
separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.
• (h) A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme shall avoid it by as
wide a margin as is practicable.
• (i) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any
vessel following a traffic lane.
• (j) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not
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 for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic
separation scheme is exempted from complying with this Rule to the
extent necessary to carry out the operation.
• (l) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an
operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable,
within a traffic separation scheme, is exempted from
Rule 11
Application
Rules in this Section apply to vessels in sight of one another.

Rule 12
• Sailing Vessels
• (a) When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to
involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the
other as follows;
• (i) when each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has
the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other;
• (ii) when both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to
windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward;
• (iii) if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to
windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other
vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall
keep out of the way of the other.
• (b) For the purposes of this Rule the windward side shall be deemed
to be the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in
the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which
the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.
Rule 13
Overtaking
• (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B,
Sections I and II any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the
way of the vessel being overtaken.
• (b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with
another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her
beam, that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel she is
overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the sternlight
of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.
• (c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking
another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly.
• (d) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels
shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the
meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of
the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.
 vessel being overtaken

22.5˚ 22.5˚

Overtaking Vessel
Prescribed Sectors of Navigation Lights
Rule 14
Head-on Situation

• (a) When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly

reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her
course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the
other.
• (b) Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the
other ahead or nearly ahead and by night she could see the masthead
lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line and/or both sidelights and
by day she observes the corresponding aspect of the other vessel.
• (c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists
she shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly.
Rule 15
Crossing Situation
When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of
collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall
keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit,
avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

Rule 16
Action by Give-way Vessel
Every vessel which is directed 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
Action by Stand-on Vessel
(a) (i)Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the other shall
keep her course and speed.
(ii) The latter vessel may however take action to avoid collision by
her manoeuvre alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the
vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action
in compliance with these Rules.
(b) When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and
speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the
action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will
best aid to avoid collision.
(c) A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in
accordance with sub-paragraph (a)(ii) of this Rule to avoid collision with
another power-driven vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case
admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side.
(d) This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to
keep out of the way.
Rule 18
Responsibilities between Vessels
• Except where Rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require:
(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
• (i) a vessel not under command;
• (ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;
• (iii) a vessel engaged in fishing;
• (iv) a sailing vessel.
(b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
• (i) a vessel not under command;
• (ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;
• (iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.
• (c) A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as
possible, keep out of the way of:
• (i) a vessel not under command;
• (ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
• (d)
• (i) Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel
restricted in her ability to manoeuvre shall, if the circumstances of the
case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained
by her draught, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.
• (ii) A vessel constrained by her draught shall navigate with particular
caution having full regard to her special condition.
• (e) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all
vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances,
however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with the Rules
of this Part.
• (f)
• (i) A WIG craft shall, when taking off, landing and in flight near the
surface, keep well clear of all other vessels and avoid impeding their
navigation;
• (ii) a WIG craft operating on the water surface shall comply with the
Rules of this Part as a power-driven vessel.
RULE 19
Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
• (a) This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when
navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.
• (b) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the
prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A
power-driven vessel shall have engines ready for immediate
manoeuvre.
• (c) Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances
and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules
of Section I of this Part.
• (d) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another
vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing
and/or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in
ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration
of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided:
• (i) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam,
other than for a vessel being overtaken;
• (ii) an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
• (e) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does
not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam
the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close
quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall
reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her
course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event
navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.
RESTRICTED VISIBILITY
ANNEX IV
DISTRESS SIGNALS

• 1. The following signals, used or exhibited either together or

separately, indicate distress and need of assistance :
• (a) a gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about
a minute;
• (b) a continuous sounding with any fog-signalling
apparatus;
• (c) rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at
short intervals;
• (d) a signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other
signalling method consisting of the group …---… (SOS) in the
Morse Code;
• (e) a signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the
spoken word "Mayday";
• (f) the International Code Signal of distress indicated by
N. C.;
• (g) a signal consisting of a square flag having above or
below it a ball or anything resembling a ball;
• (h) flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil
barrel, etc.);
• (i) a rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red
light;
• (j) a smoke signal giving off orange-coloured smoke;
• (k) slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms
outstretched to each side;
• (l) the radiotelegraph alarm signal;
• (m) the radiotelephone alarm signal;
• (n) signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating
radio beacons.
• (o) approved signals transmitted by
radiocommunication systems, including survival craft
radar transponders.
• 2. The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals
except for the purpose of indicating distress and need of
assistance and the use of other signals which may be
confused with any of the above signals is prohibited.
• 3. Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the
International Code of Signals, the Merchant Ship Search
and Rescue Manual and the following signals:
• (a) a piece of orange-coloured canvas with either a
black square and circle or other appropriate symbol (for
identification from the air);
• (b) a dye marker.
THE END