Rule 35 — Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility

33 CFR §83.01

§ 83.01 § 83.01 Application (Rule 1). (a) These Rules apply to all vessels upon the inland waters of the United States, and to vessels of the United States on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the extent that there is no conflict with Canadian law. (b)(i) These Rules constitute special rules made by an appropriate authority within the meaning of Rule 1(b) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, including annexes currently in force for the United States (“International Regulations”). (ii) All vessels complying with the construction and equipment requirements of the International Regulations are considered to be in compliance with these Rules. (c) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the Secretary …

33 CFR §83.03

§ 83.03 § 83.03 General definitions (Rule 3). For the purpose of these Rules and Subchapter E, except where the context otherwise requires: (a) The wordincludes every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. (b) The termmeans any vessel propelled by machinery. (c) The termmeans any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used. (d) The termmeans any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restricts maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability. (e) The wordincludes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the wat…

33 CFR §83.19

§ 83.19 § 83.19 Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19). (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 Rules 4 through 10 (§§ 83.04 through 83.10). (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, provi…

33 CFR §83.22

§ 83.22 § 83.22 Visibility of lights (Rule 22). The lights prescribed in these Rules (Subpart C) shall have an intensity as specified in Annex I to these Rules (33 CFR part 84), so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges: (a) In a vessel of 50 meters or more in length: (i) A masthead light, 6 miles; (ii) A sidelight, 3 miles; (iii) A sternlight, 3 miles; (iv) A towing light, 3 miles; (v) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles; and (vi) A special flashing light, 2 miles. (b) In a vessel of 12 meters or more in length but less than 50 meters in length: (i) A masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles; (ii) A sidelight, 2 miles; (iii) A sternlight, 2 miles; (iv) A towing light, 2 miles; (v) A white…

33 CFR §83.33

§ 83.33 § 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 …

33 CFR §83.34

§ 83.34 § 83.34 Maneuvering and warning signals (Rule 34). (a) When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules: (i) Shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle: (1) One short blast to mean “I intend to leave you on my port side”; (2) Two short blasts to mean “I intend to leave you on my starboard side”; and (3) Three short blasts to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”. (ii) Upon hearing the one or two blast signal of the other shall, if in agreement, sound the same whistle signal and take the steps necessary to effect a safe passing. If, however, from any cause, the vessel doubts the safety of the pr…