Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 94 Part 3.djvu/786

 94 STAT. 3430

PUBLIC LAW 96-591—DEC. 24, 1980 (c) The term "prolonged blast" means a blast of from 4 to 6 seconds' duration. RULE 33

Equipment for Sound Signals 33 USC 2033.

(a) A vessel of 12 meters or more in length shall be provided with a whistle and a bell and a vessel of 100 meters or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell. The whistle, bell and gong shall comply with the specifications in Annex III to these Rules. The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible. 0)) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signaling appliances prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule but if she does not, she shall be provided with some other means of making an efficient sound signal. RULE 34

Maneuvering and Warning Signals 33 USC 2034.

(a) When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules: (i) shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle: one short blast to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side"; two short blasts to mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side"; and three short blasts to mean "I am operating astern propulsion". (ii) upon hearing the one or two blast signal of the other shall, if in agreement, sound the same whistle signal and take the steps necessary to effect a safe passing. If, however, from any cause, the vessel doubts the safety of the proposed maneuver, she shall sound the danger signal specified in paragraph (d) of this Rule and each vessel shall take appropriate precautionary action until a safe pgissing agreement is made. OJ) A vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals: (i) These signals shall have the following significance: one flash to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side"; two flashes to mean 'T intend to leave you on my starboard side"; three flashes to mean "I am operating astern propulsion"; (ii) The duration of each flash shall be about 1 second; and (iii) The light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be one allround white or yellow light, visible at a minimum range of 2 miles, synchronized with the whistle, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Rules. (c) When in sight of one another: (i) a power-driven vessel intending to overtake another powerdriven vessel shall indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle: one short blast to mean 'T intend to overtake you on your starboard side"; two short blasts to mean 'T intend to overtake you on your port side"; and

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