The 1972 Convention was designed to update and replace the Collision Regulations of 1960 which were adopted at the same time as the 1960 SOLAS Convention. One of the most important innovations in the 1972 COLREGs was the recognition given to traffic separation schemes Rule 10 gives guidance in determining safe speed, the risk of collision and the conduct of vessels operating in or near traffic separation schemes. The first such traffic separation scheme was established in the Dover Strait in 1967. It was operated on a voluntary basis at first but in 1971 the IMO Assembly adopted a resolution stating that that observance of all traffic separation schemes be made mandatory and the COLREGs make this obligation clear. Technical provisionsThe COLREGs include 41 rules divided into six sections: Part A General; Part B Steering and Sailing; Part C Lights and Shapes; Part D Sound and Light signals; Part E Exemptions; and Part F Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention. There are also four Annexes containing technical requirements concerning lights and shapes and their positioning; sound signalling appliances; additional signals for fishing vessels when operating in close proximity, and international distress signals. Part A General (Rules 13)Rule 1 states that the rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and all waters connected to the high seas and navigable by seagoing vessels. Rule 2 covers the responsibility of the master, owner and crew to comply with the rules. Rule 3 includes definitions. Part B Steering and Sailing (Rules 419)Section 1 Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility (Rules 410) Rule 4 says the section applies in any condition of visibility. Rule 5 requires that every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout 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 deals with safe speed. It requires that: Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed.... The Rule describes the factors which should be taken into account in determining safe speed. Several of these refer specifically to vessels equipped with radar.The importance of using all available means is further stressed inRule 7 covering risk of collision, which warns that assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information Rule 8 covers action to be taken to avoid collision. In Rule 9 a vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway is obliged to keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. The same Rule obliges a vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel not to impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. The Rule also forbids ships to 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 meaning not to impede was classified by an amendment to Rule 8 in 1987. A new paragraph (f) was added, stressing that a vessel which was required not to impede the passage of another vessel should take early action to allow sufficient sea room for the safe passage of the other vessel. Such vessel was obliged to fulfil this obligation also when taking avoiding action in accordance with the steering and sailing rules when risk of collision exists. Rule 10 of the Collision Regulations deals with the behaviour of vessels in or near traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization. By regulation 8 of Chapter V (Safety of Navigation) of SOLAS, IMO is recognized as being the only organization competent to deal with international measures concerning the routeing of ships.The effectiveness of traffic separation schemes can be judged from a study made by the International Association of Institutes of Navigation (IAIN) in 1981. This showed that between 1956 and 1960 there were 60 collisions in the Strait of Dover; twenty years later, following the introduction of traffic separation schemes, this total was cut to only 16. In other areas where such schemes did not exist the number of collisions rose sharply. New traffic separation schemes are introduced regularly and existing ones are amended when necessary to respond to changed traffic conditions. To enable this to be done as quickly as possible the MSC has been authorized to adopt and amend traffic separation schemes on behalf of the Organization. Rule 10 states that ships crossing traffic lanes are required to do so as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow. This reduces confusion to other ships as to the crossing vessels intentions and course and at the same time enables that vessel to cross the lane as quickly as possible. Fishing vessels shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane but are not banned from fishing. This is in line with Rule 9 which states that a vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.In 1981 the regulations were amended. Two new paragraphs were added to Rule 10 to exempt vessels which are restricted in their ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme or when engaged in cable laying. In 1987 the regulations were again amended. It was stressed that Rule 10 applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization (IMO) and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule. It was also to clarify that if a vessel is obliged to cross traffic lanes it should do so as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of the traffic flow. In 1989 Regulation 10 was further amended to clarify the vessels which may use the inshore traffic zone. Section II Conduct of vessels in sight of one another (Rules 1118)Rule 11 says the section applies to vessels in sight of one another. Rule 12 states action to be taken when two sailing vessels are approaching one another. Rule 13covers overtaking the overtaking vessel should keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.Rule 14 deals with headon