1625-0085 Stat/Authority

SUBCHAPTER E—INLAND NAVIGATION RULES
83.34 Maneuvering and warning signals
(Rule 34).
83.35 Sound signals in restricted visibility
(Rule 35).
83.36 Signals to attract attention (Rule 36).
83.37 Distress signals (Rule 37).

PART 83—RULES
Subpart A—General
Sec.
83.01
83.02
83.03

Application (Rule 1).
Responsibility (Rule 2).
Definitions (Rule 3).

Subpart E—Exemptions
83.38

Subpart B—Steering and Sailing Rules
CONDUCT OF VESSELS IN ANY CONDITION OF
VISIBILITY
83.04 Application (Rule 4).
83.05 Look-out (Rule 5).
83.06 Safe speed (Rule 6).
83.07 Risk of collision (Rule 7).
83.08 Action to avoid collision (Rule 8).
83.09 Narrow channels (Rule 9).
83.10 Traffic separation schemes (Rule 10).
CONDUCT OF

SOURCE: USCG–2009–0948, 75 FR 19546, Apr.
15, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General
§ 83.01

VESSELS IN SIGHT OF ONE
ANOTHER

83.11 Application (Rule 11).
83.12 Sailing vessels (Rule 12).
83.13 Overtaking (Rule 13).
83.14 Head-on situation (Rule 14).
83.15 Crossing situation (Rule 15).
83.16 Action by give-way vessel (Rule 16).
83.17 Action by stand-on vessel (Rule 17).
83.18 Responsibilities between vessels (Rule
18).
CONDUCT OF VESSELS IN RESTRICTED
VISIBILITY
83.19 Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19).

Subpart C—Lights and Shapes

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83.20 Application (Rule 20).
83.21 Definitions (Rule 21).
83.22 Visibility of lights (Rule 22).
83.23 Power-driven vessels underway (Rule
23).
83.24 Towing and pushing (Rule 24).
83.25 Sailing vessels underway and vessels
under oars (Rule 25).
83.26 Fishing vessels (Rule 26).
83.27 Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver
(Rule 27).
83.28 [Reserved](Rule 28).
83.29 Pilot vessels (Rule 29).
83.30 Anchored vessels and vessels aground
(Rule 30).
83.31 Seaplanes (Rule 31).

Subpart D—Sound and Light Signals
83.32
83.33

Exemptions (Rule 38).

AUTHORITY: Sec. 303, Pub. L. 108–293, 118
Stat. 1028 (33 U.S.C. 2001); Department of
Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

Definitions (Rule 32).
Equipment for sound signals (Rule 33).

Application (Rule 1).

(a) United States inland waters and Canadian waters of the Great Lakes. These
Rules apply to all vessels upon the inland waters of the United States, and
to vessels of the United States on the
Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to
the extent that there is no conflict
with Canadian law.
(b) International Regulations.
(1) These Rules constitute special
rules made by an appropriate authority
within the meaning of Rule 1(b) of the
International Regulations.
(2) All vessels complying with the
construction and equipment requirements of the International Regulations
are considered to be in compliance
with these Rules.
(c) Special rules. Nothing in these
Rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the
Secretary of the Navy with respect to
additional station or signal lights and
shapes or whistle signals for ships of
war and vessels proceeding under convoy, or by the Secretary with respect
to additional station or signal lights
and shapes for fishing vessels engaged
in fishing as a fleet. These additional
station or signal lights and shapes or
whistle signals shall, so far as possible,
be such that they cannot be mistaken
for any light, shape, or signal authorized elsewhere under these Rules. Notice of such special rules shall be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER and,
after the effective date specified in

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§ 83.03

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such notice, they shall have effect as if
they were a part of these Rules.
(d) Traffic regulation schemes; vessel
traffic service regulations. Traffic separation schemes may be established for
the purpose of these Rules. Vessel traffic service regulations may be in effect
in certain areas.
(e) Alternative compliance. Whenever
the Secretary determines that a vessel
or class of vessels of special construction or purpose cannot comply fully
with the provisions of any of these
Rules with respect to the number, position, range, or arc of visibility of lights
or shapes, as well as to the disposition
and characteristics of sound-signaling
appliances, the vessel shall comply
with such other provisions in regard to
the number, position, range, or arc of
visibility of lights or shapes, as well as
to the disposition and characteristics
of sound-signaling appliances, as the
Secretary shall have determined to be
the closest possible compliance with
these Rules. The Secretary may issue a
certificate of alternative compliance
for a vessel or class of vessels specifying the closest possible compliance
with these Rules. The Secretary of the
Navy shall make these determinations
and issue certificates of alternative
compliance for vessels of the Navy.
(f) Acceptance of certificates of alternative compliance from contracting parties to International Regulations. The
Secretary may accept a certificate of
alternative compliance issued by a contracting party to the International
Regulations if he determines that the
alternative compliance standards of
the contracting party are substantially
the same as those of the United States.
§ 83.02 Responsibility (Rule 2).
(a) Exoneration. Nothing in these
Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the
owner, master, or crew thereof, from
the consequences of any neglect to
comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be
required by the ordinary practice of
seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
(b) Departure from rules when necessary to avoid immediate danger. In construing and complying with these
Rules due regard shall be had to all
dangers of navigation and collision and

to any special circumstances, including
the limitations of the vessels involved,
which may make a departure from
these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
§ 83.03 Definitions (Rule 3).
For the purpose of these Rules and
this chapter, except where the context
otherwise requires:
(a) Vessel includes every description
of water craft, including nondisplacement craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water;
(b) Power-driven vessel means any vessel propelled by machinery;
(c) Sailing vessel means any vessel
under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used;
(d) Vessel engaged in fishing means
any vessel fishing with nets, lines,
trawls, or other fishing apparatus
which restricts maneuverability, but
does not include a vessel fishing with
trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability;
(e) Seaplane includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water;
(f) Vessel not under command means a
vessel which, through some exceptional
circumstance, is unable to maneuver as
required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of
another vessel;
(g) Vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver means a vessel which, from the
nature of her work, is restricted in her
ability to maneuver as required by
these Rules and is therefore unable to
keep out of the way of another vessel;
vessels restricted in their ability to
maneuver include, but are not limited
to:
(1) A vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigation mark,
submarine cable, or pipeline;
(2) A vessel engaged in dredging, surveying, or underwater operations;
(3) A vessel engaged in replenishment
or transferring persons, provisions, or
cargo while underway;
(4) A vessel engaged in the launching
or recovery of aircraft;
(5) A vessel engaged in mineclearance
operations; and
(6) A vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the

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§ 83.04

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course.
(h) Underway means that a vessel is
not at anchor, or
made fast to the shore, or aground;
(i) Length and breadth of a vessel
mean her length overall and greatest
breadth;
(j) Vessels shall be deemed to be in
sight of one another only when one can
be observed visually from the other;
(k) Restricted visibility means any condition in which visibility is restricted
by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes;
(l) Western Rivers means the Mississippi River, its tributaries, South
Pass, and Southwest Pass, to the navigational demarcation lines dividing the
high seas from harbors, rivers, and
other inland waters of the United
States, and the Port Allen-Morgan City
Alternate Route, and that part of the
Atchafalaya River above its junction
with the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route including the Old River and
the Red River;
(m) Great Lakes means the Great
Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters including the Calumet
River as far as the Thomas J. O’Brien
Lock and Controlling Works (between
mile 326 and 327), the Chicago River as
far as the east side of the Ashland Avenue Bridge (between mile 321 and 322),
and the Saint Lawrence River as far
east as the lower exit of Saint Lambert
Lock;
(n) Secretary means the Secretary of
the Department in which the Coast
Guard is Operating;
(o) Inland Waters means the navigable
waters of the United States shoreward
of the navigational demarcation lines
dividing the high seas from harbors,
rivers, and other inland waters of the
United States and the waters of the
Great Lakes on the United States side
of the International Boundary;
(p) Inland Rules or Rules mean the Inland Navigational Rules and the annexes thereto, which govern the conduct of vessels and specify the lights,
shapes, and sound signals that apply on
inland waters; and
(q) International Regulations means
the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, includ-

ing annexes currently in force for the
United States.

Subpart B—Steering and Sailing
Rules
CONDUCT OF VESSELS IN ANY CONDITION
OF VISIBILITY
§ 83.04

Application (Rule 4).

Rules in this subpart apply in any
condition of visibility.
§ 83.05

Look-out (Rule 5).

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and
hearing as well as by all available
means appropriate in the prevailing
circumstances and conditions so as to
make a full appraisal of the situation
and of the risk of collision.
§ 83.06

Safe speed (Rule 6).

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can
take proper and effective action to
avoid collision and be stopped within a
distance appropriate to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions.
In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those
taken into account:
(a) By all vessels:
(1) The state of visibility;
(2) The traffic density including concentration of fishing vessels or any
other vessels;
(3) The maneuverability of the vessel
with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
(4) At night the presence of background light such as from shores lights
or from back scatter of her own lights;
(5) The state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of navigational
hazards;
(6) The draft in relation to the available depth of water.
(b) Additionally, by vessels with
operational radar:
(1) The characteristics, efficiency and
limitations of the radar equipment;
(2) Any constraints imposed by the
radar range scale in use;
(3) The effect on radar detection of
the sea state, weather, and other
sources of interference;

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Coast Guard, DHS

§ 83.09

(4) The possibility that small vessels,
ice and other floating objects may not
be detected by radar at an adequate
range;
(5) The number, location, and movement of vessels detected by radar; and
(6) The more exact assessment of the
visibility that may be possible when
radar is used to determine the range of
vessels or other objects in the vicinity.

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§ 83.07 Risk of collision (Rule 7).
(a) Determination if risk exists. Every
vessel shall use all available means appropriate
to
the
prevailing
circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there
is any doubt such risk shall be deemed
to exist.
(b) Radar. Proper use shall be made of
radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning
to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent
systematic observation of detected objects.
(c) Scanty information. Assumptions
shall not be made on the basis of
scanty information, especially scanty
radar information.
(d) Considerations taken into account
in determining if risk exists. In determining if risk of collision exists the
following
considerations
shall
be
among those taken into account:
(1) Such risk shall be deemed to exist
if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change;
and
(2) Such risk may sometimes exist
even when an appreciable bearing
change is evident, particularly when
approaching a very large vessel or a
tow or when approaching a vessel at
close range.
§ 83.08 Action to avoid collision (Rule
8).
(a) General characteristics of action
taken to avoid collision. Any action
taken to avoid collision shall, if the
circumstances of the case admit, be
positive, made in ample time and with
due regard to the observance of good
seamanship.
(b) Readily apparent alterations in
course or speed. Any alteration of
course or speed to avoid collision shall,
if the circumstances of the case admit,

be large enough to be readily apparent
to another vessel observing visually or
by radar; a succession of small alterations of course or speed should be
avoided.
(c) Alteration of course to avoid closequarters situation. If there is sufficient
sea room, alteration of course alone
may be the most effective action to
avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is
substantial and does not result in another close-quarters situation.
(d) Action to result in passing at safe
distance. Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such
as to result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action
shall be carefully checked until the
other vessel is finally past and clear.
(e) Slackening of vessel speed; stopping
or reversing means of propulsion. If necessary to avoid collision or allow more
time to assess the situation, a vessel
shall slacken her speed or take all way
off by stopping or reversing her means
of propulsion.
(f) Early action to allow room for safe
passage:
(1) A vessel which, by any of these
Rules, is required not to impede the
passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea room for
the safe passage of the other vessel.
(2) A vessel required not to impede
the passage or safe passage of another
vessel is not relieved of this obligation
if approaching the other vessel so as to
involve risk of collision and shall,
when taking action, have full regard to
the action which may be required by
the Rules of this part.
(3) A vessel the passage of which is
not to be impeded remains fully
obliged to comply with the Rules of
this part when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to involve
risk of collision.
§ 83.09 Narrow channels (Rule 9).
(a) Keeping near to outer limit of channel or fairway which lies on vessel’s starboard side; exception.
(1) A vessel proceeding along the
course of a narrow channel or fairway
shall keep as near to the outer limit of
the channel or fairway which lies on

