Question 43 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Option A (Correct):** Option A is correct because both the International Regulations (COLREG Rule 33) and the Inland Rules (Inland Rule 33) require that vessels equipped with an automatic sounding system for the bell or gong must still be able to sound these signals manually. For instance, Rule 33(b) states: "Any automatic sounding or timing device shall be able to be switched off." This ensures that the master has immediate control over the sound signals and can deviate from automatic sequences when necessary, or if the automatic system fails, manual sounding (ringing the bell/striking the gong) is always available. **Explanation of Other Options (Incorrect):** * **B) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.** This is incorrect. While vessels under 12 meters do not need the specific whistle and bell equipment required for larger vessels, they must still be provided with **some means of making an efficient sound signal** (COLREG Rule 33(a) and Inland Rule 33(a)). This usually means a portable horn or whistle. * **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** This is incorrect. The requirement for a **gong** only applies to vessels of **100 meters or more in length** (COLREG Rule 33(a) and Inland Rule 33(a)). Vessels between 12 and 100 meters only need a whistle and a bell. * **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is incorrect. Both International and Inland Rules permit the use of automatic sounding devices for the required signals (like the prescribed fog signals) under Rule 33(b), provided the device can be switched off and manual sounding remains possible.