Question 1

A vessel under 12m is not required to have a mechanical whistle. What does she need for fog signals and collision warnings?

Accepted Answer

She must have some means of making an efficient sound signal, such as a handheld horn, and comply with applicable requirements without fixed equipment.. RULE 33, SOUND SIGNAL EQUIPMENT: vessels under 12m are not required to have a mechanical whistle and bell, but MUST have some means of making an efficient sound signal. A handheld compressed air horn, an electrically-powered horn, or any device capable of producing the required signals is acceptable. They must be capable of complying with COLREGS sound signal requirements. In practice: a quality handheld aerosol air horn is the standard solution for small craft under 12m. A suitable horn may be handheld or electrically powered.

Question 2

Which sound-signal equipment must a vessel of 12m or more in length carry under Rule 33?

Accepted Answer

A whistle from 12 m, a bell from 20 m, and a gong from 100 m. Rule 33(a): vessels of 12m or more must carry a whistle, vessels of 20m or more must additionally carry a bell, and vessels of 100m or more must in addition carry a gong with a tone and sound distinct from that of the bell. Below 12m there is no prescribed kit, but the vessel must have some means of making an efficient sound signal (33(b)).

Question 3

What sound-signal requirement applies to a vessel under 12m in length?

Accepted Answer

No particular sound-signalling appliance is prescribed, but means of making an efficient sound signal are required.. Rule 33(b) states a vessel of less than 12m is not obliged to carry the sound-signalling appliances of 33(a) but if she does not, she must be provided with some other means of making an efficient sound signal. A handheld aerosol horn satisfies this for small craft.

Rule 33, questions and explanations

A vessel under 12m is not required to have a mechanical whistle. What does she need for fog signals and collision warnings?

Which sound-signal equipment must a vessel of 12m or more in length carry under Rule 33?

What sound-signal requirement applies to a vessel under 12m in length?

Practise this properly

Rule 33, questions and explanations

Questions

A vessel under 12m is not required to have a mechanical whistle. What does she need for fog signals and collision warnings?

Which sound-signal equipment must a vessel of 12m or more in length carry under Rule 33?

What sound-signal requirement applies to a vessel under 12m in length?

Practise this properly