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§ 83.10

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1)
and Rule 14(a), a power-driven vessel
operating in narrow channels or fairways on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, and proceeding downbound with
a following current shall have the
right-of-way over an upbound vessel,
shall propose the manner and place of
passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by Rule
34(a)(1), as appropriate. The vessel proceeding upbound against the current
shall hold as necessary to permit safe
passing.
(b) Vessels of less than 20 meters in
length; sailing vessels. A vessel of less
than 20 meters in length or a sailing
vessel shall not impede the passage of a
vessel that can safely navigate only
within a narrow channel or fairway.
(c) Vessels engaged in fishing. A vessel
engaged in fishing shall not impede the
passage of any other vessel navigating
within a narrow channel or fairway.
(d) Crossing narrow channels or fairways. A vessel shall not cross a narrow
channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can
safely navigate only within that channel or fairway. The latter vessel shall
use the danger signal prescribed in
Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
(e) Overtaking vessels.
(1) In a narrow channel or fairway
when overtaking, the power-driven vessel intending to overtake another
power-driven vessel shall indicate her
intention by sounding the appropriate
signal prescribed in Rule 34(c) and take
steps to permit safe passing. The
power-driven vessel being overtaken, if
in agreement, shall sound the same signal and may, if specifically agreed to,
take steps to permit safe passing. If in
doubt she shall sound the danger signal
prescribed in Rule 34(d).
(2) This Rule does not relieve the
overtaking vessel of her obligation
under Rule 13.
(f) Areas of obscured visibility due to intervening obstructions. A vessel nearing
a bend or an area of a narrow channel
or fairway where other vessels may be
obscured by an intervening obstruction
shall navigate with particular alert-

ness and caution and shall sound the
appropriate signal prescribed in Rule
34(e).
(g) Avoidance of anchoring in narrow
channels. Every vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid
anchoring in a narrow channel.
§ 83.10 Traffic
(Rule 10).

separation

(a) Obligations under other Rules unaffected. This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes and does not relieve
any vessel of her obligation under any
other Rule.
(b) Duties for vessel using scheme. A
vessel using a traffic separation
scheme shall:
(1) Proceed in the appropriate traffic
lane in the general direction of traffic
flow for that lane;
(2) So far as practicable keep clear of
a traffic separation line or separation
zone;
(3) Normally join or leave a traffic
lane at the termination of the lane, but
when joining or leaving from either
side shall do so at as small an angle to
the general direction of traffic flow as
practicable.
(c) Crossing traffic lanes. A vessel
shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so
shall cross on a heading as nearly as
practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
(d) Use of inshore traffic lane.
(1) A vessel shall not use an inshore
traffic zone when she can safely use the
appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However, vessels of less than twenty meters
in length, sailing vessels, and vessels
engaged in fishing may use the inshore
traffic zone.
(2) Notwithstanding subparagraph
(d)(1), a vessel may use an inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a
port, offshore installation or structure,
pilot station, or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone, or
to avoid immediate danger.
(e) Entering separation zone or crossing
separation line. A vessel other than a
crossing vessel or a vessel joining or
leaving a lane shall not normally enter
a separation zone or cross a separation
line except:

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Coast Guard, DHS

§ 83.14

(1) In cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger; or
(2) To engage in fishing within a separation zone.
(f) Caution in areas near termination of
scheme. A vessel navigating in areas
near the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
(g) Anchoring. A vessel shall so far as
practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic
separation scheme or in areas near its
terminations.
(h) Avoidance of scheme. A vessel not
using a traffic separation scheme shall
avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.
(i) Fishing vessels. A vessel engaged in
fishing shall not impede the passage of
any vessel following a traffic lane.
(j) Power-driven vessels. A vessel of
less than twenty meters in length or a
sailing vessel shall not impede the safe
passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.
(k) Exemption; maintenance of safety of
navigation. A vessel restricted in her
ability to maneuver when engaged in
an operation for the maintenance of
safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent
necessary to carry out the operation.
(l) Exemption; laying, servicing, or picking up submarine cable.
A vessel restricted in her ability to
maneuver when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing, or picking up of a submarine cable, within a
traffic separation scheme, is exempted
from complying with this Rule to the
extent necessary to carry out the operation.
CONDUCT OF VESSELS IN SIGHT OF ONE
ANOTHER

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§ 83.11 Application (Rule 11).
Rules in this subpart apply to vessels
in sight of one another.
§ 83.12 Sailing vessels (Rule 12).
(a) Keeping out of the way. When two
sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision,
one of them shall keep out of the way
of the other as follows:
(1) When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the

wind on the port side shall keep out of
the way of the other;
(2) When both have the wind on the
same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the
vessel which is to leeward; and
(3) If a vessel with the wind on the
port side sees a vessel to windward and
cannot
determine
with
certainty
whether the other vessel has the wind
on the port or on the starboard side,
she shall keep out of the way of the
other.
(b) Windward side. For the purpose of
this Rule the windward side shall be
deemed to be the side opposite to that
on which the mainsail is carried or, in
the case of a square-rigged vessel, the
side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.
§ 83.13 Overtaking (Rule 13).
(a) Overtaking vessel to keep out of the
overtaken vessel’s way. Notwithstanding
anything contained in Rules 4 through
18, any vessel overtaking any other
shall keep out of the way of the vessel
being overtaken.
(b) Overtaking vessel defined. A vessel
shall be deemed to be overtaking when
coming up with another vessel from a
direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft
her beam; that is, in such a position
with reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able
to see only the sternlight of that vessel
but neither of her sidelights.
(c) Assumption that vessel is overtaking
another in cases of doubt. When a vessel
is in any doubt as to whether she is
overtaking another, she shall assume
that this is the case and act accordingly.
(d) Overtaking vessel to become crossing
vessel only when finally past and clear.
Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not
make the overtaking vessel a crossing
vessel within the meaning of these
Rules or relieve her of the duty of
keeping clear of the overtaken vessel
until she is finally past and clear.
§ 83.14 Head-on situation (Rule 14).
(a) Course alterations to starboard; port
side passage. Unless otherwise agreed,
when two power-driven vessels are
meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of

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§ 83.15

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

collision each shall alter her course to
starboard so that each shall pass on the
port side of the other.
(b) Existence of head-on situation.
Such a situation shall be deemed to
exist when a vessel sees the other
ahead or nearly ahead and by night she
could see the masthead lights of the
other in a line or nearly in a line or
both sidelights and by day she observes
the corresponding aspect of the other
vessel.
(c) Assumption that head-on situation
exists in cases of doubt. When a vessel is
in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists she shall assume that it
does exist and act accordingly.
(d) Vessel operating on Great Lakes,
Western Rivers, or other specified waters,
and proceeding downbound with following current. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Rule, a power-driven
vessel operating on the Great Lakes,
Western Rivers, or waters specified by
the
Secretary,
and
proceeding
downbound with a following current
shall have the right-of-way over an
upbound vessel, shall propose the manner of passage, and shall initiate the
maneuvering signals prescribed by
Rule 34(a)(1), as appropriate.
§ 83.15

Crossing situation (Rule 15).

(a) Vessel which must keep out of the
other vessel’s way. When two powerdriven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which
has the other on her starboard side
shall keep out of the way and shall, if
the circumstances of the case admit,
avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
(b) Vessels crossing river. Notwithstanding paragraph (a), on the Great
Lakes, Western Rivers, or water specified by the Secretary, a power-driven
vessel crossing a river shall keep out of
the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.

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§ 83.16 Action by give-way vessel (Rule
16).
Every vessel which is directed to
keep out of the way of another vessel
shall, so far as possible, take early and
substantial action to keep well clear.

§ 83.17 Action by stand-on vessel (Rule
17).
(a) Stand-on vessel to keep course and
speed; action allowed when give-way vessel fails to take appropriate action.
(1) Where one of two vessels is to
keep out of the way, the other shall
keep her course and speed.
(2) The latter vessel may, however,
take action to avoid collision by her
maneuver alone, as soon as it becomes
apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not
taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules.
(b) Action by stand-on vessel allowed
when action by give-way vessel alone cannot avoid collision. When, from any
cause, the vessel required to keep her
course and speed finds herself so close
that collision cannot be avoided by the
action of the give-way vessel alone, she
shall take such action as will best aid
to avoid collision.
(c) Crossing situations. A power-driven
vessel which takes action in a crossing
situation in accordance with subparagraph (a)(2) of this Rule to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel
shall, if the circumstances of the case
admit, not alter course to port for a
vessel on her own port side.
(d) Give-way vessel not relieved of obligation to keep out of the way. This Rule
does not relieve the give-way vessel of
her obligation to keep out of the way.
§ 83.18 Responsibilities
sels (Rule 18).

between

Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:
(a) Power-driven vessels underway. A
power-driven vessel underway shall
keep out of the way of:
(1) A vessel not under command;
(2) A vessel restricted in her ability
to maneuver;
(3) A vessel engaged in fishing; and
(4) A sailing vessel.
(b) Sailing vessels underway. A sailing
vessel underway shall keep out of the
way of:
(1) A vessel not under command;
(2) A vessel restricted in her ability
to maneuver; and
(3) A vessel engaged in fishing.
(c) Vessels engaged in fishing when underway. A vessel engaged in fishing

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Coast Guard, DHS

§ 83.21

when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:
(1) A vessel not under command; and
(2) A vessel restricted in her ability
to maneuver.
(d) Seaplanes on the water. A seaplane
on the water shall, in general, keep
well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of
collision exists, she shall comply with
the Rules of this part.
CONDUCT OF VESSELS IN RESTRICTED
VISIBILITY

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§ 83.19 Conduct of vessels in restricted
visibility (Rule 19).
(a) Vessels to which rule applies. This
Rule applies to vessels not in sight of
one another when navigating in or near
an area of restricted visibility.
(b) Safe speed; engines ready for immediate maneuver. Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions
of restricted visibility. A power-driven
vessel shall have her engines ready for
immediate maneuver.
(c) Due regard to prevailing circumstances and conditions. Every vessel
shall have due regard to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with
Rules 4 through 10.
(d) Detection of vessel by radar alone. A
vessel which detects by radar alone the
presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of collision exists. If
so, she shall take avoiding action in
ample time, provided that when such
action consists of an alteration of
course, so far as possible the following
shall be avoided:
(1) An alteration of course to port for
a vessel forward of the beam, other
than for a vessel being overtaken; and
(2) An alteration of course toward a
vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
(e) Reduction of speed to minimum. Except where it has been determined that
a risk of collision does not exist, every
vessel which hears apparently forward
of her beam the fog signal of another
vessel, or which cannot avoid a closequarters situation with another vessel
forward of her beam, shall reduce her
speed to the minimum at which she can

be kept on course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and, in any
event, navigate with extreme caution
until danger of collision is over.

