Decision No. 49/2005/QĐ-BGTVT on the Implementation of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

DECISION OF THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT

On the Implementation of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

 

THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION

Pursuant to the Maritime Code of Vietnam dated June 14, 2005;

Pursuant to Decree No. 34/2003/NĐ-CP dated April 4, 2003 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

At the proposal of the Director of the Transport Department and the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration,

DECISION:

Article 1. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS 72), amended and supplemented in 1981, 1987, 1989, 1993, and 2001 (hereinafter referred to as the Collision Regulations), are hereby adopted along with this Decision.

Article 2. Vietnamese sea vessels, military vessels, public service vessels, fishing vessels, inland waterway vessels, and seaplanes operating in port waters, on Vietnamese territorial seas, and on the high seas must strictly comply with the Collision Regulations.

Foreign sea vessels operating in port waters and on Vietnamese territorial seas must strictly comply with the Collision Regulations.

Article 3. This Decision takes effect from January 1, 2006, and replaces Decision No. 1533/QĐ-VT dated August 6, 1991 of the Minister of Transport and Posts on the implementation of the Collision Regulations at Sea.

Article 4. The Head of the Ministry's Office, Directors of Departments under the Ministry, Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Heads of agencies, organizations, and individuals related shall be responsible for implementing this Decision./.

COLLISION REGULATIONS AT SEA

 

(Annexed to Decision No. 49/2005/QĐ-GTVT dated October 4, 2005)

of the Ministry of Transport)

PART A

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Application

a) These regulations apply to sea-going vessels and vessels navigating in connected waters where such vessels can navigate.

b) Nothing in these regulations shall prevent the application of special regulations made by local authorities for roadsteads, ports, rivers, lakes, or connected waters where sea-going vessels can navigate. However, such special regulations should conform as closely as possible to these regulations.

c) Nothing in these regulations shall prevent the application of special regulations made by the Government of any State concerning additional lights, light signals, shapes, or sound signals for warships and vessels proceeding in convoy, or for fishing vessels when fishing in company. To the extent possible, the positions of such additional lights, light signals, shapes, or sound signals shall not be mistaken for any lights, shapes, or signals specified in these regulations.

d) For the purposes of applying the provisions of these regulations, systems of traffic separation may be adopted by the competent international organization.

e) When the Government concerned considers that, owing to the construction or purpose of a vessel, it is not practicable for her to comply fully with a provision of these regulations relating to the number, position, range, or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, or the installation and characteristics of sound signaling appliances, then that vessel shall comply with the provisions made by her Government which shall be as nearly as possible in the spirit of those of these regulations relating to the number, position, range, or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, or the installation and characteristics of sound signaling appliances.

Article 2. Liability

a) No provision in these rules shall relieve the ship or its owner, the master or crew from liability for consequences arising from failure to comply strictly with the provisions of these rules or from neglect to carry out any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen or by special circumstances prevailing.

b) In construing and complying with the provisions of these rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to all special circumstances including any limitation of the ship's or vessel's ability to deviate from the course she is following to avoid immediate danger.

Article 3. Definitions

For the purposes of these rules, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to them in these rules:

a) "Ship or vessel" means any waterborne craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft, and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water;

b) "Power-driven ship or vessel" means a ship or vessel propelled by machinery;

c) "Sailing ship or vessel" means a ship or vessel under sail, provided that such ship or vessel is not propelled by machinery;

d) "Fishing ship or vessel" means a ship or vessel engaged in fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restrict her ability to manoeuvre;

e) "Seaplane" means a power-driven aircraft designed to maneuver on the water;

f) "Ship or vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre" means a ship or vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as to make it difficult to keep out of the way of another ship or vessel and whose ability to manoeuvre is so restricted;

g) "Ship or vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre" but not so restricted as to be unable to manoeuvre as required by these Rules, and therefore unable to keep out of the way of another ship or vessel, includes, but is not limited to, the following:

i. A ship or vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigational buoy, submarine cable, or pipeline;

ii. A ship or vessel engaged in dredging, surveying, or underwater operations;

iii. A ship or vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions, or cargo while underway;

iv. A ship or vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft;

v. A ship or vessel engaged in minesweeping operations;

vi. A ship or vessel engaged in towing or pushing another ship or vessel;

h) "Ship or vessel constrained by her draught" means a ship or vessel which, because of the relationship between her draught and the depth and width of navigable waters, is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from the course she is following;

i) "Underway" means that a ship or vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground;

j) The length and breadth of a ship or vessel shall be the maximum length and breadth of the ship or vessel;

k) A ship or vessel shall be deemed to be in sight of another only when one can be observed visually from the other;

l) "Restricted visibility" means any condition where visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes;

m) "WIG craft" means a craft which can operate in various modes, and when operating in its primary mode, moves close to the surface of the water by virtue of aerodynamic lift;

 

PART B

RULES OF NAVIGATION AND MANOEUVRE

PART I

NAVIGATION IN ALL CONDITIONS OF VISIBILITY

Article 4. Scope of Application

The provisions of this Chapter apply under all conditions of visibility.

