The Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1989

1Citation, commencement, interpretation, revocation and modification

3Signals of Distress

4Collision Regulations

6Power to detain

THE SCHEDULEINTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972

Rule 1Application

Rule 2Responsibility

Rule 3General definitions

PART B.STEERING AND SAILING RULES

Section I.Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility

Rule 4Application

Rule 6Safe speed

Rule 7Risk of collision

Rule 8Action to avoid collision

Rule 9Narrow channels

Rule 10Traffic Separation Schemes

Section II.Conduct of vessels in sight of one another

Rule 11Application

Rule 12Sailing vessels

Rule 13Overtaking

Rule 14Head-on Situation

Rule 15Crossing situation

Rule 16Action by give-way vessel

Rule 17Action by stand-on vessel

Rule 18Responsibilities between vessels

Section III.Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

Rule 19Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

PART C.LIGHTS AND SHAPES

Rule 20Application

Rule 21Definitions

Rule 22Visibility of lights

Rule 23Power-driven vessels underway

Rule 24Towing and pushing

Rule 25Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars

Rule 26Fishing vessels

Rule 27Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre

Rule 28Vessels constrained by their draught

Rule 29Pilot vessels

Rule 30Anchored vessels and vessels aground

Rule 31Seaplanes

PART D.SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS

Rule 32Definitions

Rule 33Equipment for sound signals

Rule 34Manoeuvring and warning signals

Rule 35Sound signals in restricted visibility

Rule 36Signals to attract attention

Rule 37Distress signals

PART E.EXEMPTIONS

Rule 38Exemptions

ANNEX IPositioning and technical details of lights and shapes

2Vertical positioning and spacing of lights

3Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights

4Details of location of direction-indicating lights for fishing vessels, dredgers and vessels engaged in underwater operations.

5Screens for sidelights

7Colour specification of lights

8Intensity of lights

9Horizontal sectors

10Vertical sectors

11Intensity of non-electric lights

12Manoeuvring light

ANNEX IIAdditional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity

2Signals for trawlers

3Signals for purse seiners

ANNEX IIITechnical details of sound signal appliances

ANNEX IVDistress signals

1The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately,...

2The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals...

3Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the International...

1989 No. 1798

MERCHANT SHIPPINGSAFETY

The Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1989

Made29th September 1989

Laid before Parliament9th October 1989

Coming into force19th November 1989

The Secretary of State for Transport, after consultation with the persons referred to in section 22(2) of the Merchant Shipping Act 19791, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by subsections (1)(a) and (b), (3), (4) and (6) of section 21, subsections (1) and (3) of section 22 and subsection (1) of section 49 of that Act and of all other powers enabling him in that behalf, hereby makes the following Regulations:–