situations. Crossing situations are covered by Rule 15 and action to be taken by the giveway vessel is laid down in Rule 16. Rule 17 deals with the action of the standon vessel, including the provision that the standon vessel may 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. Rule 18 deals with responsibilities between vessels and includes requirements for vessels which shall keep out of the way of others. Section III conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19)Rule 19 states every vessel should proceed at a safe speed adapted to prevailing circumstances and restricted visibility. A vessel detecting by radar another vessel should determine if there is risk of collision and if so take avoiding action. A vessel hearing fog signal of another vessel should reduce speed to a minimum. Part C Lights and Shapes (Rules 2031)Rule 20 states rules concerning lights apply from sunset to sunrise.Rule 21 gives definitions. Rule 22 covers visibility of lights indicating that lights should be visible at minimum ranges (in nautical miles) determined according to the type of vessel. Rule 23 covers lights to be carried by powerdriven vessels underway. Rule 24 covers lights for vessels towing and pushing. Rule 25 covers light requirements for sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars. Rule 26 covers light requirements for fishing vessels. Rule 27 covers light requirements for vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre. Rule 28 covers light requirements for vessels constrained by their draught. Rule 29 covers light requirements for pilot vessels. Rule 30 covers light requirements for vessels anchored and aground.Rule 31 covers light requirements for seaplanes Part D Sound and Light Signals (Rules 3237)Rule 32 gives definitions of whistle, short blast, and prolonged blast. Rule 33 says vessels 12 metres or more in length should carry a whistle and a bell and vessels 100 metres or more in length should carry in addition a gong. Rule 34 covers manoeuvring and warning signals, using whistle or lights. Rule 35 covers sound signals to be used in restricted visibility. Rule 36 covers signals to be used to attract attention. Rule 37 covers distress signals. Part E Exemptions (Rule 38)Rule 38 says ships which comply with the 1960 Collision Regulations and were built or already under construction when the 1972 Collision Regulations entered into force may be exempted from some requirements for light and sound signals for specified periods.Part F Verification of compliance with the provisions of the ConventionThe Rules, adopted in 2013, bring in the requirements for compulsory audit of Parties to the Convention. Rule 39 provides definitions.Rule 40 says that Contracting Parties shall use the provisions of the Code for Implementation in the execution of their obligations and responsibilities contained in the present Convention.Rule 41 on Verification of compliance says that every Contracting Party is subject to periodic audits by IMO. AnnexesThe COLREGs include four annexes: Annex I Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes Annex II Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity Annex III Technical details of sounds signal appliances Annex IV Distress signals, which lists the signals indicating distress and need of assistance.
COLREG Convention on the lnternational Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 0onrn* Consolidated Edition 2003 Supplement Amendments to the Convention on the lnternational Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, were adopted by resolution A.1004(25) in November 2007 These amendments entered into force on December 2009 ln annex lV, Distress signals: ln (d), the words "radiotelegraphy or by any other" are replaced with "any" (l) is replaced with: (l) a distress alert by means (DSC)transmitted on: (i) (ii) VHF channel TO, of digital selective calling or MF/HF on thefrequencies 2187.5 kHz,8414.5k1z, 4207.5 k1z, 6312 kHz, 1257 kHz or 6804 kHz; (m) is replaced with: (m) a ship-to-shore distress alert transmitted by the ship's lnmarsat or other mobile satellite service provider ship earth station; ln paragraph 3, "the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual" is replaced by "the lnternational Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual, Volume lll," Copyright O lnternational Maritime Organi GOLREG Convention on the lnternational Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 Consolidated Edition 2OO3 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION London,2003 First published in 1985 by the INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORCANIZATION Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR Second edition 1990 Third edition 2002 Fourth edition 2003 of the Assemblr on ly \ Printed by the lnternational Maritime Organization, London 10 ISBN 92-801-4167-8 IMO PUBLICATION Sales number: I8904E Copyright O IMO The Convention on t:e -,:l at Sea, 1972 has beer a: : l 20 October 9;l ani e-:e'= in 198,l, 1987, 1989 a-,c I ! resolution A.910' ll ',1 - r:- 2003 All righs reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the I nte rnational Mariti me Organization 29 November 1003 T-: : fhe 1972 Convention z ;-, Foreword The Convention on the International Regulations for preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 has been accepted by many States since it was adopted on 20 October 1972 and entered into force on 15 July 1977.ltwas amended in 1981, 1987,1989 and 1993 and has more recently been amended by resolution A.910(22), which was adopted by the twenty-second session of the Assembly on 29 November 2001 and entered into force on 29 November 2003 This publication contains the consolidated text of the 1972 Convention as amended in 1981, 1987,lg\g,lgg3 and 200.l Contents