Article 5. Lookout

Every vessel shall maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing at all times by sight and hearing as appropriate, and shall use all available means suitable to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to assess the situation and risk of collision.

Article 6. Safe Speed

Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed at all times so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be able to stop within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. To determine a safe speed, the following factors shall be among those taken into account:

a) For all vessels:

i. The state of visibility;

ii. Traffic density, including the concentration of fishing vessels or any other class of vessels;

iii. The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to the stopping distance and the turning circle in the prevailing conditions;

iv. At night, the presence of background light from shore lights or from other vessels;

v. The state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;

vi. The draft in relation to the depth of water and width of channel.

b) In addition to these factors, for vessels equipped with radar, the following shall also be among the factors taken into account:

i. Characteristics, efficiency and limitations of radar equipment;

ii. Limitations imposed by the radar range scale in use;

iii. The effect on radar detection of sea state, weather conditions and other sources of interference;

iv. The difficulty of detecting small vessels, rafts and similar objects against backgrounds of similar or higher radar reflectivity;

v. The difficulty of observing faint indistinct radar returns on primary or secondary scan;

vi. The difficulty of assessing the range of close objects on radar.

Article 7. Risk of Collision

a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if there is any risk of collision. If there are sufficient grounds for doubting the safety of such situation, the risk shall be deemed to exist.

b) If radar equipment is available it must be used effectively with a systematic observation of the scanning sector or of a selected area of the screen and early detection of risk of collision shall be made and the radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation shall be carried out.

c) Care shall be taken not to draw conclusions from scanty information, especially from radar information.

d) In determining if there is any risk of collision, account shall be taken of the following factors:

i. The course of the approaching vessel appears to be not changing;

ii. Sometimes a risk of collision may still exist even when an appreciable change of bearing of the approaching vessel is observed, particularly when near the beam of a large vessel or a tow or a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.

Article 8. Action to Avoid Collision

a) Any action taken to avoid collision in accordance with these Rules, if the circumstances of the case admit, shall be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

b) A course change or alteration of speed or both together, if the circumstances of the case admit, shall be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; frequent small alterations of course or speed should be avoided.

c) If there is sufficient sea room, a course change alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation, provided that it is done in good time, is large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel and does not result in another close-quarters situation.

d) An action to avoid collision and which consists of an alteration of course with another vessel shall be made so as to result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action taken shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is past and clear.

e) If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall reduce her speed or stop or go astern.

f) i. A vessel which, by the Rules, is required not to impede the passage of another vessel, shall, when taking action to comply with these Rules, take such action as will best aid in avoiding collision and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side;

ii. A vessel which is required not to impede the passage of another vessel shall, if obliged to take action to avoid collision with another vessel which is required not to impede her, take such action as will best aid in avoiding collision and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side;

iii. A vessel which is required not to impede the passage of a vessel which is constrained by her draught shall, when taking action to comply with these Rules, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side.

Article 9. Navigation in Narrow Channels

a) Vessels navigating in narrow channels or fairways, if practical conditions permit and ensure safety, shall keep as close as practicable to the starboard side of the channel or fairway.

b) Vessels less than 20 meters in length or sailing vessels shall not impede the safe passage of other vessels which can only navigate safely within the limits of the narrow channel.

c) Fishing vessels shall not impede the safe passage of other vessels navigating within the limits of the narrow channel.

d) Vessels shall not cross a narrow channel unless such crossing does not impede the safe passage of other vessels which can only navigate safely within the limits of that narrow channel. The vessel being overtaken may use the sound signals specified in Article 34(d) if it suspects that the overtaking vessel intends to cross its course.

e) i. Overtaking in a channel or narrow channel is only permitted when the overtaken vessel has maneuvered to allow safe overtaking, and the overtaking vessel must give appropriate sound signals as prescribed in Article 34(c)(i) indicating its intention. If the overtaken vessel agrees, it must give appropriate sound signals as prescribed in Article 34(c)(ii) and maneuver to allow the overtaking vessel to pass safely. If there is still doubt, the sound signals prescribed in Article 34(d) may be given;

ii. This does not relieve the overtaking vessel from complying with the requirements set out in Article 13.

f) When approaching a bend or a narrowing section of a channel where other vessels may not be visible due to obstructions, vessels shall proceed with particular caution, increase vigilance, and give appropriate sound signals as prescribed in Article 34(e).

g) If circumstances permit, all vessels shall avoid anchoring in narrow channels.

