Duty to Provide Assistance at Sea

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• Marine Accidents
• The operator of a vessel involved in a marine
  casualty must
• render necessary assistance to anyone affected by
  the accident.
• render the assistance to the individuals level
  of training without endangering self, individuals
  onboard or the vessel.
• exchange name, address and identification of the
  vessel.
• If acting in a reasonable and prudent manner, a
  person who acts in good faith to assist others
  cannot be held liable for any damages.

Duty to Provide Assistance at Sea As the operator
of a boat, you shall assist any other boat that
may be in jeopardy of being lost at sea. The
assistance can be in the form of providing fuel,
towing the affected vessel, or calling marine
rescue to help the vessel as long as it can be
done without endangering self, individuals
onboard or the vessel. A violation of not helping
a vessel in danger of being lost at sea can
result in a fine up to 1,000, imprisonment for
not more than 2 years, or both.
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• Collisions can be prevented easily if every
  vessel operator fulfills three major
  responsibilities.
• Practice good seamanship.It is the
  responsibility of every boat or PWC operator to
  take all necessary action to avoid a collision,
  taking into account the weather, vessel traffic,
  and limits of other vessels. Such action should
  be taken in ample time to avoid a collision and
  at a safe distance from other vessels.
• Keep a proper lookout.Failing to keep a sharp
  lookout is the most common cause of collisions.
  Every operator must keep a proper lookout, using
  both sight and hearing, at all times. Watch and
  listen for other vessels, radio communications,
  navigational hazards, and others involved in
  water activities.
• Maintain a safe speed. Safe speed is the speed
  that ensures you will have ample time to avoid a
  collision and can stop within an appropriate
  distance. Safe speed will vary depending on
  conditions such as wind, water conditions,
  navigational hazards, visibility, surrounding
  vessel traffic density, and the maneuverability
  of your boat or PWC. Always reduce speed and
  navigate with extreme caution at night and when
  visibility is restricted.

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International Rule 1 General Application (a)
These Rules shall apply to all vessels upon the
high seas and in all waters connected therewith
navigable by seagoing vessels.
International Rule 2 General Responsibility (a)
Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any
vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof,
from the consequences of any neglect to comply
with these Rules or of the neglect of any
precaution which may be required by the ordinary
practice of seamen, or by the special
circumstances of the case. (b) In construing and
complying with these Rules due regard shall be
had to all dangers of navigation and collision
and to any special circumstances, including the
limitations of the vessels involved, which may
make a departure from these Rules necessary to
avoid immediate danger.
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International Rule 3 General General
Definitions
International Rule 4 Steering and Sailing
Rules Section I - Conduct of Vessels in Any
Condition of Visibility Application Rules in this
Section apply to any condition of visibility
International Rule 5 Steering and Sailing
Rules Look-out Every vessel shall at all times
maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing
as well as by all available means appropriate in
the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as
to make a full appraisal of the situation and of
the risk of collision.
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International Rule 6 Steering and Sailing
Rules Safe Speed Every vessel shall at all times
proceed at a safe speed so that she can take
proper and effective action to avoid collision
and be stopped within a distance appropriate to
the prevailing circumstances and conditions. In
determining a safe speed the following factors
shall be among those taken into account (a) By
all vessels (i) the state of visibility (ii)
the traffic density including concentrations of
fishing vessels or any other vessels (iii) the
maneuverability of the vessel with special
reference to stopping distance and turning
ability in the prevailing conditions (iv) at
night the presence of background light such as
from shore lights or from back scatter of her own
lights (v) the state of wind, sea and current,
and the proximity of navigational hazards (vi)
the draft in relation to the available depth of
water.
Section (b) covers radar not us
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International Rule 7 Steering and Sailing
Rules Risk of Collision (a) Every vessel shall
use all available means appropriate to the
prevailing circumstances and conditions to
determine if risk of collision exists. If there
is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to
exist. (b) Proper use shall be made of radar
equipment if fitted and operational, including
long-range scanning to obtain early warning of
risk of collision and radar plotting or
equivalent systematic observation of detected
objects. (c) Assumptions shall not be made on the
basis of scanty information , especially scanty
radar information. (d) In determining if risk of
collision exists the following considerations
shall be among those taken into account (i) such
risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass
bearing of an approaching vessel does not
appreciably change (ii) such risk may sometimes
exist even when an appreciable bearing change is
evident, particularly when approaching a very
large vessel or a tow or when approaching a
vessel at close range.
