Question 43 UFV02 - Mate - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Option A (Correct):** Option A ("Manual sounding of the bell and gong must always be possible.") is correct based on Rule 33 of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the U.S. Inland Rules, which addresses the equipment required for sound signals. Specifically, regarding the bell (required on vessels 100 meters or more) and the gong (required for some vessels operating in pilotage waters, though generally covered by Rule 33), the rules mandate that equipment must be provided such that manual operation is always possible in addition to any automatic means installed. The requirement for manual operation ensures that signals can be sounded immediately and reliably, even in the event of power failure or malfunction of the automatic system. **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, Rule 33(c) requires that they *must* be provided with some "efficient means of making a sound signal." * **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** This is incorrect. A gong is only explicitly required by the International Rules (Rule 33(b)) on vessels 100 meters or more in length (alongside the whistle and bell). Vessels between 12 and 100 meters are required to have a whistle and a bell. (Note: Inland rules modify the bell requirement, but the 12-meter threshold does not require a gong.) * **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is incorrect. Both International and Inland Rules permit the use of automatic sounding devices (such as whistle controllers) provided that the prescribed intervals and durations are met, and critically, that **manual operation remains possible** (as covered in Option A).