Article 10. Navigation in Traffic Separation Schemes

a) This provision applies to traffic separation schemes accepted by the International Maritime Organization and does not relieve any vessel of its obligations under any other provisions.

b) Vessels navigating in traffic separation schemes shall:

i. Proceed along the traffic lane designated and in the general direction of traffic flow in that lane;

ii. To the extent possible, keep clear of the separation line or separation zone of the scheme;

iii. In general, enter or leave the traffic separation scheme at its ends, but if a vessel must enter or leave from each side within the scheme, it shall do so on a course making as small an angle as possible with the general direction of traffic flow.

c) If circumstances permit, vessels shall avoid crossing traffic separation schemes, but if necessary to cross, they shall do so at as near right angles as practicable to their course made good.^° d) i. A vessel shall not use the waters adjacent to the shore for passing when it can pass safely in the adjacent traffic lane. However, vessels less than 20 meters in length, sailing vessels, and fishing vessels may use the waters adjacent to the shore.

ii. Notwithstanding the provisions of point (i) of this paragraph, a vessel may use the waters adjacent to the shore when it is entering or leaving a port, structure, or offshore installation, pilot station, or any other location in the waters adjacent to the shore, or to avoid an imminent danger.

e) Generally, vessels that are not entering, leaving, or crossing traffic separation schemes shall not enter or cross the separation line or separation zone of the scheme, except:

i. In cases of emergency to avoid an imminent danger;

ii. For fishing within the separation zone.

f) Vessels navigating in areas near the ends of traffic separation schemes shall proceed with particular caution.

g) To the extent possible, vessels shall avoid anchoring within the limits of traffic separation schemes or in areas near the ends of the schemes.

h) Vessels not using traffic separation schemes shall navigate at a considerable distance from those schemes.

i) Vessels engaged in fishing shall not obstruct the passage of any vessel navigating in traffic separation schemes.

j) Vessels less than 20 meters in length or sailing vessels shall not obstruct the passage of motorized vessels navigating in traffic separation schemes.

k) Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver while performing tasks to ensure maritime safety in traffic separation schemes are exempt from the requirements set forth in this Article to the extent necessary to perform those tasks.

l) Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver while carrying out tasks of laying, maintaining, or retrieving submarine cables within the limits of traffic separation schemes are exempt from the requirements set forth in this Article to the extent necessary to perform those tasks.

l) Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver when carrying out work to lay, maintain, or retrieve submarine cables within the scope of the traffic separation scheme are exempted from complying with the requirements set forth in this Article to the extent necessary for performing such tasks.

Chapter II

Article ON VESSEL MANOEUVRE WHEN IN SIGHT OF ONE ANOTHER BY EYE

BY DAY

Article 11. Scope of Application

The provisions of this Chapter apply to vessels when sighted by eye.

Article 12. Sailing Vessels

a) When two sailing vessels approach each other with risk of collision, one of them must give way to the other in accordance with the following rules:

i. When two sailing vessels are on opposite tacks, the vessel on the starboard tack shall keep out of the way of the vessel on the port tack;

ii. When both sailing vessels are on the same tack, the vessel on the windward side shall keep out of the way of the vessel on the leeward side;

iii. If a sailing vessel on the port tack sees another vessel ahead but cannot determine whether that vessel is on the port or starboard tack, it shall give way to that vessel.

b) For the purposes of this Article, the windward side of a vessel is the side opposite to the side on which the main sail is being blown by the wind, or in the case of a vessel with a square rig, the side opposite to the side on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is being blown by the wind.

Article 13. Overtaking Vessel

a) Irrespective of any provisions of Chapters I and II Part B, any overtaking vessel must give way to the vessel being overtaken.

b) A vessel is considered to be overtaking another vessel when it approaches that vessel from more than 22.5 degrees abaft its beam, that is, at night, the overtaking vessel can only see the stern light of the vessel being overtaken and not any sidelight.^° c) If there is any doubt whether a vessel is overtaking another vessel, it shall be deemed to be overtaking and appropriate manoeuvres shall be taken.

d) Any subsequent changes in the relative positions of the two vessels shall not be considered to make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel under these Rules or relieve it of the obligation to give way to the vessel being overtaken until the overtaking vessel has passed safely clear and is well clear astern of the vessel being overtaken.

Article 14. Head-on Situation Between Power-driven Vessels

a) When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on or nearly head-on with risk of collision, each vessel shall alter course to starboard so that both vessels pass port-to-port.

b) Two vessels are considered to be in a head-on situation when one vessel is proceeding towards the other on a course opposite to or nearly opposite to her course, or when she can see the lights of the other vessel directly ahead or nearly ahead. In other words, at night, she can see both masthead lights in a line or nearly in a line ahead of her, and (or) both sidelights, while by day she can see the other vessel ahead on a bearing approximately opposite to her course.

c) If a vessel cannot determine whether she is in a head-on situation with another vessel, she shall assume that she is in such a situation and take appropriate action.