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The most certain method of deciding if a risk of
collision exists is to take a bearing on the
other vessel as soon as it it sighted, then
repeat this at 2-3 minute intervals. In open
water this should be as soon as it comes over the
horizon, if the vessel is making full speed there
is only a short period to make decisions in. It
is a sign of inexperience to wait until the
vessel is close before starting to take bearings.
The other difficulty in confined waters, is that
there is much less time to take the bearings.
However, in these situations a quick check is to
look at the movement of the background in
relation to the other vessel If the background
appears to be moving in an aft direction, you
will pass astern of the other vessel. If the
background appears to be moving in a forward
direction, you will pass ahead of the other
vessel. If the background is steady in relation
to the other vessel you will hit the other
vessel.
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International Rule 8 Steering and Sailing
Rules Action to Avoid Collision (a) Any action
taken to avoid collision shall, if the
circumstances of the case admit, be positive,
made in ample time and with due regard to the
observance of good seamanship. (b) Any alteration
of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall,
if the circumstances of the case admit, be large
enough to be readily apparent to another vessel
observing visually or by radar a succession of
small alterations of course and/or speed should
be avoided. (c) If there is sufficient sea room,
alteration of course alone may be the most
effective action to avoid a close-quarters
situation provided that it is made in good time,
is substantial and does not result in another
close-quarters situation. (d) Action taken to
avoid collision with another vessel shall be such
as to result in passing at a safe distance. The
effectiveness of the action shall be carefully
checked until the other vessel is finally past
and clear. (e) If necessary to avoid collision or
allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel
shall slacken her speed or take all way off by
stopping or reversing her means of
propulsion. (f) (i) A vessel which, by any of
these rules, is required not to impede the
passage or safe passage of another vessel shall,
when required by the circumstances of the case,
take early action to allow sufficient sea room
for the safe passage of the other vessel. (ii) A
vessel required not to impede the passage or safe
passage of another vessel is not relieved of this
obligation if approaching the other vessel so as
to involve risk of collision and shall, when
taking action, have full regard to the action
which may be required by the rules of this
part. (iii) A vessel, the passage of which is not
to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply
with the rules of this part when the two vessels
are approaching one another so as to involve risk
of collision.
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International Rule 9 Steering and Sailing
Rules Narrow Channels (a) A vessel proceeding
along the course of a narrow channel or fairway
shall keep as near to the outer limit of the
channel or fairway which Iies on her starboard
side as is safe and practicable. (b) A vessel of
less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel
shall not impede the passage of a vessel which
can safely navigate only within a narrow channel
or fairway. (c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall
not impede the passage of any other vessel
navigating within a narrow channel or
fairway. (d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow
channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the
passage of a vessel which can safely navigate
only within such channel or fairway. The latter
vessel may use the sound signal prescribed in
Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the
crossing vessel.
More about bends and passing safely
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International Rule 10 Steering and Sailing
Rules Traffic Separation Schemes (a) This Rule
applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by
the Organization and does not relieve any vessel
of her obligation under any other rule. (b) A
vessel using a traffic separation scheme
shall (i) proceed in the appropriate traffic
lane in the general direction of traffic flow for
that lane (ii) so far as practicable keep clear
of a traffic separation line or separation
zone (iii) normally join or leave a traffic lane
at the termination of the lane, but when joining
or leaving from either side shall do so at as
small an angle to the general direction of
traffic low as practicable. (c) A vessel shall,
so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic
lanes but if obliged to do so shall cross on a
heading as nearly as practicable at right angles
to the general direction of traffic flow. (d) (i)
A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone
when she can safely use the appropriate traffic
lane within the adjacent traffic separation
scheme. However, vessels of less than 20 meters
in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in
fishing may use the inshore traffic zone. (ii)
Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(i), a vessel may
use an inshore traffic zone when en route to or
from a port, offshore installation or structure,
pilot station or any other place situated within
the inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate
danger.