Subpart C—Lights and Shapes
§ 83.20 Application (Rule 20).
(a) Compliance in all weathers. Rules
in this part shall be complied with in
all weathers.
(b) Rules concerning lights complied
with from sunset to sunrise; other lights.
The Rules concerning lights shall be
complied with from sunset to sunrise,
and during such times no other lights
shall be exhibited, except such lights as
cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair
their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of
a proper lookout.
(c) Lights during daylight hours in restricted visibility; other circumstances.
The lights prescribed by these Rules
shall, if carried, also be exhibited from
sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other
circumstances when it is deemed necessary.
(d) Rules concerning shapes; compliance
by day. The Rules concerning shapes
shall be complied with by day.
(e) Annex. The lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall comply with
the provisions of Annex I of these
Rules.
§ 83.21 Definitions (Rule 21).
(a) Masthead light means a white
light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of
225 degrees and so fixed as to show the
light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees
abaft the beam on either side of the
vessel, except that on a vessel of less
than 12 meters in length the masthead
light shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of
the vessel.
(b) Sidelights mean a green light on
the starboard side and a red light on
the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of
112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show
the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective
side. On a vessel of less than 20 meters

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33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

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in length the side lights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore
and aft centerline of the vessel, except
that on a vessel of less than 12 meters
in length the sidelights when combined
in one lantern shall be placed as nearly
as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel.
(c) Sternlight means a white light
placed as nearly as practicable at the
stern showing an unbroken light over
an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and
so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the
vessel.
(d) Towing light means a yellow light
having the same characteristics as the
’’sternlight’’ defined in paragraph (c) of
this Rule.
(e) All-round light means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of
the horizon of 360 degrees.
(f) Flashing light means a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency
of 120 flashes or more per minute.
(g) Special flashing light means a yellow light flashing at regular intervals
at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per
minute, placed as far forward and as
nearly as practicable on the fore and
aft centerline of the tow and showing
an unbroken light over an arc of the
horizon of not less than 180 degrees nor
more than 225 degrees and so fixed as
to show the light from right ahead to
abeam and no more than 22.5 degrees
abaft the beam on either side of the
vessel.
§ 83.22 Visibility of lights (Rule 22).
The lights prescribed in these Rules
shall have an intensity as specified in
Annex I to these Rules, so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:
(a) Vessel of 50 meters or more in length.
In a vessel of 50 meters or more in
length:
(1) A masthead light, 6 miles;
(2) A sidelight, 3 miles;
(3) A sternlight, 3 miles;
(4) A towing light, 3 miles;
(5) A white, red, green or yellow allround light, 3 miles; and
(6) A special flashing light, 2 miles.
(b) Vessels of 12 meters or more in
length but less than 50 meters in
length. In a vessel of 12 meters or more
in length but less than 50 meters in
length:

(1) A masthead light, 5 miles; except
that where the length of the vessel is
less than 20 meters, 3 miles;
(2) A sidelight, 2 miles;
(3) A sternlight, 2 miles;
(4) A towing light, 2 miles;
(5) A white, red, green or yellow allround light, 2 miles; and
(6) A special flashing light, 2 miles.
(c) Vessels of less than 12 meters in
length. In a vessel of less than 12 meters in length:
(1) A masthead light, 2 miles;
(2) A sidelight, 1 mile;
(3) A sternlight, 2 miles;
(4) A towing light, 2 miles;
(5) A white, red, green or yellow allround light, 2 miles; and
(6) A special flashing light, 2 miles.
(d) An inconspicuous, partly submerged
vessel or objects being towed. In an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or
objects being towed:
(1) A white all-round light, 3 miles.
§ 83.23 Power-driven vessels underway
(Rule 23).
(a) Lights exhibited by power-driven
vessels underway. A power-driven vessel
underway shall exhibit:
(1) A masthead light forward;
(2) A second masthead light abaft of
and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 meters
in length shall not be obliged to exhibit
such light but may do so;
(3) Sidelights; and
(4) A sternlight.
(b) Air-cushion vessels. An air-cushion
vessel when operating in the nondisplacement mode shall, in addition to
the lights prescribed in paragraph (a)
of this Rule, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light where it can best be
seen.
(c) Alternative lights for power-driven
vessels of less than 12 meters in length. A
power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may, in lieu of the lights
prescribed in paragraph (a) of this
Rule, exhibit an all-round white light
and sidelights.
(d) Power-driven vessels when operating
on Great Lakes. A power-driven vessel
when operating on the Great Lakes
may carry an all-round white light in
lieu of the second masthead light and
sternlight prescribed in paragraph (a)
of this Rule. The light shall be carried

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§ 83.24

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in the position of the second masthead
light and be visible at the same minimum range.
§ 83.24 Towing and pushing (Rule 24).
(a) A power-driven vessel when towing
astern. A power-driven vessel when towing astern shall exhibit:
(1) Instead of the light prescribed either in Rule 23(a)(1) or 23(a)(2), two
masthead lights in a vertical line.
When the length of the tow, measuring
from the stern of the towing vessel to
the after end of the tow exceeds 200 meters, three such lights in a vertical
line;
(2) Sidelights;
(3) A sternlight;
(4) A towing light in a vertical line
above the sternlight; and
(5) When the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape
where it can best be seen.
(b) Pushing vessel and pushed vessel
rigidly connected in composite unit. When
a pushing vessel and a vessel being
pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a
composite unit they shall be regarded
as a power-driven vessel and exhibit
the lights prescribed in Rule 23.
(c) A power-driven vessel when pushing
ahead or towing alongside. A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as required by
paragraphs (b) and (1) of this Rule,
shall exhibit:
(1) Instead of the light prescribed either in Rule 23(a)(1) or 23(a)(2), two
masthead lights in a vertical line;
(2) Sidelights; and
(3) Two towing lights in a vertical
line.
(d) Compliance with other requirements.
A power-driven vessel to which paragraphs (a) or (c) of this Rule apply
shall also comply with Rule 23(a)(1) and
23(a)(2).
(e) Vessels being towed. A vessel or object other than those referred to in
paragraph (g) of this Rule being towed
shall exhibit:
(1) Sidelights;
(2) A sternlight; and
(3) When the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape
where it can best be seen.
(f) Vessels being towed alongside or
pushed in a group. Provided that any
number of vessels being towed along-

side or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel, except as provided in
paragraph (3)—
(1) A vessel being pushed ahead, not
being part of a composite unit, shall
exhibit at the forward end, sidelights
and a special flashing light;
(2) A vessel being towed alongside
shall exhibit a sternlight and at the
forward end, sidelights and a special
flashing light; and
(3) When vessels are towed alongside
on both sides of the towing vessels a
sternlight shall be exhibited on the
stern of the outboard vessel on each
side of the towing vessel, and a single
set of sidelights as far forward and as
far outboard as is practicable, and a
single special flashing light.
(g) An inconspicuous, partly submerged
vessel or object being towed. An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or
object being towed shall exhibit:
(1) If it is less than 25 meters in
breadth, one all-round white light at or
near each end;
(2) If it is 25 meters or more in
breadth, four all-round white lights to
mark its length and breadth;
(3) If it exceeds 100 meters in length,
additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in subparagraphs (1) and (2) so that the distance
between the lights shall not exceed 100
meters: Provided, that any vessels or
objects being towed alongside each
other shall be lighted as one vessel or
object;
(4) A diamond shape at or near the
aftermost extremity of the last vessel
or object being towed; and
(5) The towing vessel may direct a
searchlight in the direction of the tow
to indicate its presence to an approaching vessel.
(h) Alternative lighting of vessel or object being towed. Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a
vessel or object being towed to exhibit
the lights prescribed in paragraph (e)
or (g) of this Rule, all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel
or object towed or at least to indicate
the presence of the unlighted vessel or
object.
(i) Western Rivers or other specified waters; exception. Notwithstanding paragraph (c), on the Western Rivers (except below the Huey P. Long Bridge on

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§ 83.25

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

the Mississippi River) and on waters
specified by the Secretary, a powerdriven vessel when pushing ahead or
towing alongside, except as paragraph
(b) applies, shall exhibit:
(1) Sidelights; and
(2) Two towing lights in a vertical
line.
(j) Towing another vessel in distress or
otherwise in need of assistance. Where
from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display
the lights prescribed by paragraph (a),
(c) or (i) of this Rule, such vessel shall
not be required to exhibit those lights
when engaged in towing another vessel
in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be
taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel
and the vessel being assisted. The
searchlight authorized by Rule 36 may
be used to illuminate the tow.

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§ 83.25 Sailing vessels underway and
vessels under oars (Rule 25).
(a) Sailing vessels underway. A sailing
vessel underway shall exhibit:
(1) Sidelights; and
(2) A sternlight.
(b) Sailing vessels of less than 20 meters
in length. In a sailing vessel of less than
20 meters in length the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule
may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast
where it can best be seen.
(c) Additional lights. A sailing vessel
underway may, in addition to the
lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of
this Rule, exhibit at or near the top of
the mast, where they can best be seen,
two all-round lights in a vertical line,
the upper being red and the lower
green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by paragraph
(b) of this Rule.
(d) Sailing vessels of less than 7 meters
in length; vessels under oars.
(1) A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph
(a) or (b) of this Rule, but if she does
not, she shall have ready at hand an
electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhib-

ited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
(2) A vessel under oars may exhibit
the lights prescribed in this Rule for
sailing vessels, but if she does not, she
shall have ready at hand an electric
torch or lighted lantern showing a
white light which shall be exhibited in
sufficient time to prevent collision.
(e) Vessels proceeding under sail. A vessel proceeding under sail when also
being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen
a conical shape, apex downward. A vessel of less than 12 meters in length is
not required to exhibit this shape, but
may do so.
§ 83.26

Fishing vessels (Rule 26).

(a) Exhibition of only prescribed lights
and shapes. A vessel engaged in fishing,
whether underway or at anchor, shall
exhibit only the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule.
(b) Vessels engaged in trawling. A vessel when engaged in trawling, by which
is meant the dragging through the
water of a dredge net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance, shall
exhibit:
(1) Two all-round lights in a vertical
line, the upper being green and the
lower white, or a shape consisting of
two cones with their apexes together in
a vertical line one above the other;
(2) A masthead light abaft of and
higher than the all-round green light; a
vessel of less than 50 meters in length
shall not be obliged to exhibit such a
light but may do so; and
(3) When making way through the
water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights
and a sternlight.
(c)Vessels engaged in fishing other than
trawling. A vessel engaged in fishing,
other than trawling, shall exhibit:
(1) Two all-round lights in a vertical
line, the upper being green and the
lower white, or a shape consisting of
two cones with their apexes together in
a vertical line one above the other;
(2) A masthead light abaft of and
higher than the all-round green light; a
vessel of less than 50 meters in length
shall not be obliged to exhibit such a
light but may do so; and

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Coast Guard, DHS

§ 83.27

(3) When making way through the
water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights
and a sternlight.
(c) Vessels engaged in fishing other
than trawling. A vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, shall exhibit:
(1) Two all-round lights in a vertical
line, the upper being red and the lower
white, or a shape consisting of two
cones with apexes together in a
vertical line one above the other;
(2) When there is outlying gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel, an all-round
white light or a cone apex upward in
the direction of the gear; and
(3) When making way through the
water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights
and a sternlight.
(d) Vessels engaged in fishing in close
proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing. The additional signals described in
Annex II to these Rules apply to a vessel engaged in fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing.
(e) Vessels when not engaged in fishing.
A vessel when not engaged in fishing
shall not exhibit the lights or shapes
prescribed in this Rule, but only those
prescribed for a vessel of her length.