Article 15. Crossing Situations Between Power-driven Vessels

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, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other.

When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side must keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, pass astern of the other.

Article 16. Actions of vessels required to give way

Any vessel which shall have the duty to give way to another vessel must take early and substantial action to keep clear of that vessel to the maximum extent possible.

Article 17. Actions of vessels being given way to

a) i. When a vessel is being given way to by another vessel, it shall maintain its course and speed;

ii. However, if the vessel which has the duty to give way fails to act in accordance with the requirements of this Rule, the vessel being given way to may take such action as will best aid in avoiding collision.

b) For reasons relating to exceptional circumstances, when a vessel which should maintain its course and speed finds itself so close to another vessel as to be unable to avoid collision by the action of the other vessel alone, then the vessel being given way to shall take the best action available to avoid collision.

c) A power-driven vessel which is taking action to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel crossing its path as provided in paragraph (a)(ii) of this Article, if the circumstances permit, shall not turn to port side if the other vessel is on its starboard side.

d) This provision does not relieve the burden of the duty of the vessel required to give way for the other vessel.

Article 18. Responsibilities between vessels

Except in the cases specified in Articles 9, 10 and 13 of these Rules:

a) A power-driven vessel underway shall give way to:

i. A vessel which is unable to maneuver;

ii. A vessel which is restricted in her ability to maneuver;

iii. A fishing vessel;

iv. A sailing vessel;

b) A sailing vessel underway shall give way to:

i. A vessel which is unable to maneuver;

ii. A vessel which is restricted in her ability to maneuver;

iii. A fishing vessel.

c) A fishing vessel underway shall give way to:

i. A vessel which is unable to maneuver;

ii. A vessel which is restricted in her ability to maneuver.

d) i. Any vessel, except a vessel which is unable to maneuver or a vessel which is restricted in her ability to maneuver, shall not impede the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught which is showing the signals prescribed in Article 28;

ii. A vessel constrained by her draught shall proceed with particular caution and shall pay special attention to her special condition.

e) A water-borne aircraft on the water, generally shall keep clear of all vessels and shall not impede their passage. However, when there is danger of collision, the water-borne aircraft shall comply with the provisions of the Articles of this Part.

f) i. An air-cushion vehicle when taking off, landing or flying close to the surface shall keep clear of all vessels and shall not impede their operations;

ii. An air-cushion vehicle when moving on the water shall comply with the provisions of this Part as a power-driven vessel.

Chapter III

NAVIGATION IN REDUCED VISIBILITY

Article 19. Navigation in reduced visibility

a) This applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.

b) All vessels shall navigate at a safe speed appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. Power-driven vessels shall have their engines ready for immediate maneuvering.

c) In applying the provisions of Chapter I of this Part, all vessels shall exercise extreme caution and consider appropriate action in accordance with the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility.

d) A vessel which detects by radar alone another vessel in a fog shall determine if the risk of collision exists, if such situation arises, timely measures shall be taken, if the measure chosen is to change course, then to the extent possible, avoid:

i. Changing course to port side, if the other vessel is ahead of the beam and is not overtaking;

ii. Changing course towards the vessel which is on the beam or abaft the beam of the vessel.

e) Unless it has been determined that there is no risk of collision, every vessel which hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of her beam or when she 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 course. If necessary, she shall stop and reverse, and in any event, shall proceed with particular caution until danger of collision is over.

PART C

LIGHTS AND SIGNALS

Article 20. Scope of Application.

a) The provisions of this Part shall be applied under all weather conditions.

b) The provisions concerning lights shall be applied from sunset to sunrise and during this period vessels shall not exhibit other lights which may cause confusion with the lights prescribed in this Article or impair visibility at a distance or interfere with the distinctive characteristics of such lights or obstruct the view of approaching vessels.

c) The lights prescribed in these Rules may also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset when visibility is restricted or in other circumstances where necessary.

d) The provisions relating to shapes shall be applied during daylight hours.

e) The lights and shapes prescribed in these Articles shall comply with the requirements set out in Appendix 1 of these Rules.

Article 21. Definitions

a) "Stern light" means a white light placed on 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.^° b) "Side lights" mean 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.

Afternoon on vessels of less than 20 meters in length, the side lights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centreline of the vessel.^° and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side.^° c) "Masthead light" means a white light placed as far forward as possible but not in front of the foremast, showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees.

and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 67.5 degrees on either side of the vessel.

d) "Towing light" means a yellow light having the characteristics of the masthead light prescribed in paragraph (c) of this Article.^° e) "All-round light" means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.^°.

f) "Flashing light" means a light flashing at regular intervals of not more than 120 flashes per minute.

Article 22. Visibility of Lights.^°.

