Question 43 ONC04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for A (Correct Option):** Rule 33 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and corresponding Inland Rules governs the equipment for sound signals. Rule 33(b) states that "Any vessel of 100 meters or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a bell and a gong. The bell, gong, and whistle, or other devices, **shall comply with the specifications in Annex III to these Rules**." Annex III, Section 2(a) and 2(c) detail the minimum sound pressure levels and ranges, but more critically, the standard practice and implicit requirement for all mandatory equipment (whistle, bell, or gong) is that they must be capable of being sounded manually, especially in case of power failure or when specific, immediate manual signals are required (e.g., rapid maneuvers or distress). While automated sounding is permitted (as long as manual override is possible), the capability for manual sounding of all mandated devices (including the bell and gong for larger vessels) is a universal requirement for operational safety and regulatory compliance. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **B) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.** (Incorrect) COLREGS Rule 33(a) requires vessels of 12 meters or more to carry a whistle and a bell (if 20m or more). However, Rule 33(c) states that a vessel of less than 12 meters in length *shall not be obliged* to carry the prescribed sound appliances, but *if she does not*, she must be provided with some *other means* of making an efficient sound signal. Therefore, they are absolutely required to have *some* means of signaling. * **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** (Incorrect) The mandatory carriage requirement for a gong only applies to vessels of **100 meters or more in length** (Rule 33(b)). Vessels between 12 meters and 100 meters only require a whistle and, if 20 meters or more, a bell. * **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** (Incorrect) Both International and Inland Rules (Annex III, Section 1(f)) permit the automatic sounding of the required signals (e.g., fog signals) provided that the equipment is designed so that the signals can always be immediately and easily operated manually, and that the automatic system can be turned off.