Rule 32 — Sound Signal Definitions

33 CFR §81.1

Definitions. As used in this part: 72 COLREGS refers to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, done at London, October 20, 1972, as rectified by the Proces-Verbal of December 1, 1973, as amended. A vessel of special construction or purpose means a vessel designed or modified to perform a special function and whose arrangement is thereby made relatively inflexible. Interference with the special function of the vessel occurs when installation or use of lights, shapes, or sound-signaling appliances under 72 COLREGS prevents or significantly hinders the operation in which the vessel is usually engaged. [CGD 77-136, 47 FR 13799, Apr. 1, 1982]

33 CFR §81.20

Lights and sound signal appliances. Each vessel under the 72 COLREGS, except the vessels of the Navy, is exempt from the requirements of the 72 COLREGS to the limitation for the period of time stated in Rule 38 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) if: (a) Her keel is laid or is at a corresponding stage of construction before July 15, 1977; and (b) She meets the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1960 (77 Stat. 194, 33 U.S.C. 1051-1094). [CGD 76-133, 42 FR 35792, July 11, 1977. Redesignated at CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

33 CFR §83.32

Definitions (Rule 32). (a) The word whistle means any sound signaling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with specifications in Annex III to these Rules (33 CFR part 86). (b) The term short blast means a blast of about 1 second's duration. (c) The term prolonged blast means a blast of from 4 to 6 seconds' duration.

33 CFR §83.33

Equipment for sound signals (Rule 33). (a) A vessel of 12 meters or more in length shall be provided with a whistle, a vessel of 20 meters or more in length shall be provided with a bell in addition to a whistle, and a vessel of 100 meters or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell. The whistle, bell and gong shall comply with the specifications in Annex III to these Rules (33 CFR part 86). The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible. (b) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signaling appliances prescribed in pa…

33 CFR §86.02

Bell or gong. (a) Intensity of signal. A bell or gong, or other device having similar sound characteristics shall produce a sound pressure level of not less than 110 dB at 1 meter. (b) Construction. Bells and gongs shall be made of corrosion-resistant material and designed to give clear tone. The diameter of the mouth of the bell shall be not less than 300 mm for vessels of 20 meters or more in length. Where practicable, a power-driven bell striker is recommended to ensure constant force but manual operation shall be possible. The mass of the striker shall be not less than 3 percent of the mass of the bell.

COLREGs Rule 32

Definitions (a) The word whistle means any sound signaling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. (b) The term short blast means a blast of about one second’s duration. (c) The term prolonged blast means a blast of from four to six seconds’ duration. Relationship to the Inland Rules: Inland Rule 32 differs from this rule — compare against 33 CFR 83.32 before answering a question that turns on which set applies.