Question 43 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation of Correctness (Option A):** Option A states that "Manual sounding of the bell and gong must always be possible." This is correct under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 33 (Equipment for Sound Signals). Specifically, the rules governing the automatic operation of the bell or gong state that while an automatic system is permitted, "provision shall be made for manual operation at any time." This ensures that even if a vessel utilizes automated signaling equipment (such as a programmed fog signal timer), the crew can still manually operate the bell or gong immediately in an emergency or during maneuvers, guaranteeing the equipment's functionality regardless of the automated system's status. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **B) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.** This is incorrect. COLREGs Rule 33 states that a vessel of 12 meters or more must carry a whistle and a bell. While vessels less than 12 meters are not required to carry the specific equipment listed for larger vessels (whistle, bell), they are still required to carry "some efficient means of making a sound signal" (e.g., a horn, a portable whistle, or other equivalent device). They cannot operate without *any* means of sound signaling. **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. Vessels between 12 meters and 100 meters are required to carry a whistle and a bell, but not a gong. **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is incorrect. COLREGs specifically permit automatic sounding of signals, provided that the required intervals are met and that, as noted in the explanation for Option A, provisions for manual operation are always available. Automated sounding devices are commonly used for fog signals (restricted visibility) on many commercial vessels.