Page Convention on the lnternational Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended - Ceneral Part B - Steering and sailing rules Part A Part C * o () Lights and shapes 17 - Sound and light signals Part E - Exemptions Annex I - Positioning and technical details of 25 Part D Annex Il - Annex lll Annex - IV- 29 Iights and shapes 31 Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity 39 Technical details of sound signal appliances Distress signals 41 45 CONVENTION ON THE NTERNATIONAL REGUTATIONS FOR PREVENTTNG COLLTSTONS AT SEA/ 1972, AS AMENDED I The Parties to the present Convention, DESIRINC to maintain a high level of safety at sea, MINDFUL of the need to revise and bring up to date the lnternational Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea annexed to the Final Act of the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea, 960, HAVINC CONSIDERED those Regulations in the light of developments since they were approved, HAVE ACREED as follows: Article I Ceneral obligations The Parties to the present Convention undertake to give ef{ect to the Rules and other Annexes constituting the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, (hereinafter referred to as "the Regulations,,) attached hereto Article ll S i gn atu r e, r atif i cati o n, acce ptan ce, approval and accession The present Convention shall remain open for signature until l June 1973 ancl shall thereafter remain open for accession States Members of the United Nations, or of any of the Specialized Agencies, or the lnternational Atomic Energy Agency, or parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice may become Parties to this convention by: (a) signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; (b) signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval followed by ratification, acceptance or approval; or (c) accession Ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument to that effect with the lnter-Covernmental Maritime Consultative Organization* (hereinafter referred to as ,,the - NOTE: The name of the Organization was changed to "INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORCANIZATION" by virtue of amendments to the Organization's Convention which entered into force on 22 May 1982 COLREC, 1972 Organization") which shall inform the Covernments of States that have signed or acceded to the present Convention of the deposit of each instrument and of the date of its deposit Article The Secretan-C =' have signed or ap pl i cati :-::-= - On the date o' replace and abrogaie at Sea, 'l 960 lll Territori al acceie: :, : on The United Nations in cases where they are the administering for a territory, or any Contracting Party responsible for the authority international relations of a territory, may at any time by notification in writing to the Secretary-Ceneral of the Organization (hereinafter referred to as "the Secretary-Ceneral"), extend the application of this Convention to such a territory The present Convention shall, upon the date of receipt of the notification or from such other date as may be specified in the notification, extend to the territory named therein Article V Revision conierenci A ':' -ir: :: conference Regulations or both The Organizaiic- : for the purpose oi re'u ^= request of not less ti-.^ - - Any notification made in accordance with paragraph of this article may be withdrawn in respect of any territory mentioned in that notification and the extension of this Convention to that territory shall cease to apply after one year or such longer period as may bre specified at the time of the withdrawal The Secretary-Ceneral shall inform all Contracting Parties of the notification of any extension or withdrawal of any extension communicated under this article Article V! Amendments to the l Any amendme:- : shall be considered ir :-= lf adopted br a :,' Marilime Safety Com-' communicated to all Article lV Entry into force I (a) The present Convention shall enter into force twelve months after the date on which at least 15 States, the aggregate of whose merchant fleets constitutes not less than 65"h by number or by tonnage of the world fleet of vessels of 100 Bross tons and over, have become Parties to it, whichever is achieved first (h) Notwithstanding the provisions in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph, the present Convention shall not enter into force before January 1976 Entry into force for States which ratify, accept, approve or accede to this Convention in accordance with article ll after the conditions prescribed in subparagraph (a) have been met and before the Convention enters into force, shall be on the date of entry into force of the Convention Entry into force for States which ratify, accept, approve or accede after the date on which this Convention enters into force, shall be on the date of deposit of an instrument in accordance with article ll After the date of entry into force of an amendment to this Convention in accordance with paragraph of article Vl, any ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall apply to the Convention as amended R= Co:.' least six months pr-io': Organization An1' Co-:": Organization shall be =considered by the Asse-: lf adopted br a ',' :- Assembly, the amend:re-: to all Contracting Par:;e- '- Such an amendr.=- by the Assembly at the : -= by the Assembly at tl'e -=^ Parties notify the Org"^ Determination b1' the = shall be by a tu,o-thircs -: On entr1, into io'cwhich have not objec:e: previous provision io '.