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§ 83.27 Vessels not under command or
restricted in their ability to maneuver (Rule 27).
(a) Vessels not under command. A vessel not under command shall exhibit:
(1) Two all-round red lights in a
vertical line where they can best be
seen;
(2) Two balls or similar shapes in a
vertical line where they can best be
seen; and
(iii) When making way through the
water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights
and a sternlight.
(b) Vessels restricted in their ability to
maneuver. A vessel restricted in her
ability to maneuver, except a vessel
engaged in mineclearance operations,
shall exhibit:
(1) Three all-round lights in a
vertical line where they can best be
seen. The highest and lowest of these
lights shall be red and the middle light
shall be white;

(2) Three shapes in a vertical line
where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these shapes shall be
balls and the middle one a diamond;
(3) When making way through the
water, masthead lights, sidelights and
a sternlight, in addition to the lights
prescribed in subparagraph (b)(1); and
(4) When at anchor, in addition to the
lights or shapes prescribed in subparagraphs (b)(1) and (2), the light, lights or
shapes prescribed in Rule 30.
(c) Vessels engaged in towing operations. A vessel engaged in a towing operation which severely restricts the
towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall,
in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in subparagraphs (b)(1) and (2)
of this Rule, exhibit the lights or shape
prescribed in Rule 24.
(d) Vessels engaged in dredging or underwater operations. A vessel engaged in
dredging or underwater operations,
when restricted in her ability to maneuver, shall exhibit the lights and
shapes prescribed in subparagraphs
(b)(1), (2), and (3) of this Rule and shall
in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:
(1) Two all-round red lights or two
balls in a vertical line to indicate the
side on which the obstruction exists;
(2) Two all-round green lights or two
diamonds in a vertical line to indicate
the side on which another vessel may
pass; and
(3) When at anchor, the lights or
shape prescribed by this paragraph, instead of the lights or shapes prescribed
in Rule 30 for anchored vessels.
(e) Vessels engaged in diving operations. Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it
impracticable to exhibit all lights and
shapes prescribed in paragraph (d) of
this Rule, the following shall instead
be exhibited:
(1) Three all-round lights in a
vertical line where they can best be
seen. The highest and lowest of these
lights shall be red and the middle light
shall be white.
(2) A rigid replica of the international Code flag ’’A’’ not less than 1
meter in height. Measures shall be
taken to insure its all-round visibility.
(f) Vessels engaged in mineclearance operations.
A
vessel
engaged
in

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§ 83.28

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

mineclearance operations shall, in addition to the lights prescribed for a
power-driven vessel in Rule 23 or to the
lights or shape prescribed for a vessel
at anchor in Rule 30, as appropriate,
exhibit three all-round green lights or
three balls. One of these lights or
shapes shall be exhibited near the
foremast head and one at each end of
the fore yard. These lights or shapes
indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach within 1,000
meters of the mineclearance vessel.
(g) Vessels of less than 12 meters in
length. A vessel of less than 12 meters
in length, except when engaged in diving operations, is not required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in
this Rule.
(h) Signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance. The signals prescribed in this Rule are not signals of
vessels in distress and requiring assistance. Such signals are contained in
Annex IV to these Rules.
§ 83.28

[Reserved] (Rule 28).

§ 83.29

Pilot vessels (Rule 29).

(a) Vessels engaged on pilotage duty. A
vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall
exhibit:
(1) At or near the masthead, two allround lights in a vertical line, the
upper being white and the lower red;
(2) When underway, in addition,
sidelights and a sternlight; and
(3) When at anchor, in addition to the
lights prescribed in subparagraph (1),
the anchor light, lights, or shape prescribed in Rule 30 for anchored vessels.
(b) Vessels when not engaged on pilotage duty. A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit
the lights or shapes prescribed for a
vessel of her length.

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§ 83.30 Anchored vessels and vessels
aground (Rule 30).
(a) Vessels at anchor. A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be
seen:
(1) In the fore part, an all-round
white light or one ball; and
(2) At or near the stern and at a
lower level than the light prescribed in
subparagraph (1), an all-round white
light.

(b) Vessels of less than 50 meters in
length; alternative light. A vessel of less
than 50 meters in length may exhibit
an all-round white light where it can
best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.
(c) Illumination of decks. A vessel at
anchor may, and a vessel of 100 meters
or more in length shall, also use the
available working or equivalent lights
to illuminate her decks.
(d) Vessels aground. A vessel aground
shall exhibit the lights prescribed in
paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule and in
addition, if practicable, where they can
best be seen:
(1) Two all-round red lights in a
vertical line; and
(2) Three balls in a vertical line.
(e) Vessels of less than 7 meters in
length when at anchor. A vessel of less
than 7 meters in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel,
fairway, anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape
prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of
this Rule.
(f) Vessels of less than 12 meters in
length when aground. A vessel of less
than 12 meters in length when aground
shall not be required to exhibit the
lights or shapes prescribed in subparagraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this Rule.
(g) Vessels of less than 20 meters in
length while at anchor in special anchorage. A vessel of less than 20 meters in
length, when at anchor in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary, shall not be required to exhibit
the anchor lights and shapes required
by this Rule.
§ 83.31 Seaplanes (Rule 31).
Where it is impracticable for a seaplane to exhibit lights and shapes of
the characteristics or in the positions
prescribed in the Rules of this part she
shall exhibit lights and shapes as closely similar in characteristics and position as is possible.

Subpart D—Sound and Light
Signals
§ 83.32 Definitions (Rule 32).
(a) Whistle means any sound signaling
appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with

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Coast Guard, DHS

§ 83.34

specifications in Annex III to these
Rules.
(b) Short blast means a blast of about
1 second’s duration.
(c) Prolonged blast means a blast of
from 4 to 6 second’s duration.

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§ 83.33 Equipment for sound signals
(Rule 33).
(a) Vessels of 12 meters or more in
length. A vessel of 12 meters or more in
length shall be provided with a whistle
and a bell and a vessel of 100 meters or
more in length shall, in addition, be
provided with a gong, the tone and
sound of which cannot be confused with
that of the bell. The whistle, bell and
gong shall comply with the specifications in Annex III to these Rules. The
bell or gong or both may be replaced by
other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible.
(b) Vessels of less than 12 meters in
length. A vessel of less than 12 meters
in length shall not be obliged to carry
the sound signaling appliances prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule
but if she does not, she shall be provided with some other means of making an efficient sound signal.
§ 83.34 Maneuvering and warning signals (Rule 34).
(a) Whistle signals. When power-driven
vessels are in sight of one another and
meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel
underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules:
(1) Shall indicate that maneuver by
the following signals on her whistle:
one short blast to mean ‘‘I intend to
leave you on my port side’’; two short
blasts to mean ‘‘I intend to leave you
on my starboard side’’; and three short
blasts to mean ‘‘I am operating astern
propulsion’’.
(2) Upon hearing the one or two blast
signal of the other shall, if in agreement, sound the same whistle signal
and take the steps necessary to effect a
safe passing. If, however, from any
cause, the vessel doubts the safety of
the proposed maneuver, she shall sound
the danger signal specified in paragraph (d) of this Rule and each vessel
shall take appropriate precautionary

action until a safe passing agreement
is made.
(b) Light signals. A vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in
paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals:
(1) These signals shall have the following significance: one flash to mean
‘‘I intend to leave you on my port
side’’; two flashes to mean ‘‘I intend to
leave you on my starboard side’’; three
flashes to mean ‘‘I am operating astern
propulsion’’;
(2) The duration of each flash shall be
about 1 second; and
(3) The light used for this signal
shall, if fitted, be one all-round white
or yellow light, visible at a minimum
range of 2 miles, synchronized with the
whistle, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Rules.
(c) Overtaking situations. When in
sight of one another:
(1) A power-driven vessel intending to
overtake another power-driven vessel
shall indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle: one
short blast to mean ‘‘I intend to overtake you on your starboard side’’; two
short blasts to mean ‘‘I intend to overtake you on your port side’’; and
(2) The power-driven vessel about to
be overtaken shall, if in agreement,
sound a similar sound signal. If in
doubt she shall sound the danger signal
prescribed in paragraph (d).
(d) Doubts or failure to understand signals. When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and
from any cause either vessel fails to
understand the intentions or actions of
the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the
other to avoid collision, the vessel in
doubt shall immediately indicate such
doubt by giving at least five short and
rapid blasts on the whistle. This signal
may be supplemented by a light signal
of at least five short and rapid flashes.
(e) Vessels in areas of obscured visibility
due to intervening obstructions. A vessel
nearing a bend or an area of a channel
or fairway where other vessels may be
obscured by an intervening obstruction
shall sound one prolonged blast. This
signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel
that may be within hearing around the

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33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

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bend or behind the intervening obstruction.
(f) Use of one whistle only on a vessel.
If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a
distance apart of more than 100 meters,
one whistle only shall be used for giving maneuvering and warning signals.
(g) Power-driven vessels leaving dock or
berth. When a power-driven vessel is
leaving a dock or berth, she shall sound
one prolonged blast.
(h) Agreement between vessels using radiotelephone. A vessel that reaches
agreement with another vessel in a
head-on, crossing, or overtaking situation, as for example, by using the radiotelephone as prescribed by the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone
Act (85 Stat. 164; 33 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.),
is not obliged to sound the whistle signals prescribed by this Rule, but may
do so. If agreement is not reached, then
whistle signals shall be exchanged in a
timely manner and shall prevail.
§ 83.35 Sound signals in restricted visibility (Rule 35).
In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the
signals prescribed in this Rule shall be
used as follows:
(a) Power-driven vessels making way
through the water. A power-driven vessel making way through the water
shall sound at intervals of not more
than 2 minutes one prolonged blast.
(b) Power-driven vessels underway but
stopped and making no way through the
water. A power-driven vessel underway
but stopped and making no way
through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes two
prolonged blasts in succession with an
interval of about 2 seconds between
them.
(c) Vessels not under command; vessels
restricted in ability to maneuver; sailing
vessels; vessels engaged in fishing; vessels
engaged in towing or pushing. A vessel
not under command; a vessel restricted
in her ability to maneuver, whether
underway or at anchor; a sailing vessel;
a vessel engaged in fishing, whether
underway or at anchor; and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another
vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this
Rule, sound at intervals of not more
than 2 minutes, three blasts in succes-

sion; namely, one prolonged followed
by two short blasts.
(d) Vessels towed. A vessel towed or if
more than one vessel is towed the last
vessel of the tow, if manned, shall at
intervals of not more than 2 minutes
sound four blasts in succession; namely, one prolonged followed by three
short blasts. When practicable, this
signal shall be made immediately after
the signal made by the towing vessel.
(e) Pushing and pushed vessels connected in composite unit. When a pushing
vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead
are rigidly connected in a composite
unit they shall be regarded as a powerdriven vessel and shall give the signals
prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of
this Rule.
(f) Vessels at anchor. A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more
than 1 minute ring the bell rapidly for
about 5 seconds. In a vessel of 100 meters or more in length the bell shall be
sounded in the forepart of the vessel
and immediately after the ringing of
the bell the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about 5 seconds in the after
part of the vessel. A vessel at anchor
may in addition sound three blasts in
succession; namely, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, to give
warning of her position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching
vessel.
(g) Vessels aground. A vessel aground
shall give the bell signal and if required the gong signal prescribed in
paragraph (f) of this Rule and shall, in
addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately
before and after the rapid ringing of
the bell. A vessel aground may in addition sound an appropriate whistle signal.
(h) Vessels of less than 12 meters in
length. A vessel of less than 12 meters
in length shall not be obliged to give
the above-mentioned signals but, if she
does not, shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not
more than 2 minutes.
(i) Pilot vessels. A pilot vessel when
engaged on pilotage duty may in addition to the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b) or (f) of this Rule sound
an identity signal consisting of four
short blasts.

