Question 43 GLI07 - OUPV

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for A (Manual sounding of the bell and gong must always be possible.)** This statement is correct under both International (COLREGS Rule 33) and Inland Rules. Rule 33(b) requires that any automated sound signaling equipment (such as an automatic fog signal timer) installed on a vessel must be designed so that the required signals can be sounded manually at all times. This ensures operational safety even if the automated system fails. **Why the other options are incorrect:** **B) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.** This is incorrect. COLREGS Rule 33(a) requires a vessel of 12 meters or more to carry a whistle and a bell. However, Rule 33(c) (and Inland equivalent) explicitly states that a vessel less than 12 meters in length is not required to carry the specific appliances (whistle, bell, gong) but **must** be provided with some other means of making an efficient sound signal. **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** This is incorrect. A gong is only required for vessels of 100 meters or more in length (Rule 33(a)). Vessels between 12 and 100 meters must be provided with a whistle and a bell, but not a gong. **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is incorrect. Automatic sounding of signals (e.g., automated fog signals) is permitted, provided that the system allows for manual overriding and operation at any time (Rule 33(b)).