- -' The Secreta-. : Members of the O:3:article and the date o- :,' ,r - Articles lll, IV, V, Vl On the date of entry into force of this Convention, the Regulations replace and abrogate the lnternational Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 960 The Secretary-Ceneral shall inform the Governments of States that have signed or acceded to this Convention of the date of its entry into force Article V Revislon conference l A conference for the purpose of revising this Convention or the Regulations or both may be convened by the Organization The Organization shall convene a conference of Contracting Parties for the purpose of revising this Convention or the Regulations or both at the request of not less than one third of the Contracting Parties Article Vl Amendments to the Regulations Any amendment to the Regulations proposed by a Contracting Party shall be considered in the Organization at the request of that Party If adopted by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization, such amendment shall be communicated to all Contracting Parties and Members of the Organization at least six months prior to its consideration by the Assembly of the Organization Any Contracting Party which is not a Member of the Organization shall be entitled to participate when the amendment is considered by the Assembly lf adopted by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in the Assembly, the amendment shall be communicated by the Secretary-Ceneral to all Contracting Parties for their acceptance Such an amendment shall enter into force on a date to be determined by the Assembly at the time of its adoption unless, by a prior date determined by the Assembly at the same time, more than one third of the Contracting Parties notify the Organization of their objection to the amendment Determination by the Assembly of the dates referred to in this paragraph shall be by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting On entry into force any amendment shall, for all Contracting Parties which have not objected to the amendment, replace and supersede any previous provision to which the amendment refers The Secretary-Ceneral shall inform all Contracting Parties and Members of the Organization of any request and communication under this article and the date on which any amendment enters into force COLREC, 1972 Article Vll Denunciation l The present Convention may be denounced by a Contracting Party at any time after the expiry of five years from the date on which the Convention INTERNAT]O PREVENTINJG entered into force for that Party I I Denunciation shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument with the Organization The Secretary-Ceneral shall inform all other Contracting Parties of the receipt of the instrument of denunciation and of the date of its PA deposit A denunciation shall take effect one year/ or such longer period may be specified in the instrument, after its deposit as Rule Application (a) Article Vlll Deposit and registration (h) copies thereof to all Covernments of States that have signed this Convention (c) When the present Convention enters into force, the text shall transmitted by the Secretary-Ceneral to the SecretarPat of the United Nations for registration and publication in accordance with Article 102 ol the Charter vessels proctrtr.: - = - -' or signal lig::= '.fleet These acc - -: of the United Nations shall, so far a; p: =' : light, shape or: : Article lX The present Convention is established, together with the Regulations, in a single copy in the English and French languages, both texts being equally authentic Official translations in the Russian and Spanish languages shall be prepared and deposited with the signed original Nothing in [he-e rules made bi :^t Station Or.'=_j : bre Languages Nothing in :^-== - rules made 3! :- : rivers, lakes oi - :^: navigable br sea=: closeli' a) po:: :' ' :: The present Convention and the Regulations shall be deposited with the Organization, and the Secretary-Ceneral shall transmit certified true or acceded to it .-: These Rules =: waters coni-ec:-t :-; (d) Traffic separaiio: :;the purpose of i-=.= (e) Whenerer the C vessel of specia c- = - provisions oi a: ' rdnEe or arc o: : : lN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned* being duly authorized by their respective Governments for that purpose have signed the present and characte'i:'-:= : : comply rvith suc- ' range or arc of r'- :and characteri:: -; Convention DONE AT LONDON this twentieth day of October one thousand nine hundred and seventy-two shall have dete'- -, these Rules in re.:=: Rule Responsibilitl, (a) Nothing in:^-r- i master or c'a'", :-:' complr trit: :^=== i may be requi'e: Signatures omitted :" : COLREC, 1972 (k) A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may in addition to the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b) or (g) of this Rule sound an identity signal consisting of four short blasts PAR Rule 38 Exemptions Rule 36 Signals to attract attention lf necessary to attract the attention of another vessel any vessel may make Iight or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be Any vessel tor c.i-: :' requiremenls ot i-r :'- Sea,1960, the kee '"r- construction beio'e :-= exempted from co:': :*:= (a) The installatio- -' years after ii- :.:= (b) The installario :' section ,- oi a^^=, of entry into :o'.-.: mistaken for any aid to navigation For the purpose of this Rule the use of high- intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strotre lights, shall be avoided Rule 37 Dlstress signals When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in annex lV to these Regulations (c) The repositio:' metric units a^ : - : l ' exemption (dl (i) The repo; : in length -e.- ' j: to these R:=- :- (ii) The reposi:ic- - in length, :t:- - - to these Re=force of (e) =- t:e:= i= The repositioni- - section 2(br of a = date of entrr i^:: -.' (f) The repositio: ^- seclions l{g a: i after the date o' : ZO ' (S) The requireme^:: to these Regula:i, of these Regula:r: (hl The repositioni^ - -section 9(b r oi a , - - - Rules )6,37, 38 P1RT E - EXEMPIIONS Rule 38 Exemptions ir' ,, essels) provided that she complies with the -.err.