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Coast Guard, DHS

Pt. 84

(j) Vessels anchored in special anchorage areas. The following vessels shall
not be required to sound signals as prescribed in paragraph (f) of this Rule
when anchored in a special anchorage
area designated by the Secretary:
(1) A vessel of less than 20 meters in
length; and
(2) A barge, canal boat, scow, or
other nondescript craft.
§ 83.36 Signals to attract attention
(Rule 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.
§ 83.37 Distress signals (Rule 37).
When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV
to these Rules.

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Subpart E—Exemptions
§ 83.38 Exemptions (Rule 38).
Any vessel or class of vessels, the
keel of which is laid or which is at a
corresponding stage of construction before December 24, 1980, provided that
she complies with the requirements
of—
(a) The Act of June 7, 1897, (30 Stat.
96), as amended (33 U.S.C. 154–232) for
vessels navigating the waters subject
to that statute;
(b) Section 4233 of the Revised Statutes (33 U.S.C. 301–356) for vessels navigating the waters subject to that statute;
(c) The Act of February 8, 1895 (28
Stat. 645), as amended (33 U.S.C. 241–
295) for vessels navigating the waters
subject to that statute; or
(d) Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Act of
April 25, 1940 (54 Stat. 163), as amended
(46 U.S.C. 526b, c, and d) for motorboats
navigating the waters subject to that
statute; shall be exempted from compliance with the technical Annexes to
these Rules as follows:
(1) The installation of lights with
ranges prescribed in Rule 22, until 4
years after the effective date of the In-

land Navigational Rules Act of 1980
(Pub. L. 96–591), except that vessels of
less than 20 meters in length are permanently exempt;
(2) The installation of lights with
color specifications as prescribed in
Annex I to these Rules, until 4 years
after the effective date of the Inland
Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (Pub. L.
96–591), except that vessels of less than
20 meters in length are permanently
exempt;
(3) The repositioning of lights as a result of conversion to metric units and
rounding off measurement figures, are
permanently exempt; and
(4) The horizontal repositioning of
masthead lights prescribed by Annex I
to these Rules:
(i) On vessels of less than 150 meters
in length, permanent exemption.
(ii) On vessels of 150 meters or more
in length, until 9 years after the effective date of the Inland Navigational
Rules Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96–591).
(5) The restructuring or repositioning
of all lights to meet the prescriptions
of Annex I to these, until 9 years after
the effective date of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96–591);
(6) Power-driven vessels of 12 meters
or more but less than 20 meters in
length are permanently exempt from
the provisions of Rule 23(a)(1) and
23(a)(4) provided that, in place of these
lights, the vessel exhibits a white light
aft visible all round the horizon; and
(7) The requirements for sound signal
appliances prescribed in Annex III to
these Rules, until 9 years after the effective date of the Inland Navigational
Rules Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96–591).

PART 84—ANNEX I: POSITIONING
AND TECHNICAL DETAILS OF
LIGHTS AND SHAPES
Sec.
84.01 Definitions.
84.03 Vertical positioning and spacing of
lights.
84.05 Horizontal positioning and spacing of
lights.
84.07 Details of location of direction-indicating lights for fishing vessels, dredgers
and vessels engaged in underwater operations.
84.09 Screens.
84.11 Shapes.
84.13 Color specification of lights.

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§ 84.01
84.15
84.17
84.19
84.21
84.23
84.24
84.25

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

Intensity of lights.
Horizontal sectors.
Vertical sectors.
Intensity of non-electric lights.
Maneuvering light.
High-speed craft.
Approval. [Reserved]

AUTHORITY: 33 U.S.C. 2071; Department of
Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.
SOURCE: CGD 81–008, 46 FR 62447, Dec. 24,
1981, unless otherwise noted.

§ 84.01 Definitions.
(a) The term height above the hull
means height above the uppermost continuous deck. This height shall be
measured from the position vertically
beneath the location of the light.
(b) High-speed craft means a craft capable of maximum speed in meters per
second (m/s) equal to or exceeding:
3.7S0.1667; where S=displacement corresponding to the design waterline (meters 3).
NOTE TO PARAGRAPH (b): The same formula
expressed in pounds and knots is maximum
speed in knots (kts) equal to exceeding 1.98
(lbs) S0.1667; where S=displacement corresponding to design waterline in pounds.

(c) The term practical cut-off means,
for vessels 20 meters or more in length,
12.5 percent of the minimum luminous
intensity (Table 84.15(b)) corresponding
to the greatest range of visibility for
which the requirements of Annex I are
met.
(d) The term Rule or Rules means the
Inland Navigation Rules contained in
sec. 2 of the Inland Navigational Rules
Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96–591, 94 Stat. 3415,
33 U.S.C. 2001, December 24, 1980) as
amended.

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[CGD 81–008, 46 FR 62447, Dec. 24, 1981, as
amended by CGD 94–011, 63 FR 5731, Feb. 4,
1998]

§ 84.03 Vertical positioning and spacing of lights.
(a) On a power-driven vessel of 20 meters or more in length the masthead
lights shall be placed as follows:
(1) The forward masthead light, or if
only one masthead light is carried,
then that light, at a height above the
hull of not less than 5 meters, and, if
the breadth of the vessel exceeds 5 meters, then at a height above the hull
not less than such breadth, so however
that the light need not be placed at a

greater height above the hull than 8
meters;
(2) When two masthead lights are
carried the after one shall be at least 2
meters vertically higher than the forward one.
(b) The vertical separation of the
masthead lights of power-driven vessels
shall be such that in all normal conditions of trim the after light will be
seen over and separate from the forward light at a distance of 1000 meters
from the stem when viewed from water
level.
(c) The masthead light of a powerdriven vessel of 12 meters but less than
20 meters in length shall be placed at a
height above the gunwale of not less
than 2.5 meters.
(d) The masthead light, or the allround light described in Rule 23(c), of a
power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length shall be carried at least
one meter higher than the sidelights.
(e) One of the two or three masthead
lights prescribed for a power-driven
vessel when engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall be placed in
the same position as either the forward
masthead light or the after masthead
light, provided that the lowest after
masthead light shall be at least 2 meters vertically higher than the highest
forward masthead light.
(f)(1) The masthead light or lights
prescribed in Rule 23(a) shall be so
placed as to be above and clear of all
other lights and obstructions except as
described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
(2) When it is impracticable to carry
the all-round lights prescribed in Rule
27(b)(i) below the masthead lights, they
may be carried above the after masthead light(s) or vertically in between
the forward masthead light(s) and after
masthead light(s), provided that in the
latter case the requirement of § 84.05(d)
shall be complied with.
(g) The sidelights of a power-driven
vessel shall be placed at least one
meter lower than the forward masthead light. They shall not be so low as
to be interfered with by deck lights.
(h) [Reserved]
(i) When the Rules prescribe two or
three lights to be carried in a vertical
line, they shall be spaced as follows:

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Coast Guard, DHS

§ 84.09

(1) On a vessel of 20 meters in length
or more such lights shall be spaced not
less than 1 meter apart, and the lowest
of these lights shall, except where a
towing light is required, be placed at a
height of not less than 4 meters above
the hull;
(2) On a vessel of less than 20 meters
in length such lights shall be spaced
not less than 1 meter apart and the
lowest of these lights shall, except
where a towing light is required, be
placed at a height of not less than 2
meters above the gunwale;
(3) When three lights are carried they
shall be equally spaced.
(j) The lower of the two all-round
lights prescribed for a vessel when engaged in fishing shall be a height above
the sidelights not less than twice the
distance between the two vertical
lights.
(k) The forward anchor light prescribed in Rule 30(a)(i), when two are
carried, shall not be less than 4.5 meters above the after one. On a vessel of
50 meters or more in length this forward anchor light shall be placed at a
height or not less than 6 meters above
the hull.

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[CGD 81–008, 46 FR 62447, Dec. 24, 1981, as
amended by CGD 89–024, 55 FR 3947, Feb. 6,
1990]

§ 84.05 Horizontal
positioning
and
spacing of lights.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph
(e) of this section, when two masthead
lights are prescribed for a power-driven
vessel, the horizontal distance between
them must not be less than one quarter
of the length of the vessel but need not
be more than 50 meters. The forward
light must be placed not more than one
half of the length of the vessel from the
stem.
(b) On a power-driven vessel of 20 meters or more in length the sidelights
shall not be placed in front of the forward masthead lights. They shall be
placed at or near the side of the vessel.
(c) When the lights prescribed in Rule
27(b)(i) are placed vertically between
the forward masthead light(s) and the
after masthead light(s) these all-round
lights shall be placed at a horizontal
distance of not less than 2 meters from
the fore and aft centerline of the vessel
in the athwartship direction.

(d) When only one masthead light is
prescribed for a power-driven vessel,
this light must be exhibited forward of
amidships. For a vessel of less than 20
meters in length, the vessel shall exhibit one masthead light as far forward
as is practicable.
(e) On power-driven vessels 50 meters
but less than 60 meters in length operated on the Western Rivers, and those
waters specified in § 89.25, the horizontal distance between masthead
lights shall not be less than 10 meters.
[CGD 81–008, 46 FR 62447, Dec. 24, 1981, as
amended by CGD 88–07, 53 FR 10533, April 1,
1988; CGD 94–011, 63 FR 5731, Feb. 4, 1998]

§ 84.07 Details of location of directionindicating lights for fishing vessels,
dredgers and vessels engaged in underwater operations.
(a) The light indicating the direction
of the outlying gear from a vessel engaged in fishing as prescribed in Rule
26(c)(ii) shall be placed at a horizontal
distance of not less than 2 meters and
not more than 6 meters away from the
two all-round red and white lights.
This light shall be placed not higher
than the all-round white light prescribed in Rule 26(c)(i) and not lower
than the sidelights.
(b) The lights and shapes on a vessel
engaged in dredging or underwater operations to indicate the obstructed side
and/or the side on which it is safe to
pass, as prescribed in Rule 27(d)(i) and
(ii), shall be placed at the maximum
practical horizontal distance, but in no
case less than 2 meters, from the lights
or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and
(ii). In no case shall the upper of these
lights or shapes be at a greater height
than the lower of the three lights or
shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and
(ii).
§ 84.09

Screens.