(h) A vessel not using a traffic separation
scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is
practicable.
(j) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or
a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe
passage of a power-driven vessel following a
traffic lane.
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International Rule 11 Steering and Sailing
Rules Section II - Conduct of Vessels in Sight
of One Another Application Rules in this
Section apply to vessels in sight of one another.
Rules 1 through 10 apply in all conditions (per
rule 4).
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Section II All the Rules in Section II must be
known well enough by anyone who runs a boat that
you do not even have to think about them when you
encounter another vessel. The only way to learn
them that well, is to work out which is the right
of way vessel and which the give way vessel,
every time you get close to another craft-even if
there is no risk of collision. Eventually you
will do it instinctively! It is probably a good
idea to ask the crew the same thing, an
efficiently run boat need everyone keeping a
lookout.
If you are running a power-driven vessel you
still need to know the rules for sailing boats,
because you must be able to decide how they will
manoeuvre around each other. In the crowded
waters most of us sail in, it is common to be
avoiding several vessels of different classes at
the same time. The same thing applies to sailing
vessels with regard to the rules for power-driven
vessels, although, of course in a sailing yacht
you will probably be a power-driven vessel at
some time. As this rule says, the rules in this
section only apply when the other vessel can be
seen by eye. The rules of this section do not
apply if you have only heard the other vessel
(perhaps in poor visibility) or detected it on a
radar screen.
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International Rule 12 Steering and Sailing
Rules Sailing Vessels (a) When two sailing
vessels are approaching one another, so as to
involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep
out of the way of the other as follows (i) when
each has the wind on a different side, the vessel
which has the wind on the port side shall keep
out of the way of the other (ii) when both have
the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to
windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel
which is to leeward (iii) if a vessel with the
wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward
and cannot determine with certainty whether the
other vessel has the wind on the port or on the
starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of
the other. (b) For the purposes of this Rule the
windward side shall be deemed to be the side
opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried
or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the
side opposite to that on which the largest
fore-and-aft sail is carried.
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Rule 12
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Rule 13 Overtaking vessels always give way, the
only difficulty can be in deciding if you are
overtaking or crossing. Of course, if you are in
doubt you should assume that you are the
overtaking vessel and keep well clear until you
are past the other vessel.
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International Rule 14 Steering and Sailing
Rules Head-On Situation (a) When two
power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or
nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk
of collision each shall alter her course to
starboard so that each shall pass on the port
side of the other. (b) Such a situation shall be
deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other
ahead or nearly ahead and by night she could see
the masthead lights of the other in a line or
nearly in a line and/or both sidelights and by
day she observes the corresponding aspect of the
other vessel. (c) When a vessel is in any doubt
as to whether such a situation exists she shall
assume that it does exist and act accordingly.
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Vessels drive on the right side of channels, so
it makes sense that if two vessels meet head on
they should both turn to starboard. The only
danger with this is when two vessels meet head
on, on reciprocal courses but slightly offset to
port. In this situation it is vital that you are
positive and make a distinct turn to starboard as
soon as you see the situation developing.
If you do not, you will end up in an ambiguous
situation with the other vessel. One thing you
will notice about applying these Rules is that if
you are positive about your intentions, everyone
else follows you. Remember that the only way you
can communicate your intentions is to make
positive alterations in ample time.
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International Rule 15 Steering and Sailing
Rules Crossing Situation When two power-driven
vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of
collision, the vessel which has the other on her
own starboard side shall keep out of the way and
shall, if the circumstances of the case admit,
avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
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An important point for skippers of small craft to
remember is that although they should not impede
the passage of vessel in the lanes, ships
crossing the lanes follow Rule 15 when they meet
vessels following the lanes. This means that a
ferry crossing from Boulogne to Dover would not
give way to vessels in the north east bound lane,
but would give way to the south west bound
traffic. The reason this is important is that it
is easy to assume that crossing traffic will give
way to vessels in the lanes, then place yourself
in a position where one of the vessels need to
turn in to.
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International Rule 16 Steering and Sailing
Rules Action by Give-way Vessel Every vessel
which is directed to keep out of the way of
another vessel shall, so far as possible, take
early and substantial action to keep well clear.