-ttional requirements oi :i.e Regulations for Preverrting Collisions at Sea, 1960, the keei oi,,,,rich is laid or which is at a corresponding stage of construction before the entry into force of these Regulations may be exempted fronr complrance therewith as follows: Any vessel 1or c !s (a) The installation oi lights with ranges prescribed in Rule 22, until four years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations (b) The installation of lights with colour specifications as prescribed in section of annex I to these Regulations, until four years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations (c) (d) The repositioning of lights as a result of conversion from lmperial to metric units and rounding off measurement figures, permanent exemption (i) The repositioning of masthead lights on vessels of less than l 5O m in length, resulting from the prescriptions of section 3(a) of annex to these Regulations, permanent exemption I (ii) l The repositioning of masthead lights on vessels of 5O m or more in length, resulting from the prescriptions of section 3(a) of annex to these Regulations, until nine years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations I (e) The repositioning of masthead lights resulting from the prescriptions of section 2(b) of annex I to these Regulations, until nine years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations The repositioning of sidelights resulting from the prescriptions of sections 2(g) and 3(b) of annex I to these Regulations, until nine years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations (s) The requirements for sound signal appliances prescribed in annex ill to these Regulations, until nine years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations (h) The repositioning of all-round lights resulting from the prescription of section 9(b) of annex I to these Regulations, permanent exemption 29 Annex I Annex I Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes Definition The term height above the hull means height above the uppermost continuous deck This height shall be measured from the position vertically beneath the location of the light Vertical positioning and spacing of Iights (a) On a power-driven vessel of 20 m or more in length the masthead lights shall be placed as follows: (i) the forward masthead light, or if only one masthead light is carried, then that light, at a height above the hull of not less than m, and, if the breadth of the vessel exceeds m, then at a height above the hull not less than such breadth, so however that the light need not be placed at a greater height above the hull than 12 m; (ii) when two masthead lights are carried the after one shall be at least 4.5 m vertically higher than the forward one (b) The vertical separation of masthead lights of power-driven vessels shall be such that in all normal conditions of trim the after light will be seen l over and separate from the forward light at a distance of 000 m from the stem when viewed from sea-level (c) The masthead light of a power-driven vessel ol 12 m brut less than 20 m in length shall be placed at a height above the gunwale of not less than 2.5 m (d) A power-driven vessel of (e) One of the two or three masthead lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel when engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall be placed in the same position as either the forward masthead Iight or the after masthead light; provided that, if carried on the aftermast, the lowest after masthead light shall be at least 4.5 m vertically higher than the forward masthead light less than 12 m in length may carry the uppermost light at a height of less than 2.5 m above the gunwale When, however, a masthead light is carried in addition to sidelights and a sternlight or the all-round light prescribed in Rule 23(d)(i) is carried in addition to sidelights, then such masthead Iight or all-round light shall be carried at least m higher than the sidelights 3',l COLREC, 1972 (f) (i) (ii) (s) The masthead light or lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) shall be so placed as to be above and clear of all other lights and obstructions except as described in subparagraph (ii) When it is impracticable to carry the all-round lights prescribed by Rule 27(b)(i) or Rule 2B below the masthead lights, they may be carried above the after masthead light(s) or vertically in between the forward masthead light(s) and after masthead light(s), provided that in the latter case the requirement of section 3(c) of this annex shall be complied with The sidelights of a power-driven vessel shall be placed at a height above the hull not greater than three quarters of that of the forward masthead light They shall not be so low as to be interfered wirh by (c) The sidelights, if in a combined Iantern and carried on a power-driven vessel of less than 20 m in length, shall be placed not less than m below the masthead light (i) When the Rules prescribe two or three Iights to be carried in a vertical line, they shall be spaced as follows: (i) on a vessel of 20 m in length or more such lights shall be spaced not Iess than m apart, and the lowest of these lights shall, except where a towing light is required, be placed at a height of not less than m above the hull; (ii) on a vessel of less than 20 m in length such lights shall be spaced not less than m apart and the lowest of these Iights shall, except where a towing light is required, be placed at a height of not less than m abrove the gunwale; (iii) when three lights are carried they shall be equally spaced fi) (k) The lower of the two all-round lights prescribed for a vessel when engaged in fishing shall be at a height