(a) The sidelights of vessels of 20 meters or more in length shall be fitted
with mat black inboard screens and
meet the requirements of § 84.17. On
vessels of less than 20 meters in length,
the sidelights, if necessary to meet the
requirements of § 84.17, shall be fitted
with mat black inboard screens. With a
combined lantern, using a single

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§ 84.11

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

vertical filament and a very narrow division between the green and red sections, external screens need not be
fitted.
(b) On power-driven vessels less than
12 meters in length constructed after
July 31, 1983, the masthead light, or the
all-round light described in Rule 23(c)
shall be screened to prevent direct illumination of the vessel forward of the
operator’s position.

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§ 84.11 Shapes.
(a) Shapes shall be black and of the
following sizes:
(1) A ball shall have a diameter of not
less than 0.6 meter;
(2) A cone shall have a base diameter
of not less than 0.6 meter and a height
equal to its diameter;
(3) A diamond shape shall consist of
two cones (as defined in paragraph
(a)(2) of this section) having a common
base.
(b) The vertical distance between
shapes shall be at least 1.5 meter.
(c) In a vessel of less than 20 meters
in length shapes of lesser dimensions
but commensurate with the size of the
vessel may be used and the distance
apart may be correspondingly reduced.
§ 84.13 Color specification of lights.
(a) The chromaticity of all navigation lights shall conform to the following standards, which lie within the
boundaries of the area of the diagram
specified for each color by the International Commission on Illumination
(CIE), in the ‘‘Colors of Light Signals’’,
which is incorporated by reference. It
is Publication CIE No. 2.2. (TC–1.6),
1975, and is available from the Illumination Engineering Society, 345 East
47th Street, New York, NY 10017 and is
available for inspection at the Coast
Guard, Ocean Engineering Division
(CG-432), (CG–432), 2100 2nd St., SW.,
Stop 7901, Washington, DC 20593–7901. It
is also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federallregister/
codeloflfederallregulations/
ibrllocations.html. This incorporation
by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register.

(b) The boundaries of the area for
each color are given by indicating the
corner co-ordinates, which are as follows:
(1) White:
x 0.525 0.525 0.452 0.310 0.310 0.443
y 0.382 0.440 0.440 0.348 0.283 0.382

(2) Green:
x 0.028 0.009 0.300 0.203
y 0.385 0.723 0.511 0.356

(3) Red:
x 0.680 0.660 0.735 0.721
y 0.320 0.320 0.265 0.259

(4) Yellow:
x 0.612 0.618 0.575 0.575
y 0.382 0.382 0.425 0.406
[CGD81–008, 46 FR 62447, Dec. 24, 1981, as
amended at 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004; USCG–
2004–18057, 69 FR 34925, June 23, 2004; USCG–
2008–0179, 73 FR 35002, June 19, 2008; USCG–
2010–0351, 75 FR 36281, June 25, 2010]

§ 84.15 Intensity of lights.
(a) The minimum luminous intensity
of lights shall be calculated by using
the formula:
I=3.43×106×T×D2×K¥D
where I is luminous intensity in candelas
under service conditions,
T is threshold factor 2×10¥7 lux,
D is range of visibility (luminous range) of
the light in nautical miles,
K is atmospheric transmissivity. For prescribed lights the value of K shall be 0.8,
corresponding to a meteorological visibility of approximately 13 nautical miles.

(b) A selection of figures derived
from the formula is given in Table
84.15(b):
TABLE 84.15(B)
Range of visibility (luminous range) of
light in nautical miles D
1
2
3
4
5
6

Minimum luminous intensity of
light in candelas
for K=0.8 I

.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................

§ 84.17 Horizontal sectors.
(a)(1) In the forward direction,
sidelights as fitted on the vessel shall
show the minimum required intensities. The intensities shall decrease to

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§ 84.24

reach practical cut-off between 1 and 3
degrees outside the prescribed sectors.
(2) For sternlights and masthead
lights and at 22.5 degrees abaft the
beam for sidelights, the minimum required intensities shall be maintained
over the arc of the horizon up to 5 degrees within the limits of the sectors
prescribed in Rule 21. From 5 degrees
within the prescribed sectors the intensity may decrease by 50 percent up to
the prescribed limits; it shall decrease
steadily to reach practical cut-off at
not more than 5 degrees outside the
prescribed sectors.
(b) All-round lights shall be so located as not to be obscured by masts,
topmasts or structures within angular
sectors of more than 6 degrees, except
anchor lights prescribed in Rule 30,
which need not be placed at an impracticable height above the hull, and the
all-round white light described in Rule
23(d), which may not be obscured at all.
(c) If it is impracticable to comply
with paragraph (b) of this section by
exhibiting only one all-round light, two
all-round lights shall be used suitably
positioned or screened to appear, as far
as practicable, as one light at a minimum distance of one nautical mile.
NOTE TO PARAGRAPH (c): Tow unscreened
all-round lights that are 1.28 meters apart or
less will appear as one light to the naked eye
at a distance of one nautical mile.

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[CGD 81–008, 46 FR 62447, Dec. 24, 1981, as
amended by CGD 94–011, 63 FR 5731, Feb. 4,
1998]

§ 84.19 Vertical sectors.
(a) The vertical sectors of electric
lights as fitted, with the exception of
lights on sailing vessels underway and
on unmanned barges, shall ensure that:
(1) At least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles
from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below
the horizontal;
(2) At least 60 percent of the required
minimum intensity is maintained from
7.5 degrees above to 7.5 degrees below
the horizontal.
(b) In the case of sailing vessels underway the vertical sectors of electric
lights as fitted shall ensure that:
(1) At least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles
from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below
the horizontal;

(2) At least 50 percent of the required
minimum intensity is maintained from
25 degrees above to 25 degrees below
the horizontal.
(c) In the case of unmanned barges
the minimum required intensity of
electric lights as fitted shall be maintained on the horizontal.
(d) In the case of lights other than
electric lights these specifications
shall be met as closely as possible
[CGD 81–008, 46 FR 62447, Dec. 24, 1981, as
amended by CGD 89–024, 55 FR 3947, Feb. 6,
1990]

§ 84.21

Intensity of non-electric lights.

Non-electric lights shall so far as
practicable comply with the minimum
intensities, as specified in the Table
given in § 84.15.
§ 84.23

Maneuvering light.

Notwithstanding the provisions of
§ 84.03(f), the maneuvering light described in Rule 34(b) shall be placed approximately in the same fore and aft
vertical plane as the masthead light or
lights and, where practicable, at a minimum
height
of
one-half
meter
vertically above the forward masthead
light, provided that it shall be carried
not less than one-half meter vertically
above or below the after masthead
light. On a vessel where only one masthead light is carried the maneuvering
light, if fitted, shall be carried where it
can best be seen, not less than one-half
meter vertically apart from the masthead light.
§ 84.24

High-speed craft.

(a) The masthead light of high-speed
craft with a length to breadth ratio of
less than 3.0 may be placed at a height
related to the breadth lower than that
prescribed in § 84.03(a)(1), provided that
the base angle of the isosceles triangle
formed by the side lights and masthead
light when seen in end elevation is not
less than 27 degrees as determined by
the formula in paragraph (b) of this
section.
(b) The minimum height of masthead
light above sidelights is to be determined by the following formula: Tan
27°=X/Y; where Y is the horizontal distance between the sidelights and X is

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§ 84.25

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

the height of the forward masthead
light.
[CGD 94–011, 63 FR 5731, Feb. 4, 1998. Redesignated by USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34712, June
29, 1999]

§ 84.25 Approval.
The construction of lights and shapes
and the installation of lights on board
the vessel must satisfy the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.
[USCG–1999–6580, 66 FR 55091, Nov. 1, 2001]

PART 85—ANNEX II: ADDITIONAL
SIGNALS FOR FISHING VESSELS
FISHING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY
Sec.
85.1 General.
85.3 Signals for trawlers.
85.5 Signals for purse seiners.

§ 85.5

Signals for purse seiners.

Vessels engaged in fishing with purse
seine gear may exhibit two yellow
lights in a vertical line. These lights
shall flash alternately every second
and with equal light and occultation
duration. These lights may be exhibited only when the vessel is hampered
by its fishing gear.

PART 86—ANNEX III: TECHNICAL
DETAILS OF SOUND SIGNAL APPLIANCES
Subpart A—Whistles

AUTHORITY: Sec. 3, Pub. L. 96–591; 49 CFR
1.46(n)(14).
SOURCE: CGD 81–006, 46 FR 61845, Dec. 21,
1981, unless otherwise noted.

§ 85.1 General.
The lights mentioned herein shall, if
exhibited in pursuance of Rule 26(d), be
placed where they can best be seen.
They shall be at least 0.9 meter apart
but at a lower level than lights prescribed in Rule 26(b)(i) and (c)(i) contained in the Inland Navigational
Rules Act of 1980, as amended (33 U.S.C.
2001 et seq.). The lights shall be visible
all around the horizon at a distance of
at least 1 mile but at a lesser distance
from the lights prescribed by these
Rules for fishing vessels.

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(2) When shooting or hauling their
nets or when their nets have come fast
upon an obstruction, the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section.

§ 85.3 Signals for trawlers.
(a) Vessels when engaged in trawling,
whether using demersal or pelagic
gear, may exhibit:
(1) When shooting their nets: two
white lights in a vertical line;
(2) When hauling their nets: one
white light over one red light in a
vertical line;
(3) When the net has come fast upon
an obstruction: two red lights in a
vertical line.
(b) Each vessel engaged in pair trawling may exhibit:
(1) By night, a searchlight directed
forward and in the direction of the
other vessel of the pair;

Sec.
86.01 Frequencies and range of audibility.
86.03 Limits of fundamental frequencies.
86.05 Sound signal intensity and range of
audibility.
86.07 Directional properties.
86.09 Positioning of whistles.
86.11 Fitting of more than one whistle.
86.13 Combined whistle systems.
86.15 Towing vessel whistles.

Subpart B—Bell or Gong
86.21
86.23

Intensity of signal.
Construction.

Subpart C—Approval
86.31

Approval. [Reserved]

AUTHORITY: Sec. 3, Pub. L. 96–591; 49 CFR
1.46(n)(14).
SOURCE: CGD 81–009, 46 FR 61848, Dec. 21,
1981, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Whistles
§ 86.01 Frequencies and range of audibility.
The fundamental frequency of the
signal shall lie within the range 70–525
Hz. The range of audibility of the signal from a whistle shall be determined
by those frequencies, which may include the fundamental and/or one or
more higher frequencies, which lie
within the frequency ranges and provide the sound pressure levels specified
in § 86.05.

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Coast Guard, DHS
§ 86.03 Limits
quencies.

of

§ 86.09
fundamental

fre-

To ensure a wide variety of whistle
characteristics, the fundamental frequency of a whistle shall be between
the following limits:
(a) 70–200 Hz, for a vessel 200 meters
or more in length;
(b) 130–350 Hz, for a vessel 75 meters
but less than 200 meters in length;
(c) 250–525 Hz, for a vessel less than 75
meters in length.

§ 86.05 Sound signal
range of audibility.

intensity

and

A whistle on a vessel shall provide, in
the direction of the forward axis of the
whistle and at a distance of 1 meter
from it, a sound pressure level in at
least one 1⁄3-octave band of not less
than the appropriate figure given in
Table 86.05 within the following frequency ranges (±1 percent):
(a) 130–1200 Hz, for a vessel 75 meters
or more in length;
(b) 250–1600 Hz, for a vessel 20 meters
but less than 75 meters in length;
(c) 250–2100 Hz, for a vessel 12 meters
but less than 20 meters in length.