International Rule 17 Steering and Sailing
Rules Action by Stand-on Vessel (a) (i) Where one
of two vessels is to keep out of the way the
other shall keep her course and speed. (ii) The
latter vessel may however take action to avoid
collision by her maneuver alone, as soon as it
becomes apparent to her that the vessel required
to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate
action in compliance with these Rules. (b) When,
from any cause, the vessel required to keep her
course and speed finds herself so close that
collision cannot be avoided by the action of the
give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action
as will best aid to avoid collision. (c) A
power-driven vessel which takes action in a
crossing situation in accordance with
subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Rule to avoid
collision with another power-driven vessel shall,
if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter
course to port for a vessel on her own port
side. (d) This Rule does not relieve the give-way
vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.
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Except where rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise
require (a) a power-driven vessel underway shall
keep out of the way of (i) a vessel not under
command. (ii) a vessel restricted in her ability
to maneuver. (iii) a vessel engaged in
fishing. (iv) a sailing vessel. (b) A sailing
vessel underway shall keep out of the way
of (i) a vessel not under command. (Ii) a
vessel restricted in her ability to
manoeuvre. (Iii) a vessel engaged in
fishing. (c) A vessel engaged in fishing when
underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of
the way of (i) a vessel not under
command. (Ii) a vessel restricted in her ability
to manoeuvre. (d) (i) Any vessel other than a
vessel not under command or a vessel restricted
in her ability to maneuver shall, if the
circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding
the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her
draught, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.
(Ii) A vessel constrained by her draught shall
navigate with particular caution having full
regard to her special condition. (e) A seaplane
on the water shall, in general, keep well clear
of all vessels and avoid impeding their
navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk
of collision exists, she shall comply with the
Rules of this Part.
Rule 18
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Rule 18
Of course, you can always give way to any vessel
showing a special signal, at a basic level this
is probably sufficient. However, you may come
across situations where you need to be able to
identify several classes of vessels and assign
the relevant rights of way to them in order to
avoid the places they will manoeuvre to.
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Section III. Conduct of vessels in restricted
visibility. Rule 19
Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility. (a)
This rule applies to vessels not in sight of one
another when navigating in or near an area of
restricted visibility. (b) Every vessel shall
proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions of restricted
visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her
engines ready for immediate maneuver. (c) Every
vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions of restricted
visibility when complying with the Rules of
Section I of this Part. (d) A vessel which
detects by radar alone the presence of another
vessel shall determine if a close-quarters
situation is developing and/or risk of collision
exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in
ample time, provided that when such action
consists of an alteration of course, so far as
possible the following shall be avoided (i) an
alteration of course to port for a vessel
forwards of the beam, other than for a vessel
being overtaken. (ii) an alteration of course
towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam. (e)
Except where it has been determined that a risk
of collision does not exist, every vessel which
hears apparently forwards of her beam the fog
signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a
close-quarters situation with another vessel
forwards of her beam, shall reduce her speed to
the minimum at which she can be kept on her
course. She shall if necessary take all her way
off and in any event navigate with extreme
caution until danger of collision is over.
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• Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
• This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one
  another when navigating in or near an area of
  restricted visibility.
• All vessels must operate at a safe speed equal to
  the current situation and surroundings.
  Power-driven vessels must have engines ready for
  instant maneuver.
• All vessels must take into consideration the
  conditions of the restricted visibility.
• If your vessel is equipped with radar, you must
  use it to determine if there is any risk of
  collision. If there is a risk of collision, the
  vessel may turn to starboard for a vessel forward
  of the beam, and should never turn towards a
  vessel to your side or behind you.
• If you hear another vessel that is in a position
  from either beam to dead ahead of your vessel,
  you must reduce speed to bare minimum, or stop,
  to assess the situation and prevent any
  possibility of collision.
• If at some point you observe the other vessel (it
  breaks through the fog), you then operate as
  directed for when vessels are in sight of each
  other.