above the sidelights not less than twice the distance between the two vertical lights The forward anchor light prescribed in Rule 30(a)(i), when two are carried, shall not be less than 4.5 m above the after one On a vessel of 50 m or more in length this forward anchor light shall be placed at a height of not less than m above the hull Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights (a) When two masthead lights are prescribed for a power-driven vessel, the horizontal distance between them shall not be less than one half of the length of the vessel but need not be more than 100 m The forward light shall be placed not more than one quarter of the length of the vessel from the stem (h) On a power-driven vessel of 20 m or more in length the sidelights shall not be placed in front of the forward masthead lights They shall be placed at or near the side of the vessel i2 -_ r ertica, vessel i^ (d) When Details of locati fishing \/essels, in undenuater c The light i:c - 'engaged ir''- -horizontal c - o' thisl;3.hr:, :: o[ Iess rre - amidship.:- : ' r deck lights (h) ::: -., ir : : masrhea.: :: di:tante ,.' When (a) from the (h) tr' nothigher:1.- = not lou er :-.,- The light: a-c ' operations'.q - - , safe to pa(i i: l-: maximunt p:i.- from the ligl-: shall the upp - lower ot Lhe - for side oi r es : Screens The sidelights screens painted nrc : annex On vessels ot = meet the requirenre- matt black screens \,' ' ' and a very naTTo\\ : screens need not he - - - Shapes (a) Shapes shall :' (i) abal r- (ii) a ( one :- : height ,(iii) a cr l:-c=- trrice - :.,^, (iv) a diar:', ^ har ire ; , Annex I (c) When the lights prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) or Rule 28 are placed vertically between the forward masthead Iight(s) and the after masthead Iight(s) these all-round lights shall be placed at a horizontal distance of not less than m from the fore-and-aft centreline of the vessel in the athwartship direction {d) When only one masthead Iight is prescribed for a power-driven vessel, this light shall be exhibited forward of amidships; except that a vessel of less than 20 m in Iength need not exhibit this light forward of amidships but shall exhibit it as far forward as is practicable Details of location of direction-indicating lights for fishing vessels, dredgers and vessels engaged in underwater operations (al The light indicating the direction of the outlying gear from a vessel engaged in fishing as prescribed in Rule 26(c)(ii) shall be placed at a horizontal distance of not less than m and not more than m away from the two all-round red and white lights This light shall be placed not higher than the all-round white light prescribed in Rule 26(c)(i) and not lower than the sidelights (b) The lights and shapes on a vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations to indicate the obstructed side and/or the side on which it is safe to pass, as prescribed in Rule 27(d)(l and (ii), shall be placed atthe maximum practical horizontal distance, but in no case Iess than m, from the Iights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(l and (ii) In no case shall the upper of these lights or shapes be at a greater height than the lower of the three lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and (ii) Screens for sidelights The sidelights of vessels of 20 m or more in length shall be fitted with inboard screens painted matt black, and meeting the requirements of section of this annex On vessels of less than 20 m in length the sidelights, if necessary to meet the requirements of section of this annex, shall be fitted with inboard matt black screens With a combined lantern, using a single vertical filament and a very narrow division between the green and red sections, external screens need not be fitted Shapes (a) Shapes shall be black and of the following sizes: (i) a ball shall have a diameter of not less than 0.6 m; (ii) a cone shall have a base diameter of not less than 0.6 m and a height equal to its diameter; (iii) a cylinder shall have a diameter of at least 0.6 m and a height of twice its diameter; (iv) a diamond shape shall consist of two cones as defined in (ii) above having a common base )) 11 COLREC, 1972 (b) (c) The vertical distance between shapes shall be at least j.5 m Range o ln a vessel of less than 20 m in length shapes of lesser dimensions but commensurate with the size of the vessel may be used and the tluminor.l light in distance apart may be correspondingly reduced na Colour specification of lights The chromaticity of all navigation lights shall conform to the following standards, which Iie within the boundaries of the area of the diagram specified for each colour by the International Commission on lllumination (ClE) i I I The boundaries of the area for each colour are given by indicating the corner i co-ordinates, which are as follows: (i) White x y (ii) : 0.525 0.525 0.452 0.3 i 0.31 0.382 0.440 0.440 0.348 0.283 \Ol: = -., -0.443 -:' 0.382 Creen x y 0.028 0.009 0.300 0.385 0.723 0.51 Horizontal sectc 0.203 0.356 (i) In the 'c -.' '-: shorr :- = decreasr -a: prescri::er =: (ii) For sre'^ ^, for siie';^ tainei o,.:- = sectors c'=::' : (iii) Red x y 0.680 0.550 0.735 0.320 0.320 0.265 0.721 0.259 (iu) Yellow x y 0.6'12 0.618 0.525 0.382 0.382 0.425 0.575 i^: : il ^: : sectors 0.406 limits: more tha- J I lntensity of lights (a) The minimum Iuminous intensity of lights shall be calculated by using All-rounc.