17.1 A vessel should comply with the requirements of the Merchant
Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996, (SI 1996
No. 75), as amended. A vessel which operates only between sunrise and sunset, and in
favourable weather, is not required to carry navigation lights where it can be
demonstrated that the vessel will not be caught in restricted visibility.
17.2 Sound signalling equipment should comply with the requirements of
SI 1996 No. 75, as amended. A vessel of less than 12 metres in length is not obliged
to carry the sound signalling equipment required by SI 1996, No. 75, provided that
some other means of making an efficient sound signal is provided.
17.3 If it can be demonstrated to the Certifying Authority that, for a
particular vessel, full compliance with the regulations is impracticable, then
application should be made to the Administration via the Certifying Authority for
consideration of equivalent arrangements, taking into account the nature of the
operation of the vessel concerned.
17.4 Table 17.1 is a summary table of navigation lights, shapes and
sound signalling appliances for vessels. This Table is for guidance only and does not
cover all possible operations. Reference should be made to the regulations stated in
section 17.1 for all operations not covered.
TABLE 17.1 - Lights, shapes and sound appliances (see section 17.4)
| Overall length
|
Power driven vessels when underway
|
At anchor3
|
Not under command6
|
Aground8
|
Sound signalling appliances
|
| Less than 7m
|
All round white + sidelights1,
2
|
Required4, 5
|
Not required
|
Not required
|
Means to make an efficient sound signal required
|
| 7m - 12m
|
All round white + sidelights1
OR
Masthead (vis 2 miles) +
sidelights1
+ stern light
OR
(if lights
have to be offset from centreline) combined lantern sidelights plus
either all round white or masthead and stern light
|
Required5
|
Not required
|
Not required
|
Means to make an efficient sound signal required
|
| 12m - 20m
|
Masthead (vis 3 miles) + sidelights + stern light
|
Required5
|
Required5, 7
|
Required5, 7
|
Whistle required
|
| 20m - 24m
|
Masthead (vis 5 miles) + sidelights + stern light
|
Required
|
Required
|
Required
|
Whistle and bell required approved by UK nominated
bodies
|
1
Range of sidelight is 1 mile.
2
Vessels not exceeding 7 knots maximum speed should show sidelights if practicable.
3
By night, all round white light where best seen; by day one black ball (0.6 metres
in diameter) in the fore part.
4
Anchor light or day shape is not required when anchored not in or near a narrow
channel, fairway or anchorage or where other vessels normally navigate.
5
Size of the daytime shapes and distances apart may be reduced commensurate with size
of vessel.
6
By night, two all round red lights in a vertical line two metres apart and the
lowest not less than four metres above the hull (weatherdeck); by day two black balls
(0.6 metres in diameters) in a vertical line, 1.5 metres apart. Vessels of
less than 12 metres in length, except those engaged in diving operations, shall not
be required to exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed.
7
The distances for the lights may be reduced to one metre apart and two metres above
the hull (weather deck).
8
By night two all-round red lights in a vertical line 2 metres apart plus anchor
light; by day three black balls (0.6 metres diameter) in a vertical line, 1.5 metres
apart. A vessel of less than 12 metres in length, when aground, shall not be
required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed.
Notes
a Sidelights, stern light and all round lights have range of 2 miles unless indicated
otherwise.
b Range of all-round white or anchor or Not Under Command lights is 2 miles in all
cases.
c Lights (and whistles and bells when they are required to be carried) must be
suitable for the associated range of light, vessel size and type (together with its
modes of operation), on which they are fitted.
d For vessels engaged in other activities i.e. towing, pilotage, attention should be
paid to requirements for lights and shapes arrangements.
e In the case of open boats, vertical heights should be measured from gunwale, and in
the case of inflatable boats, or boats fitted with a buoyant collar, from the top of
the collar or tubes.