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PART C. LIGHTS AND SHAPES Rule 20
(a) Rules in this Part shall be complied with in
all weathers. (b) The rules concerning lights
shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise,
and during such times no other lights shall be
exhibited, except such lights as cannot be
mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules
or do not impair their visibility or distinctive
character, or interfere with the keeping of a
proper look-out. (c) The lights prescribed in
these Rules shall, if carried, also be exhibited
from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility
and may be exhibited in all other circumstances
when it is deemed necessary. (d) The Rules
concerning shapes shall be complied with by
day. (e) The lights and shapes specified in these
Rules shall comply with the provisions of Annex 1
to these Regulations
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Small launches or tenders only need to show an
allround white light, but they may show
sidelights.
Power-driven vessels less than 20m in length show
a sternlight, masthead light and bicolour side
lights. The sidelights may be separate.
Power-driven vessels of more that 50 meters, show
a stern light, two masthead lights and separate
sidelights.
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Vessels towing, show side lights and towing
lights, which have the same characteristics as
masthead lights. Plus a yellow towing light above
the stern light. (YELLOW OVER WHITE-TOW LINE IS
TIGHT!)
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Sailing vessels may show just a tricolour light.
This reduces power consumption. Aids visibility
of the lights in large waves. Lights up a
masthead wind indicator. Removes the backscatter
at the bow.
It is useful to be able to show a tricolour light
when sailing, but it must be turned off when you
start to motor. If it is left on, you are
indicating that you are a trawler or a fishing
vessel other than a trawler, this is probably the
most commonly seen error in the lighting of
vessels.
All vessels should have more than one set of
lights, in case of failure. A vessel of less than
20m may use a bicolour side light.
A vessel over 20m must have separate side light
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Any sailing vessel may show two all round lights
at the masthead. The upper red and the lower
green. This enables the boat to be seen in rough
weather, but is only usually used by large
vessels because of the power use.(RED OVER
GREEN-SAILING MACHINE)
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Motor vessel less than 50m
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Dingy less than 7m, less than 7knots
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Tug with tow less than 200m, Tug less than 50m
length
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Tug with tow more than 200m Tug less than 50m
length
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Vessel being towed length of tow 200m or less
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Trawling not making way Less than 50m
Trawling not making way
Fishing - Trawling
Trawling Underway
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Fishing underway
Fishing stopped
Fishing -
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Not under command, not making way
Restricted maneuverability underway
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Tug, restricted in ability to maneuver Tow length
less than 200m
Restricted in ability to maneuver Obstruction
lights
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Dive vessel
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Motor vessel longer than 50m
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1Submarines Submarines may display, as a
distinctive means of identification, an
intermittent flashing amber (yellow) beacon with
a sequence of operation of one flash per second
for three (3) seconds followed by a three (3)
second off-period. Other special rules made by
the Secretary of the Navy with respect to
additional station and signal lights are found in
Part 707 of Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations
(32 CFR 707).
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Port Side Motor vessel More than 50m
Port side Motor vessel, likely more than
50m Trawling, making way
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In this situation, a vessel on port tack can not
decide if the other vessel is on port tack (in
which case they would give way), or on starboard
tack (in which case they will stand on). As the
situation is in doubt, the leeward vessel must
give way in plenty of time. Remember that the
other vessel may be on port tack and intending to
give way, if they do they may turn at the same
time.What would happen if the leeward vessel was
on starboard tack and sighted a red light on a
steady bearing?
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Power driven vessel, less than 50m, from
starboard side, under way
Power driven vessel, less than 50m, from port
side, under way
Power driven vessel, less than 20m, from ahead,
under way
Power driven vessel, less than 50m, from ahead,
under way
Power driven vessel, probably greater than 50m,
from port side, under way
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Power driven vessel, probably greater than 50m,
from ahead. Underway.
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Tug less than 50m long, with a tow less than 200m
Tug less than 50m, tow greater than 200m, from
starboard side
Tug over 50m long, tow less than 200m, from
starboard side
Tug towing alongside. Tow less than 200m, tug
longer than 50m
Tug less than 50m long, tow greater than 200m.