The lights described in these Articles shall have sufficient luminous intensity as specified in point 8 of Appendix I of these Rules to be visible at the minimum distances given below:

a) On vessels of 50 meters in length and upwards:

Stern light 6 nautical miles;

Side lights 3 nautical miles;

Masthead light 3 nautical miles;

Towing light 3 nautical miles;

White, red, green;

or yellow all-round light 3 nautical miles.

b) On vessels of 12 meters in length and upwards but less than 50 meters:

Stern light 5 nautical miles, if the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters then 3 nautical miles;

Side lights 2 nautical miles;

Masthead light 2 nautical miles;

Towing light 2 nautical miles;

or yellow all-round light 2 nautical miles.

c) On vessels of less than 12 meters in length:

b) On vessels of 12 meters in length and upwards but less than 50 meters:

Stern light 2 nautical miles;

Side lights 1 nautical mile;

d) On small vessels difficult to detect or on objects being towed:

White all-round light 3 nautical miles.

or yellow all-round light 2 nautical miles.

c) On vessels of less than 12 meters in length:

b) On vessels of 12 meters in length and upwards but less than 50 meters:

Stern light 2 nautical miles;

Article 23. Power-driven vessels underway.

a) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:

i. One stern light forward;

ii. One additional stern light aft higher than the forward stern light. However, a vessel of less than 50 meters in length need not carry the additional stern light but if carried it must be higher than the forward stern light.

iii. Side lights;

iv. Masthead light.

b) An air cushion vessel operating in an unsinkable mode while underway, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article, shall exhibit a yellow flashing light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

c) An air cushion vessel with wings when taking off, landing or flying close to the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article, shall exhibit a high-intensity red flashing light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

d) i. A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may substitute the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article by a white all-round light and side lights;

ii. A power-driven vessel of less than 7 meters in length and whose speed does not exceed 7 knots may substitute the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article by a white all-round light. Such a vessel may also exhibit side lights;

iii. A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length, if it is impracticable to install a stern light or a white all-round light on the fore and aft centreline of the vessel, such lights may be installed on a corresponding vertical plane, provided that the side lights are combined in one light installed on the fore and aft centreline or, if practicable, on the same plane as the stern light or the all-round light.

ii. A power-driven vessel less than 7 meters in length and having a speed not exceeding 7 knots may substitute the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article by an all-round white light. Such a vessel may also exhibit side lights.

iii. For a power-driven vessel less than 12 meters in length, if it is impracticable to install masthead lights or an all-round white light on the fore-and-aft centerline of the vessel, these lights may be installed on a line parallel to the fore-and-aft centerline, provided that the side lights are combined into a light installed on the fore-and-aft centerline or it is practicable to place them on the same plane as the masthead light or the all-round white light.

Article 24. Towage and Pushing Vessels

a) Motor vessels engaged in towing shall display:

i. In lieu of the lights prescribed in Article 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two masthead lights on the same vertical line. If the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters measured from the stern of the towing vessel to the aftmost point of the tow, three such lights shall be displayed;

ii. Side lights;

iii. Stern light;

iv. A towing light vertically above the stern light and forward of it;

v. A diamond shape signal at the most visible place if the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters.

b) When a motor vessel pushes another vessel ahead and they are permitted to form a single unit firmly connected, they shall be regarded as a motor vessel and shall display the lights prescribed in Article 23.

c) Motor vessels when pushing ahead or alongside another vessel without forming a single firm unit shall display:

i. Two masthead lights on the same vertical line instead of the lights prescribed in Article 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii);

ii. Side lights;

iii. Stern light.

d) Motor vessels must comply with the provisions of Clause (a) or Clause (c) of this Article and also adhere to the provisions of Article 23(a)(ii).

e) Vessels or objects being towed, except those specified in Clause (g) of this Article, shall display:

i. Side lights;

ii. Stern light;

iii. A diamond shape signal at the most visible place if the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters.

f) Regardless of the number of vessels being pushed alongside or pushed ahead in a group, each vessel must display lights as a separate vessel:

i. For vessels being pushed ahead, side lights forward must be displayed if not part of a single firm unit;

ii. For vessels being pushed alongside, a stern light and side lights forward must be carried.

g) Small vessels difficult to detect or objects being towed, or combinations of such vessels or objects, must display:

i. If their breadth is less than 25 meters, one all-round white light placed at the foremost part of the vessel or near there, and another all-round white light similarly placed at the stern or near there, except for liquid cargo bags "Dracones" which cannot have lights placed at the foremost part or near there;

ii. If their breadth is 25 meters or more, two all-round white lights placed at the sides of the vessel or near there;

iii. If their length exceeds 100 meters, additional all-round white lights as prescribed in points (i) and (ii) shall be added, but the distance between these lights shall not exceed 100 meters;

iv. A diamond shape signal at the sternmost part of the vessel or object being towed or near there, and if the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, an additional diamond shape signal shall be placed at the most visible place.

h) If for some reason, vessels or objects being towed cannot display the lights or signals prescribed in Clause (e) or (g) of this Article, every possible means shall be used to illuminate the vessel or object being towed or at least indicate its presence.

i) If for some reason, a normal vessel performing towing duties cannot carry the lights prescribed in Clause (a) or (c) of this Article, such as when towing a distressed vessel or a vessel requiring assistance, the towing vessel is not necessarily required to display these lights. However, all possible measures shall be taken to show the connection between the towing vessel and the vessel being towed as prescribed in Article 36, primarily by illuminating the towing line.

