C2

Sound Signals

• A vessel may use any sound or light signals to attract the attention of another vessel, as long as it is not mistaken for a signal authorized by the rules.
• A vessel can use a searchlight beam, burning barrel, or continuous sounding of a fog signal apparatus to attract attention.
• A vessel in restricted visibility can sound a fog signal of one prolonged and two short blasts.
• In a crossing situation, if the other vessel sounds one short blast, the responding vessel should sound one short blast to indicate holding course and speed.

Navigation Lights

• A 200-meter vessel at anchor shows a 225-degree white light in the forepart and a 135-degree white light in the after part.
• A vessel constrained by its draft shows a black cylinder with a diameter of not less than 1 meter.
• A towing vessel pushing a barge ahead and rigidly connected in a composite unit shows the lights of a power-driven vessel towing.

Vessel Encounter

• A vessel underway on the high seas in restricted visibility that hears a fog signal of one prolonged and two short blasts, it could be a vessel being towed, not under command, or constrained by its draft.
• When two power-driven vessels are crossing within one half mile of each other, the stand-on vessel sounds two short blasts, and the give-way vessel should sound one short blast.
• Vessel "A" underway, sighting vessel "B" which is a vessel underway and fishing, must keep out of the way of vessel "B".

Navigation Rules

• The prohibition against displaying lights that may be confused with required navigation lights applies from sunset to sunrise and during restricted visibility.
• An officer of the watch can deviate from the Rules of the Road to avoid immediate danger.
• A course alteration made to avoid collision should be a large change, supplemented by a speed change.
• A commercial airliner in the water is considered a seaplane.

Vessel Classification

• A vessel engaged in mineclearing, fishing with trawls, or with a draft of such depth that it cannot navigate safely is considered a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver".
• A vessel that has lost its rudder or is not under command is considered a vessel "not under command".

Channel Navigation

• When overtaking a vessel moving in a parallel course in a narrow channel, the vessels will drift apart.
• In a narrow channel, the bow can be pushed away from the bank or sucked towards the bank.

Sound Signaling Equipment

• A vessel 10-meters in length must have a minimum sound signaling equipment of a bell and a whistle.
• A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have a bell, but any vessel over 12-meters in length must be provided with a bell and a whistle.

Other Rules

• The competence and vigilance of the officer of the watch provide the most direct means of avoiding dangerous situations.
• The "collision avoidance rules" shall apply to all vessels.

Test your knowledge of maritime navigation signals and regulations. This quiz assesses your understanding of the rules and signals used to attract attention, avoid collisions, and navigate safely.