=^ topmasis :' ' the formula: except a^c- (b) where / l=3.43 x 106 x T x D2 x K-D is Iuminous intensity in candelas under (ii) is threshold factor 2x usedsui;a::.:: practicab.e: 1O-7 lux, is range of visibility (luminous range) of the light in nautical miles, K is atmospheric transmissivity For prescribed Iights the value of K shall be 0.8, corresponding to a meteorological visibility of approximately 13 nautical miles (h) A selection of figures derived from the formula is given in the following table: t0 Vertical sectors (a) The vertical sea:-': lights on saiil- " = (i) at least ihe :, from 5' aa: , : - (ii) atleast6f :: l ,/ arlo\ a 34 - by exhibil:^= - - service conditions, f D _ a^ lf it is impra:.:, placed - Annex Range of visibility (luminous range) of light in nautical miles D I Luminous intensity of light in candelas for K= 0.8 I 0.9 4.3 12 27 52 94 NOTE: The maximum luminous intensity of navigation lights should be limited to avoid undue glare This shall not be achieved by a variable control of the luminous intensitv Horizontal sectors (a) (i) ln the forward direction, sidelights as fitted on the vessel show the minimum required intensities The intensities decrease to reach practical cut-off between prescribed sectors (ii) shall shall " and 3" outside the For sternlights and masthead lights and at 22.5' abaft the beam for sidelights, the minimum required intensities shall be maintained over the arc of the horizon up to 5'within the limits o{the sectors prescribed in Rule 21 From 5" within the prescribed sectors the intensity may decrease by 50"/, up to the prescribed Iimits; it shall decrease steadily to reach practical cut-off at not more than 5" outside the prescribed sectors (h) (i) AI|-round lights shall be so located as not to be obscured by masts, topmasts or structures within angular sectors of more than 6', except anchor lights prescribed in Rule 30, which need not be placed at an impracticable height above the hull (ii) lf it is impracticable to comply with paragraph (b)(i) of this section by exhibiting only one all-round light, two all-round lights shall be used suitably positioned or screened so that they appear, as far as practicable, as one light at a distance of one mile 10 Vertical sectors (a) The vertical sectors of electric lights as fitted, with the exception of lights on sailing vessels underway, shall ensure that: (i) at least the reguired minimum intensity is maintained at all angles from 5' above to 5" below the horizontal; (ii) at least 6O"h of the required minimum intensity is maintained from 7.5' above to 7.5' below the horizontal 35 COLREC, 1972 (h) ln the case of sailing vessels underway the vertical sectors of electric lights as fitted shall ensure that: (i) at least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles from 5' above to 5" below the horizontal; (ii) at Ieast 5O'h ol the required minimum intensity is maintained from 25" above to 25' below the horizontal (c) In the case of Iights other than electric these specifications shall be met as closely as possible 11 !ntensity of non-electric lights Non-electric lights shall so far as practicable comply with the minlmum intensities, as specified in the table given in section B of this annex 12 Manoeuvring light Notwithstanding the provisions o{ paragraph 2(f) of this annex, the manoeuvring light described in Rule 3a(b) shall be placed in the same foreand-aft vertical plane as the masthead light or lights and, where practicable, at a minimum height of m vertically above the forward masthead light, provided that it shall be carried not less than m vertically above or brelow the after masthead Iight On a vessel where only one masthead light is carried, the manoeuvring light, if fitted, shall be carried where it can best be seen, not less than m vertically apart from the masthead light 13 High-speed craft* (a) The masthead light of high-speed craft may be placed at a height related to the breadth of the craft lower than that prescribed in paragraph 2(a)(i) of this annex, provided that the base angle of the isosceles triangles formed by the sidelights and masthead light, when seen in end elevation, is not less than 27' (h) On high-speed craft of 50 m or more in length, the vertical separation between foremast and mainmast light of 4.5 m required by paragraph 2(a)(ii) of this annex may be modified provided that such distance shall not be less than the value determined by the following formula: Y (ai17\n)C looo z" where: y is the height of the mainmast light above the foremast light in metres; a is the height of the foremast light above the water surface in service condition in metres; \U C * is the trim in service condition in degrees is the horizontal separation of masthead lights in metres Refer to the lnternational Code of Saiety for High-Speed Galt, 1994 and the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 36 14 Approval The constructio: :' the vessel shall ce :: whose flag the r es.r Annar' '!4 Approval The construction of lights ancl shapes ancl the iirsiallatir-:it oi iighis c;n l;orrul the vessel shail be to the satisfaction of the appropriaie auihoi.itl, oi ihe 5;;rte u,hose flag the vessei is entitled to fly r Annex E E AdCitianal signa/s far iishing vesse/s {ishing rn c/ose proximity tr Ceneral The lights mentionecl herein shall, if exhibited in pursuance of Rule 2tr(d), be placed w,here they can best be seen The,v shaii be at leasi 0.9 m apart but at a ior'r,er level than lights prescribed in Rule 26(b)(i) and (c)(i) The lights shall be visible all round the horizon at a distance of at least mile but at a iesser distance than the lighis prescribed by these Rules for fishing vessels z Signals for trawEers {a) Vessels of 20 m or rrore in Iength rvhen engaged irr trawling, rvhether using demersai or pelagic gear, slrall exhibit: (i) wlren shooting their nets: tr,vo white lights in a vertical line; {ii} when hauling their nets: one n,hite light over one red light in a vertical Iine; (iii! rvhen the net has conre fast upon an obstruction: tr,vo recl lights in a vertical line (h! Each vessel of 2O m or more in length engaged in pair traw,ling shail exhibit: (i) by night, a