Article 25. Sailing vessels underway and rowing boats

a) Sailing vessels underway shall display:

i. Side lights;

ii. Stern light.

b) For sailing vessels less than 20 meters in length, the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article may be combined into a three-colour light placed at the top of the mast or near the mainmast where it can be seen most clearly.

c) In addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article, sailing vessels underway may also display two all-round lights in a vertical line on the top of the mast or near the top of the mainmast where they can be seen most clearly: red above, green below. However, these lights shall not be displayed together with the combined light mentioned in paragraph (b) of this Article.

d) i. For sailing vessels less than 7 meters in length, if possible, they shall display the lights prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Article. If such lights cannot be displayed, they shall have ready at hand a flashlight or a hand-held lamp emitting white light which can be shown promptly to avoid risk of collision;

ii. Rowing boats may display the lights prescribed for sailing vessels, but if such lights cannot be displayed, they shall have ready at hand a flashlight or a hand-held lamp emitting white light which can be shown promptly to avoid risk of collision;

e) Sailing vessels propelled both by sail and engine shall display at the forwardmost part where they can be seen most clearly a cone, apex downwards.

Article 26. Fishing vessels

a) Fishing vessels when underway or at anchor shall only display the lights and shapes prescribed in this Article.

b) Fishing vessels using trawls or other fishing gear which trail in the water shall display:

i. Two all-round lights in a vertical line, upper light red, lower light white, or a shape consisting of two cones apex-to-apex in a vertical line;

ii. A high-intensity all-round white light aft of the lower light. Vessels less than 50 meters in length need not display this light, but if they do so, it is acceptable;

iii. When the vessel is making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, she shall also display side lights and stern light.

c) Fishing vessels using other than trawl nets or other fishing gear which trail in the water shall display:

i. Two all-round lights in a vertical line, upper light red, lower light white, or a shape consisting of two cones apex-to-apex in a vertical line;

ii. If the fishing gear extends more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel, she shall display an all-round white light or a diamond shape in the direction of the gear;

iii. When the vessel is making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, she shall also display side lights and stern light.

d) The signals prescribed in Appendix II of this Rule shall apply to fishing vessels operating in close proximity to each other.

e) When not engaged in fishing operations, fishing vessels shall not display the lights or shapes prescribed in this Article but shall display the lights or shapes prescribed for vessels of the same length.

Article 27. Vessels not under command and vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre.

a) Vessels not under command shall display:

i. Two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can be seen most clearly;

ii. Two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can be seen most clearly;

iii. When the vessel is making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, she shall also display side lights and stern light.

b) Vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre, except those engaged in minesweeping operations, shall display:

i. Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can be seen most clearly, upper and lower lights red, middle light white;

ii. Three shapes in a vertical line where they can be seen most clearly, upper and lower shapes being spheres, middle shape being a diamond;

iii. When the vessel is making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in point (i) of paragraph (b), she shall also display masthead lights or all-round lights, side lights and stern light;

iv. When the vessel is at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in points (i) and (ii) of paragraph (b) of this Article, she shall display the lights or shapes prescribed in Article 30.

c) Power-driven vessels engaged in towing operations which are restricted in their ability to manoeuvre due to the tug and tow not being able to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in points (i) and (ii) of paragraph (b) of this Article, also display the lights or shapes prescribed in Article 24(a).

d) Vessels engaged in dredging or underwater operations which are restricted in their ability to manoeuvre shall display the lights and shapes prescribed in points (i), (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (b) of this Article and, if they constitute a hazard to navigation, shall also display:

i. Two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line in the direction of the obstruction;

ii. Two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical line in the direction of safety where other vessels can pass;

iii. When the vessel is at anchor, she shall display the lights or shapes prescribed in points (i) and (ii) of this paragraph instead of the lights or shapes prescribed in Article 30.

e) If the size of a vessel engaged in underwater operations does not permit her to display all the lights and shapes prescribed in paragraph (d) of this Article, she shall display:

i. Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can be seen most clearly. Upper and lower lights red, middle light white;

ii. An international code flag "A" made of stiff material at least 1 meter high. Measures must be taken to ensure that this flag can be seen from all directions.

f) A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations, in addition to the lights prescribed in Article 23 for power-driven vessels or the lights or shapes prescribed in Article 30 for anchored vessels, must also display three green all-round lights or three spheres at the top of the forward mast, with the remaining two lights or spheres placed on each side of the crossbar of the forward mast. These lights or signals indicate to other vessels the danger of approaching within 1000 meters of a vessel engaged in mine clearance operations.

g) Vessels less than 12 meters in length, except those engaged in underwater work, are not required to exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in this Article.

