Nautical Rules of the Road, 5th Edition by Steven D. Browne

Author:Steven D. Browne
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi, epub
Tags: Boating, Water Sports, Law, Sports & Recreation, Maritime
ISBN: 9780764365010
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
Published: 2022-02-14T21:00:00+00:00

RULE 36 RULE 36

Signals to Attract Attention Signals to Attract Attention

§ 83.36

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided. If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel.

COMMENTS

Rule 36

According to this Rule, if you must attract the attention of another vessel, you may use light or sound signals, as long as these signals cannot be confused with required signals. Don’t use a red or green light that might be confused with a sidelight. And don’t use sound or light signals that might be confused with the maneuvering or danger signals specified in Rule 34, or any of the distress signals from Rule 37. The International Rules prohibit the use of high-intensity strobe lights, but that phrase is missing from the Inland Rules. Note, however, that the Inland Rules include as a distress signal a high-intensity white light that flashes from fifty to seventy times per minute. (See Annex IV.) Such a light, then, would be prohibited for use as a signal to attract attention.

You may, however, direct the beam of a searchlight “in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel.” The word “embarrass,” here, means to provide difficulty or to impede. It is fine to shine a light on a nearby rock or on the vessel you are towing astern. Shining a spotlight at night into the pilothouse of the other vessel as a wake-up call, however, would cause vision difficulties for the lookouts and bridge personnel and would definitely impede her safe passage.

INTERNATIONAL RULES INLAND RULES

SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS

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