searchlight directed fonvard and in the direction of thc olher r e5sel tll the p,rir: (ii) lvhen shooting or har-rling their nets or i,vhen the fast uSlor.r nets have come an obstruction, the lights prescribed iri 2(a) above {c) A vessel of Iess than 20 nr in length engagerl in traivling, whether using denrersal or pelagic Bear or engaged in pair trar,vling, may exlribit the lights prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of tlris section, as appropriaie Signals for purse seimers Vessels er.rgaged in fishing with purse seine gear may exhibit two yellorv !ights in a vertical iine These iights shail 1'laslr alternateiy every second and with equal Iight ancl occultation duration These lights may be exhibited only when the vessel is hampered by its fishing gear 39 Annex lll Annex lll Technical details of sound signal appliances Whistles (a) Frequencies and range of audibility The fundamental frequency of the signal shall lie within the range 70700 Hz The range of audibility of the signal from a whistle shall be determined by those frequencies, which may include the fundamental andlor one or more higher frequencies, which lie within the range 180-700 Hz (-1 1"k) lor a vessel of 20 m or more in length, or 1BO-21OO Hz (+1%) for a vessel of Iess rhan 20 m in length and which provide the sound pressure levels specified in paragraph 1(c) below (b) Limits of fundamental frequencies To ensure a wide variety of whistle characteristics, the fundamental frequency of a whistle shall be between the following limits: (il 70-200 Hz, for a vessel 200 m or more in length; (iil 130-350 Hz, for a vessel 75 m but less than 200 m in length; (iii) 250-700 Hz, lor a vessel (c) less than 75 m in length Sound signal intensity and range of audibility A whistle {itted in a vessel shall provide, in the direction of maximum intensity of the whistle and at a distance of l m from it, a sound pressure level in at least one t/.-octave band within the range of frequencies 180-700 Hz (-t1'k) Ior a vessel of 20 m or more in length, or 1BO-2100 Hz (+1%) for a vessel of less than 20 m in length, of not less than the appropriate figure given in the table below 73-octave band level at m Audibility Length of vessel in metres in dB referred to in nautical x 10-sN/m2 miles 200 or more 75 but less than 200 20 but less than 75 Less than 20 ranSe 143 138 1.5 130 120* 0.5 151 111i + When the measured frequencies lie within the range 180-450 Hz r When the measured frequencies lie within the range 450-800 Hz i When the measured frequencies lie within the range 800-2100 Hz 41 COLREC, 1972 The range of audibility in the table above is for information and is approximately the range at which a whistle may be heard on its forward axis with 90% probability in conditions of still air on board a vessel having average background noise level at the Iistening posts (a) (taken to be 6B dB in the octave band centred on 250 Hz and 63 dB in the octave band centred on 500 Hz) (h) ln practice the range at which a whistle may be heard is extremely variable and depends critically on weather conditions; the values The sound pressure level of a directional whistle shall be not more than dB below the prescribed sound pressure level on the axis at any direction in the horizontal plane within *45'of the axis The sound pressure level at any other direction in the horizontal plane shall be not more than 10 dB below the prescribed sound pressure level on the axis, so that the range in any direction will be at least half the range on the forward axis The sound pressure level shall be measured in that 73-octave band which determines the audibility range Positioning of whistles a vessel, it shall be installed with its maximum intensity directed straight ahead A whistle shall be placed as high as practicable on a vessel, in order to reduce interception of the emitted sound by obstructions and also to minimize hearing damage risk to personnel The sound pressure level of the vessel's own signal at listening posts shall not exceed 10 dB (A) and so far as practicabrle should not exceed 100 dB (A) (f) Fitting of more than one whistle lf whistles are fitted at a distance apart of more than 100 m, it shall be so arranged that they are not sounded simultaneously (u) Co m bi n ed w h i stl e systems lf due to the presence of obstructions the sound field of a single whistle or one of the whistles referred to in paragraph 1(f) above is likely to have a zone of greatly reduced signal level, it is recommended that a combined whistle system be fitted so as to overcome this reduction For the purposes of the Rules a combined whistle system is to be regarded as a single whistle The whistles of a combined system shall be located at a distance apart of not more than l 00 m and arranged to be sounded simultaneously The frequency of any one whistle shall differ from those of the others by at least 10 Hz 42 = ensure co^;1:- ' mdss o- the - =- - onal properties When a directional whistle is to be used as the only whistle on - \Vhere pi'ac:':.: much reduced (e) Bells anc =- given can be regarded as typical but under conditions of strong wind Di recti Cor-.:'- :: designec:: or high ambient noise level at the Iistening post the range may be {d) Bell or gone Approval construct'.,^ : ri - j - authorily oi lle :.: : The installation oF : - lnne:r lii Bell or gong {a} /nten-si ty of signa/ A bell or gong, or other device having similar solrnd characteristics shall produce a sound pressure level of not less than I IU clll a distar.rce o{ (bl l nr trom it Construction Beljs and gongs shall be made of corrosion-resistant maierial ancl designed to give a clear tone The diameter of the morrtlr of thc bell shall be not less than 300 nrnr for vessels of 20 m {)r more in length Where practicable, a porver-driven bell stril