The signals prescribed in this Article are not distress signals indicating that a vessel is in need of assistance. Distress signals requesting immediate assistance are specified in Appendix IV of these Rules.

Article 28. Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver due to draft

In addition to the lights prescribed in Article 23 for such vessels, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver due to draft may also exhibit at the most conspicuous place available three all-round red lights in a vertical line or a shape resembling a cylinder.

Article 29. Pilot vessels

a) A pilot vessel on pilotage duty shall exhibit:

i. Two all-round lights, white above red, in a vertical line, at the top or near the top of the mast;

ii. When underway, in addition to the lights mentioned above, sidelights and a sternlight;

iii. When at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a)(i), the lights or shapes prescribed in Article 30 for an anchored vessel.

b) When not on pilotage duty, a pilot vessel shall exhibit the lights or shapes appropriate to the length of the vessel.

Article 30. Vessels at anchor and vessels aground

a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit at the most conspicuous place available:

i. At the bow, an all-round white light or a ball;

ii. Near the stern, an all-round white light lower than the light prescribed in point (i).

b) A vessel less than 50 meters in length may exhibit one all-round white light at the most conspicuous place available instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article.

c) A vessel at anchor may also use existing working lights or equivalent lights to illuminate the deck. For vessels 100 meters or more in length, this requirement is mandatory.

d) A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Article and shall also hoist at the most conspicuous place available:

i. Two all-round red lights in a vertical line;

ii. Three balls in a vertical line.

e) A vessel less than 7 meters in length, when at anchor or aground and not in or near a fairway, traffic separation scheme, anchorage area, or frequently used waters, is not required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b), or (d) of this Article.

f) A vessel less than 12 meters in length, when aground, is not required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in points (i) and (ii) of paragraph (d) of this Article.

Article 31. Seaplanes

In the case of seaplanes or hovercraft with wings that cannot display lights or markings meeting the requirements set forth in the provisions of this Part, they shall display lights and markings as close as possible to those specified in these Rules.

PART D

SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS

Article 32. Definitions

a) "Horn" means any device capable of producing sound in accordance with the requirements set out in Appendix III of these Rules.

b) "Short blast" means a blast lasting about one second.

c) "Long blast" means a blast lasting from four to six seconds.

Article 33. Sound-signalling appliances

a) A vessel of 12 meters in length or over shall be fitted with a horn; a vessel of 20 meters in length or over, in addition to a horn, shall also be fitted with a bell; a vessel of 100 meters in length or over, in addition to a horn and a bell, shall also be fitted with a gong whose sound is not mistaken for that of a bell. The horn, bell, and gong must meet the requirements set out in Appendix III of these Rules. The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other devices having similar acoustic characteristics provided that manual operation of sound signals according to command is always possible.

b) A vessel less than 12 meters in length is not necessarily required to be fitted with sound-signalling appliances as prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article, and if such appliances are not fitted, the vessel shall be equipped with other means of making effective sound signals.

Article 34. Maneuvering and warning signals

a) When two vessels are in sight of each other, a power-driven vessel underway which intends to maneuver shall give signals by means of a horn as prescribed in these Rules:

One short blast means: "I intend to alter my course to starboard";

Two short blasts mean: "I intend to alter my course to port";

Three short blasts mean: "My engines are being put astern";

b) Any vessel, in addition to the sound signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Article, may also give repeated light signals as necessary during the maneuvering time:

i. Such light signals shall mean the following:

One flash means: "I intend to alter my course to starboard";

Two flashes mean: "I intend to alter my course to port";

Three flashes mean: "My engines are being put astern".

ii. Each flash shall last about one second, the interval between flashes shall be about one second, and the interval between successive signals shall be at least ten seconds;

iii. The light used for giving such signals, if any, shall be a white light visible all around the horizon at a distance of at least five nautical miles, and the light shall comply with the requirements in Appendix I of these Rules.

c) When two vessels are in sight of each other in a narrow channel or fairway:

i. A vessel intending to overtake another vessel as prescribed in Article 9(c)(i) shall give her intention by means of a horn signal as follows:

Two long blasts followed by one short blast (--.) means: "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side";

Two long blasts followed by two short blasts (--..) means: "I intend to overtake you on your port side";

ii. The vessel being overtaken shall take appropriate action as prescribed in Article 9(c)(i) and shall acknowledge the intention to overtake by means of a signal consisting of four blasts: one long, one short, one long, one short (-.-.).

d) When two vessels are in sight of each other and approaching each other so as to involve risk of collision, if for some reason one of the vessels does not understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt as to the action the other will take to avoid collision, then that vessel shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short rapid blasts on the horn. With this signal, additional light signals may be given, at least five short rapid flashes.

e) A vessel approaching a bend, a curve in a river, or a section of a fairway where another vessel may be hidden by an obstruction shall give one prolonged blast. A vessel on the other side of the bend or behind the obstruction hearing the sound signal shall respond with one prolonged blast.

f) If a vessel is fitted with more than one horn, and the horns are placed more than 100 meters apart, only one horn need be sounded when giving maneuvering and warning signals.

