Question 43 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for why Option A is correct:** Rule 33 (Equipment for Sound Signals) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules requires that all vessels required to have a bell or gong must also be able to operate them manually. Specifically, Rule 33(b) states, "Any automatic sounding or signaling device shall be so constructed that it can be instantly overridden and manual operation shall always be possible." This ensures that even if automatic systems are used, the crew can manually control the signals, which is critical if the automatic system fails or if specific, non-standard signals are needed (such as distress signals). **Explanation for 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. Rule 33(a) requires vessels of 12 meters or more to carry a whistle and bell (and gong if 100 meters or more). Rule 33(c) states that a vessel of less than 12 meters shall not be obliged to carry the equipment prescribed in paragraph (a) but "if she does not, she shall be provided with some other means of making an efficient sound signal." Therefore, they must have *some* sound signaling equipment. * **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** This is incorrect. A vessel over 12 meters must carry a whistle and a bell (Rule 33(a)(i)). The requirement to carry a *gong* is only for vessels 100 meters or more in length (Rule 33(a)(ii)). * **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is incorrect. Automatic sounding is permitted (and common for fog signals) but, as stated in the explanation for Option A, the system must be constructed so that it can be instantly overridden and manual operation must always be possible (Rule 33(b)).