Question 43 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is A. **1. Explanation for Option A (Correct):** Option A is correct because both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs, Rule 33) and the Inland Rules mandate that vessels required to carry sound signaling appliances (whistle, bell, and, where applicable, gong) must ensure that manual operation is always possible, even if the equipment also provides for automatic sounding. Specifically, Rule 33(b) requires that the bell (and gong, if required) shall be placed so as to be audible, and their manual operation shall be possible. This ensures redundancy and allows operators to signal manually in emergencies or if automatic systems fail. **2. Explanation for Option B (Incorrect):** Option B ("A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.") is incorrect. While COLREGs (Rule 33(a)) allow vessels less than 12 meters to use "some other means" of making an efficient sound signal instead of the prescribed whistle and bell, they are still required to have *some* form of sound signaling equipment. They cannot operate without any means of making an efficient signal. **3. Explanation for Option C (Incorrect):** Option C ("Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.") is incorrect. The requirements for a gong are specified for much larger vessels. Under both International and Inland Rules (Rule 33), a gong is only required for vessels 100 meters or more in length, in addition to the whistle and bell. Vessels between 12 meters and 100 meters only require a whistle and a bell. **4. Explanation for Option D (Incorrect):** Option D ("Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.") is incorrect. Automatic sounding of both the whistle (for fog signals) and the bell/gong is explicitly permitted and often required (e.g., automated fog signals at required intervals) under both International and Inland Rules, provided that the necessary equipment is approved and that manual operation remains possible (as confirmed by the correctness of Option A).