Question 43 GLI06 - Master or Mate of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** Option A is correct because the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules require that even if a vessel is equipped with an automatic sounding device (like a whistle or bell), the means for manually sounding the required signals must always be available. Specifically, Rule 33 (Equipment for Sound Signals) states that any vessel required to have a bell or gong must ensure that the signals can be manually sounded. This is a crucial safety backup in case of equipment failure. **Explanation for other options (Incorrect):** * **B) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.** This is incorrect. COLREGs Rule 33(b) states that a vessel of less than 12 meters is not required to comply with the specific whistle/bell requirements for larger vessels, but it *must* be provided with some means of making an efficient sound signal (e.g., a hand-held horn or whistle). It cannot have *no* equipment. * **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** This is incorrect. Vessels 12 meters or more, but less than 20 meters, must carry a whistle and some other efficient sound signaling means (not necessarily a bell). Vessels 20 meters or more must carry a whistle and a bell. The gong is only required for vessels 100 meters or more in length (Rule 33(a)(iii)). * **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is incorrect. While manual sounding must be possible (as stated in A), COLREGs Rule 33 allows for the use of systems (such as those used for restricted visibility signals) that automatically sound the required signals, provided that the system can be immediately overridden and manually operated.