TABLE 86.05
Length of vessel in meters

200 or more .........................................

75 but less than 200 ...........................

20 but less than 75 .............................

12 but less than 20 .............................

Fundamental
frequency range (Hz)

For measured
frequencies (Hz)

........................................
70–200
........................................
........................................
130–350
........................................
........................................
250–525
........................................
........................................
250–525
........................................

1⁄3-octave band
level at 1 meter in
dB referred to
2×10 ¥5 N/m2

130–180
180–250
250–1200
130–180
180–250
250–1200
250–450
450–800
800–1600
250–450
450–800
800–2100

145
143
140
140
138
134
130
125
121
120
115
111

Audibility range in
nautical miles
..............................
2
..............................
..............................
1.5
..............................
..............................
1.0
..............................
..............................
0.5
..............................

NOTE. The range of audibility in the table above is for information and is approximately the range at which a whistle may usually be heard on its forward axis in conditions of still air on board a vessel having average background noise level at the listening
posts (taken to be 68 dB in the octave band centered on 250 Hz and 63 dB in the octave band centered on 500 Hz).
In practice the range at which a whistle may be heard is extremely variable and depends critically on weather conditions; the
values given can be regarded as typical but under conditions of strong wind or high ambient noise level at the listening post the
range may be much reduced.

erowe on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with CFR

§ 86.07

Directional properties.

§ 86.09

The sound pressure level of a directional whistle shall be not more than 4
dB below the sound pressure level specified in § 86.05 in any direction in the
horizontal plane within ±45 degrees of
the forward axis. The sound pressure
level of the whistle in any other direction in the horizontal plane shall not
be more than 10 dB less than the sound
pressure level specified for the forward
axis, so that the range of audibility in
any direction will be at least half the
range required on the forward axis. The
sound pressure level shall be measured
in that one-third octave band which determines the audibility range.

Positioning of whistles.

(a) When a directional whistle is to
be used as the only whistle on the vessel and is permanently installed, it
shall be installed with its forward axis
directed forward.
(b) A whistle shall be placed as high
as practicable on a vessel, in order to
reduce interception of the emitted
sound by obstructions and also to minimize hearing damage risk to personnel.
The sound pressure level of the vessel’s
own signal at listening posts shall not
exceed 110 dB(A) and so far as practicable should not exceed 100 dB(A).

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§ 86.11

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

§ 86.11 Fitting of more than one whistle.
If whistles are fitted at a distance
apart of more than 100 meters, they
shall not be sounded simultaneously.
§ 86.13

Combined whistle systems.

(a) A combined whistle system is a
number of whistles (sound emitting
sources) operated together. For the
purposes of the Rules a combined whistle system is to be regarded as a single
whistle.
(b) The whistles of a combined system shall:
(1) Be located at a distance apart of
not more than 100 meters,
(2) Be sounded simultaneously,
(3) Each have a fundamental frequency different from those of the others by at least 10 Hz, and
(4) Have a tonal characteristic appropriate for the length of vessel which
shall be evidenced by at least twothirds of the whistles in the combined
system
having
fundamental
frequencies falling within the limits prescribed in § 86.03, or if there are only
two whistles in the combined system,
by the higher fundamental frequency
falling within the limits prescribed in
§ 86.03.
NOTE: If due to the presence of obstructions the sound field of a single whistle or of
one of the whistles referred to in § 86.11 is
likely to have a zone of greatly reduced signal level, a combined whistle system should
be fitted so as to overcome this reduction.

§ 86.15

Towing vessel whistles.

A power-driven vessel normally engaged in pushing ahead or towing
alongside may, at all times, use a whistle whose characteristic falls within
the limits prescribed by § 86.03 for the
longest customary composite length of
the vessel and its tow.

Subpart B—Bell or Gong

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§ 86.21

Intensity of signal.

A bell or gong, or other device having
similar sound characteristics shall
produce a sound pressure level of not
less than 110 dB at 1 meter.

§ 86.23

Construction.

Bells and gongs shall be made of corrosion-resistant material and designed
to give a clear tone. The diameter of
the mouth of the bell shall be not less
than 300 mm for vessels of more than 20
meters in length, and shall be not less
than 200 mm for vessels of 12 to 20 meters in length. The mass of the striker
shall be not less than 3 percent of the
mass of the bell. The striker shall be
capable of manual operation. Note:
When practicable, a power-driven bell
striker is recommended to ensure constant force.

Subpart C—Approval
§ 86.31

Approval. [Reserved]

PART 87—ANNEX IV: DISTRESS
SIGNALS
Sec.
87.1 Need of assistance.
87.3 Exclusive use.
87.5 Supplemental signals.
AUTHORITY: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 49 CFR 1.46.

§ 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-signaling 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 signaling 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 orangecolored smoke;

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Coast Guard, DHS

§ 88.12

(k) Slowly and repeatedly raising and
lowering arms outstretched to each
side;
(l) The radiotelegraph alarm signal;
(m) The radiotelephone alarm signal;
(n) Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons;
(o)
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.
[CGD 81–007, 47 FR 16174, Apr. 15, 1982, as
amended by CGD 89–024, 55 FR 3947, Feb. 6,
1990; CGD 94–011, 63 FR 5732, Feb. 4, 1998]

§ 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.
[CGD 81–007, 47 FR 16174, Apr. 15, 1982]

§ 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.
[CGD 81–007, 47 FR 16174, Apr. 15, 1982, as
amended by CGD 89–024, 55 FR 3947, Feb. 6,
1990]

§ 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.

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.
[USCG–2005–21531, 70 FR 36349, June 23, 2005]

§ 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.
[CGD 80–158, 47 FR 16175, Apr. 15, 1982, as
amended by CGD 90–032, 56 FR 33385, July 22,
1991]

PART 88—ANNEX V: PILOT RULES

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SOURCE: CGD 80–158, 47 FR 16175, Apr. 15,
1982, unless otherwise noted.

Sec.
88.01 Purpose and applicability.
88.03 Definitions.
88.05 Copy of rules.
88.09 Temporary exemption from light and
shape requirements when operating
under bridges.
88.11 Law enforcement vessels.
88.12 Public safety activities.
88.13 Lights on moored barges.
88.15 Lights on dredge pipelines.
AUTHORITY: 33 U.S.C. 2071.

§ 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

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§ 88.13

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

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.
(b) Public safety activities include
but are not limited to patrolling marine parades, regattas, or special water
celebrations; traffic control; salvage;
firefighting; medical assistance; assisting disabled vessels; and search and
rescue.

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[CGD 90–032, 56 FR 33386, July 22, 1991]

§ 88.13 Lights on moored barges.
(a) The following barges shall display
at night and if practicable in periods of
restricted visibility the lights described in paragraph (b) of this section:
(1) Every barge projecting into a
buoyed or restricted channel.
(2) Every barge so moored that it reduces the available navigable width of
any channel to less than 80 meters.
(3) Barges moored in groups more
than two barges wide or to a maximum
width of over 25 meters.
(4) Every barge not moored parallel
to the bank or dock.
(b) Barges described in paragraph (a)
of this section shall carry two unobstructed all-round white lights of an
intensity to be visible for at least 1
nautical mile and meeting the technical requirements as prescribed in
§ 84.15 of this chapter.
(c) A barge or group of barges at anchor or made fast to one or more mooring buoys or other similar device, in
lieu of the provisions of Inland Navigation Rule 30, may carry unobstructed
all-round white lights of an intensity
to be visible for at least 1 nautical mile
that meet the requirements of § 84.15 of
this chapter and shall be arranged as
follows:
(1) Any barge that projects from a
group formation, shall be lighted on its
outboard corners.
(2) On a single barge moored in water
where other vessels normally navigate
on both sides of the barge, lights shall
be placed to mark the corner extremities of the barge.
(3) On barges moored in group formation, moored in water where other ves-

sels normally navigate on both sides of
the group, lights shall be placed to
mark the corner extremities of the
group.
(d) The following are exempt from
the requirements of this section:
(1) A barge or group of barges moored
in a slip or slough used primarily for
mooring purposes.
(2) A barge or group of barges moored
behind a pierhead.
(3) A barge less than 20 meters in
length when moored in a special anchorage area designated in accordance
with § 109.10 of this chapter.
(e) Barges moored in well-illuminated areas are exempt from the lighting requirements of this section. These
areas are as follows:
CHICAGO SANITARY SHIP CANAL
(1) Mile 293.2 to 293.9
(3) Mile 295.2 to 296.1
(5) Mile 297.5 to 297.8
(7) Mile 298 to 298.2
(9) Mile 298.6 to 298.8
(11) Mile 299.3 to 299.4
(13) Mile 299.8 to 300.5
(15) Mile 303 to 303.2
(17) Mile 303.7 to 303.9
(19) Mile 305.7 to 305.8
(21) Mile 310.7 to 310.9
(23) Mile 311 to 311.2
(25) Mile 312.5 to 312.6
(27) Mile 313.8 to 314.2
(29) Mile 314.6
(31) Mile 314.8 to 315.3
(33) Mile 315.7 to 316
(35) Mile 316.8
(37) Mile 316.85 to 317.05
(39) Mile 317.5
(41) Mile 318.4 to 318.9
(43) Mile 318.7 to 318.8
(45) Mile 320 to 320.3
(47) Mile 320.6
(49) Mile 322.3 to 322.4
(51) Mile 322.8
(53) Mile 322.9 to 327.2
CALUMET SAG CHANNEL
(61) Mile 316.5
LITTLE CALUMET RIVER
(71) Mile 321.2
(73) Mile 322.3
CALUMET RIVER
(81)
(83)
(85)
(87)
(89)
(91)

Mile
Mile
Mile
Mile
Mile
Mile

328.5 to 328.7
329.2 to 329.4
330 west bank to 330.2
331.4 to 331.6
332.2 to 332.4
332.6 to 332.8

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Coast Guard, DHS

§ 89.3

CUMBERLAND RIVER

Subpart B—Waters Upon Which Certain
Inland Navigation Rules Apply

(101) Mile 126.8
(103) Mile 191
[CGD 80–158, 47 FR 16175, Apr. 15, 1982, as
amended by CGD 94–011, 63 FR 5732, Feb. 4,
1998]

§ 88.15

Lights on dredge pipelines.

Dredge pipelines that are floating or
supported on trestles shall display the
following lights at night and in periods
of restricted visibility.
(a) One row of yellow lights. The
lights must be:
(1) Flashing 50 to 70 times per
minute,
(2) Visible all around the horizon,
(3) Visible for at least 2 miles on a
clear dark night,
(4) Not less than 1 and not more than
3.5 meters above the water,
(5) Approximately equally spaced,
and
(6) Not more than 10 meters apart
where the pipeline crosses a navigable
channel. Where the pipeline does not
cross a navigable channel the lights
must be sufficient in number to clearly
show the pipeline’s length and course.
(b) Two red lights at each end of the
pipeline, including the ends in a channel where the pipeline is separated to
allow vessels to pass (whether open or
closed). The lights must be:
(1) Visible all around the horizon, and
(2) Visible for at least 2 miles on a
clear dark night, and
(3) One meter apart in a vertical line
with the lower light at the same height
above the water as the flashing yellow
light.