From the port side
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Tug from astern, length unknown
Tug tow from astern Towing alongside Unknown
length
Tug, less than 50m, pushing ahead
Tug over 50m, pushing ahead Starboard side
Tug less than 50m,Tow more than 200m From
starboard side Towing submerged object less than
25m wide
Tug less than 50m, tow more than 200m, from
starboard, towing semi-submerged object more than
25m wide
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If a vessel not under command is not making way,
it will not show side or stern lights. (RED OVER
RED-THIS SHIP IS DEAD)
Vessel not under command, starboard side, making
way, length unknown
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At night pilot vessels display all round white
over red lights. (WHITE OVER RED-PILOT AHEAD)
Pilot vessels never display a masthead light, so
you can not determine the length of the vessel.
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It may be difficult to differentiate a pilot
vessel at anchor from one seen from astern.
Usually the speed of the vessel will indicate one
making way.
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Lights at Anchor and Aground
PART D. SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS Rule 32
(a) The word "whistle" means any sound signalling
appliance capable of producing the prescribed
blasts and which complies with the specifications
in Annex III of these Regulations. (b) The term
"short blast" means a blast of about one seconds
duration.
(c) The term "prolonged blast" means a blast of
about four to six seconds duration.
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• Common Sound Signals
• Some common sound signals that you should be
  familiar with as a recreational boater are as
  follows.
• A short blast lasts one second.
• A prolonged blast lasts 4-6 seconds.
•                         Changing Direction
• One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to
  pass you on my port (left) side. ie Turning to
  Starboard
• Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to
  pass you on my starboard (right) side. ie
  Turning to Port
• Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am
  backing up."
• Restricted Visibility
• One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than
  two minutes is the signal used by power-driven
  vessels when underway.
• One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at
  intervals of not more than two minutes is the
  signal used by sailing vessels.
• Warning
• One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for
  example, used when coming around a blind bend or
  exiting a slip).
• Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger
  or signal that you do not understand or that you
  disagree with the other boater's intentions.

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At not more than two minute intervals.
Power-driven vessel, underway and making way.
At not more than two minute intervals.
Power-driven vessel, underway but not making
way.
At not more than two minute intervals. Any of
the following A sailing vessel. A vessel
fishing. A vessel not under command. A vessel
restricted in ability to maneuver. A vessel
constrained by draught. A vessel towing.
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At not more than two minute intervals. A vessel
under tow, or the last vessel on a line of
vessels under tow.
At not more than one minute intervals. A vessel
less than 100 meters in length, at anchor.
Bell
At not more than one minute intervals, a bell at
the bow and the gong at the stern. A vessel
greater than 100 metres in length, at anchor.
Bell Gong
A vessel of less than 12 meters in length is not
obliged to make these signals, she only needs to
make some efficient sound signal at not more than
two minute intervals.
Anyone who does not make a sound signal in
reduced visibility would be taking a considerable
risk, and considering how easy it is to have a
gas powered horn or a trumpet type horn aboard
they would be very foolhardy.
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Rule 36 Signals to attract attention.
If necessary to attract the attention of another
vessel any vessel may make light 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
mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the
purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity
intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe
lights, shall be avoided.
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Rule 36..
On another occasion, we were entering Bradwell
Creek, in the Thames Estuary at night. The
channel is very shallow, and narrow and full of
moored yachts, plus, a cross tide in some
parts. A difficult enough entrance as it is, but
on this occasion a very bright light appeared
just at the most difficult part, the light was
shining straight on our vessel, and was so bright
we could see nothing. The light appeared to be
the working lights of a small fishing vessel, and
it seemed to be on a mooring, so I thought that
they were on deck dealing with their catch.
Suddenly, I realised that in fact, the light was
a search light mounted on a motor cruiser of
about 40 feet, and it was motoring straight at
us! Because the light was so bright we could not
see any of the vessels moored around us, and were
in great danger of hitting something. On top of
that, when the motor vessel passed us, they had
no other lights showing! This is an example of
what is meant by not embarrassing other vessels.
It is very tempting to shine a light on another
vessel, if you do, they can not see anything else
and their night vision will be lost for at least
ten minutes. If you think that a vessel has not
seen you, the best approach is to shine a light
on your own vessel, this is particularly
effective on the sails of a yacht. A torch should
be kept to hand for this purpose.
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Rule 37 Distress signals. When a vessel is in
distress and requires assistance she shall use or
exhibit the signals described in Annex IV to
these Regulations.
PART E. EXEMPTIONS Rule 38