Question 43 GLI03 - Master-LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Option A (Correct):** Option A states, "Manual sounding of the bell and gong must always be possible." This statement is **TRUE** under both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules. Rule 33 (Equipment for Sound Signals) requires that even if a vessel utilizes automated sounding devices (like a whistle control or an electronic striker for the bell), the apparatus must be so placed that **manual operation shall always be possible**. This ensures that the vessel can give the required signals even in the event of power failure or malfunction of the automatic system. **Explanation of Other Options (Incorrect):** * **B) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.** This is **INCORRECT**. Rule 33(b) states that a vessel of less than 12 meters in length is not obliged to comply with the specific equipment standards for whistles, bells, and gongs, but *must* be provided with "some other means of making an efficient sound signal." They are never exempt from having *any* equipment. * **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** This is **INCORRECT**. A gong is required only for vessels of 100 meters or more in length (Rule 33(a)(iii)). Vessels between 12 meters and 100 meters require a whistle and a bell (Rule 33(a)(i) and (ii)). * **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is **INCORRECT**. Automatic sounding devices (such as synchronized whistles for restricted visibility signals) are explicitly permitted under Annex III, provided they comply with the specified standards and, crucially, that manual operation remains possible (as stated in the correct option A).