Article 35. Sound Signals When Visibility is Restricted

When in or near an area where visibility is restricted, both day and night, the signals prescribed in this Article shall be used as follows:

a) A power-driven vessel underway, shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, one prolonged blast.

b) A power-driven vessel which has stopped engines and is not making way through the water, shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, two prolonged blasts in succession, the blasts separated by about two seconds.

c) A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draught, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing, and a vessel towing or pushing another vessel, shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, three blasts in succession, consisting of one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Article.

d) A fishing vessel at anchor and a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when at anchor, shall sound the signal prescribed in paragraph (c) of this Article instead of the signal prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Article.

e) A vessel being towed, if there are more than one, the last vessel in the tow if it has crew on board, shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, four blasts in succession, consisting of one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts (-...). If practicable, this signal shall be sounded immediately after the signal of the towing vessel.

f) A vessel towing and the vessel being towed which are connected together and form a combination which moves in the manner of a single vessel, shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and shall sound the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Article.

g) A vessel at anchor shall ring a bell rapidly for about five seconds at intervals of not more than one minute. For vessels of 100 meters in length or over, the bell signal shall be given from the forepart of the vessel and immediately afterwards a gong shall be struck rapidly for about five seconds from the stern. A vessel at anchor may also give an additional signal consisting of three blasts on the whistle: one short, one prolonged, and one short (.-.) to indicate her position and the fact that she is at anchor and that there is danger of collision with other vessels approaching her.

h) A vessel aground, in addition to giving the bell signal and striking the gong as prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Article, shall give three separate strokes on the bell before and after each ring of the bell. A vessel aground may also give an appropriate additional signal on the whistle.

i) A vessel of less than 20 meters but not less than 12 meters in length is not required to give the bell signal prescribed in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this Article. However, if the bell signal is not given, she shall give some other effective sound signal at intervals of not more than two seconds.

j) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length is not required to give the sound signal prescribed above, but if such signal is not given, she shall give some other effective sound signal at intervals of not more than two minutes.

k) A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty, in addition to the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b) or (g) of this Article, may give an identifying signal consisting of four short blasts.

Article 36. Signals to Attract Attention

Any vessel, if it considers it necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, may sound signals or show light signals not resembling any signal prescribed in the Rules herein, or may shine a searchlight towards the danger, but shall not interfere with other vessels. Any light used to attract the attention of another vessel shall not be mistaken for any navigational aid equipment. For the purposes of this Article, intermittent lights or rotating lights with extremely high intensity (such as strobe lights) should be avoided.

Article 37. Distress Signals

A vessel in distress requiring assistance must use or emit the signals specified in Appendix IV of these Rules.

PART E

EXEMPTIONS

Article 38. Exemptions

Any vessel (or type of vessel) that has fully complied with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1960, whose keel was laid or which was at a similar stage of construction before the entry into force of these Rules, may be exempted from compliance with the following provisions of these Rules:

a) The arrangement of lights with the required luminous range as provided for in Article 22, for a period of four years from the date these Rules enter into force.

b) The arrangement of lights with the characteristics of color as provided for in point 7 of Appendix I of these Rules, for a period of four years from the date these Rules enter into force.

c) Changes in the arrangement related to the conversion of units of measurement of light in the metric system and rounding off figures, exempted permanently.

d) i. Changes in the arrangement of masthead lights on vessels less than 150 meters in length as provided for in point 3(a) of Appendix I of these Rules, exempted permanently;

ii. Changes in the arrangement of masthead lights on vessels 150 meters or more in length to comply with the provisions of point 3(a) of Appendix I, for a period of nine years from the date these Rules enter into force.

e) Changes in the arrangement of masthead lights to comply with the provisions of point 2(b) of Appendix I of these Rules, for a period of nine years from the date these Rules enter into force.

f) Changes in the arrangement of side lights to comply with the provisions of points 2(g) and 3(b) of Appendix I of these Rules, for a period of nine years from the date these Rules enter into force.

g) Requirements for sound-signaling appliances as provided for in Appendix III of these Rules, for a period of nine years from the date these Rules enter into force.

h) The transfer of all-round lights as provided for in point 9(b) of Appendix I of these Rules, exempted permanently./.