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⚓ COLREG Series – Episode 41: Annex III📯 Technical Details of Sound Signal AppliancesAt sea, when visibility disappears,...
12/08/2026

⚓ COLREG Series – Episode 41: Annex III
đź“Ż Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances
At sea, when visibility disappears, sound becomes another set of eyes. 🌫️🚢
COLREG Annex III sets the technical requirements for whistles, bells, and gongs used for sound signalling—including their frequency, audibility, positioning, and performance.
For every Officer of the Watch, knowing the sound signals is only half the job. The equipment must also be properly maintained, tested, and ready when needed.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
In darkness, your lights guide others. In fog, your sound guides them even better. Keep your signals clear, your equipment ready, and the sea safer for everyone.




⚓ Episode 40 — COLREG Annex IIAdditional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close ProximityWhen fishing vessels work...
11/08/2026

⚓ Episode 40 — COLREG Annex II
Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity
When fishing vessels work close together, clear identification becomes even more important.
COLREG Annex II provides the additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity. These signals supplement the lights and shapes required under Rule 26 and help other mariners better understand the fishing operation.
For the Officer of the Watch, recognizing these signals early means having more time to assess the situation, maintain a safe distance, and take proper action.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
The catch may be important, but safety comes first. Know their signals, understand their operation, and give fishing vessels the sea room they need.




⚓ Episode 39 — COLREG Annex IPositioning and Technical Details of Lights and ShapesAt night, another vessel may not see ...
10/08/2026

⚓ Episode 39 — COLREG Annex I
Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes
At night, another vessel may not see your ship clearly—but your lights can tell them exactly what they need to know. 🌙🚢
COLREG Annex I provides the technical requirements for the positioning, spacing, screening, sectors, and other details of navigation lights and shapes prescribed by the Rules.
It reminds every mariner that simply having navigation lights is not enough—they must be correctly positioned, properly maintained, unobstructed, and displayed as required.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
Lights and shapes are the language of the sea. Display them correctly, and another mariner can understand your situation before a single word is spoken.





⚓ Episode 38 — Rule 38: ExemptionsEven in the COLREGs, some vessels may qualify for specific exemptions—but only under t...
10/08/2026

⚓ Episode 38 — Rule 38: Exemptions
Even in the COLREGs, some vessels may qualify for specific exemptions—but only under the conditions laid down by the Rules.
Rule 38 deals with certain existing vessels or classes of vessels that may be exempted from particular requirements concerning lights, sound-signal appliances, and their positioning or characteristics, subject to the conditions and time limits specified in the Rule.
It is important to remember: Rule 38 is not permission to disregard the COLREGs whenever compliance becomes difficult. Safe navigation, proper lookout, good seamanship, and collision avoidance remain essential.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
An exemption from a requirement is never an exemption from responsibility. Know the Rules, understand their purpose, and always put safety first.




⚓ Episode 37 — Rule 37: Distress SignalsWhen a vessel or person is in distress, every second counts. The signal must be ...
10/08/2026

⚓ Episode 37 — Rule 37: Distress Signals
When a vessel or person is in distress, every second counts. The signal must be clear, recognized, and understood.
COLREG Rule 37 covers the distress signals prescribed in Annex IV for situations where a vessel or person is in distress and requires assistance.
From MAYDAY and DSC distress alerts to recognized visual and sound signals, every seafarer should know how to send, recognize, and respond to distress signals correctly.
Distress signals are not for routine communication or unnecessary use. They represent a genuine call for help at sea.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
In an emergency, don't leave others guessing. Send the correct distress signal, give your position and situation clearly, and remember—someone's life may depend on it.

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⚓ Episode 36 — Rule 36: Signals to Attract AttentionWhen another vessel may not have noticed you, make your presence kno...
09/08/2026

⚓ Episode 36 — Rule 36: Signals to Attract Attention
When another vessel may not have noticed you, make your presence known—but never create confusion.
COLREG Rule 36 allows a vessel, when necessary, to use light or sound signals to attract the attention of another vessel, provided those signals cannot be mistaken for signals authorized elsewhere in the COLREGs.
A searchlight may also be directed toward the danger, but it should be used carefully and must not embarrass or interfere with another vessel.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
When in doubt, attract attention—but make your message clear. At sea, good communication can prevent a close call from becoming a collision.




⚓ Episode 35 — Rule 35: Sound Signals in Restricted VisibilityWhen you cannot see the other vessel, make sure you can be...
09/08/2026

⚓ Episode 35 — Rule 35: Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
When you cannot see the other vessel, make sure you can be heard.
COLREG Rule 35 prescribes the sound signals to be used in or near areas of restricted visibility, whether by day or night. Fog, mist, heavy rain, or other conditions may hide a vessel from sight, but the correct sound signal helps others detect your presence and assess the situation.
For every Officer of the Watch: listen carefully, maintain a proper lookout, use radar and all available means, proceed at a safe speed, and sound the correct signal at the required interval.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
In restricted visibility, your whistle becomes your voice. Sound it correctly, listen carefully, and never let the fog lower your awareness.




⚓ Episode 34 — Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning SignalsAt sea, a few seconds of sound can communicate an important maneu...
08/08/2026

⚓ Episode 34 — Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals
At sea, a few seconds of sound can communicate an important maneuver—and sometimes prevent a collision.
COLREG Rule 34 establishes the maneuvering and warning signals used when vessels are in sight of one another.
📯 One short blast — I am altering my course to starboard.
📯📯 Two short blasts — I am altering my course to port.
📯📯📯 Three short blasts — I am operating astern propulsion.
⚠️ At least five short and rapid blasts — the doubt/danger signal when you do not understand another vessel's intentions or doubt whether sufficient action is being taken to avoid collision.
Good watchkeeping isn't only about seeing the danger—it's also about communicating your intentions clearly and in good time.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
One clear signal can remove doubt. Know the Rules, make your intentions understood, and never allow uncertainty to become a close call.




⚓ Episode 33 — Rule 33: Equipment for Sound SignalsA sound signal is only effective when the equipment producing it is r...
08/08/2026

⚓ Episode 33 — Rule 33: Equipment for Sound Signals
A sound signal is only effective when the equipment producing it is ready when you need it.
COLREG Rule 33 specifies the sound-signalling equipment vessels must carry according to their length. Depending on the vessel, this may include a whistle and bell, and for larger vessels, a gong as well.
For every Officer of the Watch, knowing the signals is important—but making sure the equipment is properly maintained and ready for immediate use is equally important.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
You may know every signal by heart, but without reliable equipment, your message may never be heard. Test it, maintain it, and keep it ready.




⚓ Episode 32 — Rule 32: DefinitionsAt sea, every whistle blast and light signal has a meaning. Understanding that langua...
07/08/2026

⚓ Episode 32 — Rule 32: Definitions
At sea, every whistle blast and light signal has a meaning. Understanding that language is part of safe navigation.
COLREG Rule 32 establishes the basic definitions used in Part D – Sound and Light Signals. It defines important terms such as whistle, short blast, prolonged blast, and flashing light—the foundation we need before studying the maneuvering and warning signals in the following Rules.
A short blast lasts about one second, while a prolonged blast lasts about four to six seconds. Simple definitions—but when vessels are maneuvering close to one another, understanding them correctly can make all the difference.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt says:
Signals may be short, but their meaning is important. Know them well, use them correctly, and never leave another mariner guessing.




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