ANNEX IV 33 CFR 87 Distress Signals § 87.1 Need of assistance The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and need of assistance: (a) A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute; (b) A continuous sounding with any fog-signalling apparatus; (c) Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals; (d) A signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signalling method consisting of the group...-- .. (SOS) in the Morse Code; (e) A signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word "Mayday"; (f) The International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.; (g) A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball; (h) Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.); (i) A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light; (j) A smoke signal giving off orange-colored smoke; (k) Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side; (1) The radiotelegraph alarm signal; (m) The radiotelephone alarm signal; (n) Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons; (0) Signals transmitted by radiocommunication systems, including survival craft radar transponders meeting the requirements of 47 CFR 80.1095. (p) A high intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70 times per minute. ANNEX IV-Continued 2. The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals except for the purpose of indicating distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is prohibited. 3. Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the International Code of Signals, the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual and the following signals: (a) a piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black square and circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air); (b) a dye marker. ANNEX IV-Continued § 87.3 Exclusive use The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals except for the purpose of indicating distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is prohibited. § 87.5 Supplemental signals Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the International Code of Signals, the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual, the International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations, and the following signals: (a) A piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black square and circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air); (b) A dye marker. ANNEX V 33 CFR 88 Pilot Rules § 88.01 Purpose and applicability This Part applies to all vessels operating on United States inland waters and to United States vessels operating on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the extent there is no conflict with Canadian law. § 88.03 Definitions The terms used in this part have the same meaning as defined in the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980. § 88.05 Copy of Rules After January 1, 1983, the operator of each self-propelled vessel 12 meters or more in length shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of the Inland Navigation Rules. § 88.09 Temporary exemption from light and shape requirements when operating under bridges A vessel's navigation lights and shapes may be lowered if necessary to pass under a bridge. § 88.11 Law enforcement vessels (a) Law enforcement vessels may display a flashing blue light when engaged in direct law enforcement or public safety activities. This light must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights. (b) The blue light described in this section may be displayed by law enforcement vessels of the United States and the States and their political subdivisions. § 88.12 Public Safety Activities (a) Vessels engaged in government sanctioned public safety activities, and commercial vessels performing similar functions, may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light signal. This identification light signal must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights. The identification light signal may be used only as an identification signal and conveys no special privilege. Vessels using the identification light signal during public safety activities must abide by the Inland Navigation Rules, and must not presume that the light or the exigency gives them precedence or right of way. |