Question 43 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (Manual sounding of the bell and gong must always be possible.) being correct:** Rule 33 (Equipment for sound signals) of both the International Regulations (COLREGs) and Inland Rules specifies the requirements for sound signaling apparatus. For vessels required to carry a bell and/or gong, Rule 33(b) states that the equipment must be operated manually, even if an automatic sounding device is provided. Specifically, it states that "Any automatic sounding device ... shall be capable of being rendered inoperative. The controls shall be so placed that manual operation of the signals shall always be possible." Therefore, the capability for manual sounding of the bell (and gong, if required) is mandatory. **Explanation of why 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) states that a vessel of less than 12 meters in length is not required to carry the prescribed whistle and bell, but must be provided with *some other means* of making an efficient sound signal. They must always have equipment to signal their presence or intentions. **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** This is incorrect. A gong is only required for vessels 100 meters or more in length (Rule 33(a)(iii)). Vessels between 12 meters and 100 meters must be provided with a whistle and a bell, but not necessarily a gong. **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is incorrect. Automatic sounding of signals (e.g., fog signals) *is* permitted and often required for large vessels, provided that the device can be easily switched off, and that manual operation remains possible (as confirmed by the correct answer A).