PART 89—INLAND NAVIGATION
RULES: IMPLEMENTING RULES

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Subpart A—Certificate of Alternative
Compliance
Sec.
89.1 Definitions.
89.3 General.
89.5 Application for a Certificate of Alternative Compliance.
89.9 Certificate of Alternative Compliance:
Contents.
89.17 Certificate of Alternative Compliance:
Termination.
89.18 Record of certification of vessels of
special construction or purpose.

89.21 Purpose.
89.23 Definitions.
89.25 Waters upon which Inland Rules
9(a)(ii), 14(d), and 15(b) apply.
89.27 Waters upon which Inland Rule 24(i)
applies.
AUTHORITY:
1.46(n)(14).

33

U.S.C.

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CFR

SOURCE: CGD 80–157, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1,
1982, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Certificate of
Alternative Compliance
§ 89.1

Definitions.

As used in this subpart:
Inland Rules refers to the Inland
Navigation Rules contained in the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980
(Pub. L. 96–591) and the technical annexes established under that act.
A vessel of special construction or purpose means a vessel designed or modified to perform a special function and
whose arrangement is thereby made
relatively inflexible.
Interference with the special function of
the vessel occurs when installation or
use of lights, shapes, or sound-signaling appliances under the Inland
Rules prevents or significantly hinders
the operation in which the vessel is
usually engaged.
[CGD 80–157, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1, 1982, as
amended by CGD 83–028, 49 FR 33876, Aug. 27,
1984]

§ 89.3

General.

Vessels of special construction or
purpose which cannot fully comply
with the light, shape, and sound signal
provisions of the Inland Rules without
interfering with their special function
may instead meet alternative requirements. The Chief of the Marine Safety
Division in each Coast Guard District
Office makes this determination and
requires that alternative compliance
be as close as possible with the Inland
Rules. These regulations set out the
procedure by which a vessel may be
certified for alternative compliance.
The information collection and recordkeeping requirements in §§ 89.5 and
89.18 have been approved by the Office

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§ 89.5

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

of Management and Budget under OMB
control No. 1625–0019.

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[CGD 80–157, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1, 1982, as
amended by USCG–2006–25150, 71 FR 39208,
July 12, 2006]

§ 89.5 Application for a Certificate of
Alternative Compliance.
(a) The owner, builder, operator, or
agent of a vessel of special construction or purpose who believes the vessel
cannot fully comply with the Inland
Rules light, shape, or sound signal provisions without interference with its
special function may apply for a determination that alternative compliance
is justified. The application must be in
writing, submitted to the Chief of the
Marine Safety Division of the Coast
Guard District in which the vessel is
being built or operated, and include the
following information:
(1) The name, address, and telephone
number of the applicant.
(2) The identification of the vessel by
its:
(i) Official number;
(ii) Shipyard hull number;
(iii) Hull identification number; or
(iv) State number, if the vessel does
not have an official number or hull
identification number.
(3) Vessel name and home port, if
known.
(4) A description of the vessel’s area
of operation.
(5) A description of the provision for
which the Certificate of Alternative
Compliance is sought, including:
(i) The Inland Rules Rule or Annex
section number for which the Certificate of Alternative Compliance is
sought;
(ii) A description of the special function of the vessel that would be interfered with by full compliance with the
provision of that Rule or Annex section; and
(iii) A statement of how full compliance would interfere with the special
function of the vessel.
(6) A description of the alternative
installation that is in closest possible
compliance with the applicable Inland
Navigation Rules Rule or Annex section.
(7) A copy of the vessel’s plans or an
accurate scale drawing that clearly
shows:

(i) The required installation of the
equipment under the Inland Rules,
(ii) The proposed installation of the
equipment for which certification is
being sought, and
(iii) Any obstructions that may
interfere with the equipment when installed in:
(A) The required location; and
(B) The proposed location.
(b) The Coast Guard may request
from the applicant additional information concerning the application.
[CGD 80–157, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1, 1982; 47 FR
18332, Apr. 29, 1982]

§ 89.9 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Contents.
The Chief of the Marine Safety Division issues the Certificate of Alternative Compliance to the vessel based
on a determination that it cannot comply fully with Inland Rules light,
shape, and sound signal provisions
without interference with its special
function. This Certificate includes:
(a) Identification of the vessel as supplied
in
the
application
under
§ 89.5(a)(2);
(b) The provision of the Inland Rules
for which the Certificate authorizes alternative compliance;
(c) A certification that the vessel is
unable to comply fully with the Inland
Rules light, shape, and sound signal requirements without interference with
its special function;
(d) A statement of why full compliance would interfere with the special
function of the vessel;
(e) The required alternative installation;
(f) A statement that the required alternative installation is in the closest
possible compliance with the Inland
Rules without interfering with the special function of the vessel;
(g) The date of issuance;
(h) A statement that the Certificate
of Alternative Compliance terminates
when the vessel ceases to be usually
engaged in the operation for which the
certificate is issued.
§ 89.17 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Termination.
The Certificate of Alternative Compliance terminates if the information

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Coast Guard, DHS

§ 89.27

supplied under § 89.5(a) or the Certificate issued under § 89.9 is no longer applicable to the vessel.
§ 89.18 Record of certification of vessels of special construction or purpose.
(a) Copies of Certificates of Alternative Compliance and documentation
concerning Coast Guard vessels are
available for inspection at the offices
of Assistant Commandant for Marine
Safety, Security and Environmental
Protection, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, (CG–5), 2100 2nd St. SW., Stop
7355, Washington, DC 20593–7355.
(b) The owner or operator of a vessel
issued a Certificate shall ensure that
the vessel does not operate unless the
Certificate of Alternative Compliance
or a certified copy of that Certificate is
on board the vessel and available for
inspection by Coast Guard personnel.
[CGD 80–187, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1, 1982, as
amended by CGD 88–052, 53 FR 25120, July 1,
1988; CGD 96–026, 61 FR 33663, June 28, 1996;
CGD 97–023, 62 FR 33363, June 19, 1997; USCG–
2002–12471, 67 FR 41332, June 18, 2002; USCG–
2010–0351, 75 FR 36281, June 25, 2010]

Subpart B—Waters Upon Which
Certain Inland Navigation
Rules Apply
§ 89.21

Purpose.

Inland Navigation Rules 9(a)(ii),
14(d), and 15(b) apply to the Great
Lakes, and along with 24(i), apply on
the ‘‘Western Rivers’’ as defined in
Rule 3(1), and to additional specifically
designated waters. The purpose of this
Subpart is to specify those additional
waters upon which Inland Navigation
Rules 9(a)(ii), 14(d), 15(b), and 24(i)
apply.
[CGD 85–081, 51 FR 4592, Feb. 6, 1986]

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§ 89.23

Definitions.

As used in this subpart:
Inland Rules refers to the Inland
Navigation Rules contained in the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980
(Pub. L. 96–591, 33 U.S.C. 2001 et. seq.)
and the technical annexes established
under that Act.
[CGD 83–028, 49 FR 33876, Aug. 27, 1984]

§ 89.25 Waters upon which Inland
Rules 9(a)(ii), 14(d), and 15(b) apply.
Inland Rules 9(a)(ii), 14(d), and 15(b)
apply on the Great Lakes, the Western
Rivers, and the following specified waters:
(a) Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
(b) Tombigbee River.
(c) Black Warrior River.
(d) Alabama River.
(e) Coosa River.
(f) Mobile River above the Cochrane
Bridge at St. Louis Point.
(g) Flint River.
(h) Chattachoochee River.
(i) The Apalachicola River above its
confluence with the Jackson River.
[CGD 91–050, 58 FR 27625, May 10, 1993]

§ 89.27 Waters upon which Inland Rule
24(i) applies.
(a) Inland Rule 24(i) applies on the
Western Rivers and the specified waters listed in § 89.25 (a) through (i).
(b) Inland Rule 24(i) applies on the
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from St.
Marks, Florida, to the Rio Grande,
Texas, including the Morgan City-Port
Allen Alternate Route and the Galveston-Freeport Cutoff, except that a
power-driven vessel pushing ahead or
towing alongside shall exhibit the
lights required by Inland Rule 24(c),
while transiting within the following
areas:
(1) St. Andrews Bay from the Hathaway Fixed Bridge at Mile 284.6 East of
Harvey Locks (EHL) to the DuPont
Fixed Bridge at Mile 295.4 EHL.
(2) Pensacola Bay, Santa Rosa Sound
and Big Lagoon from the Light ‘‘10’’ off
of Trout Point at Mile 176.9 EHL to the
Pensacola Fixed Bridge at Mile 189.1
EHL.
(3) Mobile Bay and Bon Secour Bay
from the Dauphin Island Causeway
Fixed Bridge at Mile 127.7 EHL to Little Point Clear at Mile 140 EHL.
(4) Mississippi Sound from Grand Island Waterway Light ‘‘1’’ at Mile 53.8
EHL to Light ‘‘40’’ off the West Point
of Dauphin Island at Mile 118.7 EHL.
(5) The Mississippi River at New Orleans, Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet
Canal and the Inner Harbor Navigation
Canal from the junction of the Harvey
Canal and the Algiers Alternate Route
at Mile 6.5 West of Harvey Locks

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Pt. 90

33 CFR Ch. I (7–1–10 Edition)

(WHL) to the Michoud Canal at Mile 18
EHL.
(6) The Calcasieu River from the
Calcasieu Lock at Mile 238.6 WHL to
the Ellender Lift Bridge at Mile 243.6
WHL.
(7) The Sabine Neches Canal from
mile 262.5 WHL to mile 291.5 WHL.
(8) Bolivar Roads from the Bolivar
Assembling Basin at Mile 346 WHL to
the Galveston Causeway Bridge at Mile
357.3 WHL.
(9) Freeport Harbor from Surfside
Beach Fixed Bridge at Mile 393.8 WHL
to the Bryan Beach Pontoon Bridge at
Mile 397.6 WHL.
(10) Matagorda Ship Channel area of
Matagorda Bay from Range ‘‘K’’ Front
Light at Mile 468.7 WHL to the Port
O’Connor Jetty at Mile 472.2 WHL.
(11) Corpus Christi Bay from Redfish
Bay Day Beacon ‘‘55’’ at Mile 537.4
WHL when in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway main route or from the north
end of Lydia Ann Island Mile 531.1A
when in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Alternate Route to Corpus Christi
Bay LT 76 at Mile 543.7 WHL.
(12) Port Isabel and Brownsville Ship
Channel south of the Padre Island
Causeway Fixed Bridge at Mile 665.1
WHL.
[CGD 91–050, 58 FR 27625, May 10, 1993]

PART 90—INLAND RULES:
INTERPRETATIVE RULES

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33

U.S.C.

2071;

49

§ 90.1

Purpose.

This part contains the interpretative
rules for the Inland Rules. These interpretative rules are intended as a guide
to assist the public and promote compliance with the Inland Rules.
§ 90.3 Pushing vessel and vessel being
pushed: Composite unit.
Rule 24(b) of the Inland Rules states
that when a pushing vessel and a vessel
being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit, they are regarded as a power-driven vessel and
must exhibit the lights prescribed in
Rule 23. A ‘‘composite unit’’ is interpreted to be the combination of a pushing vessel and a vessel being push
ahead that are rigidly connected by
mechanical means so they react to sea
and swell as one vessel. Mechanical
means does not include lines, wires,
hawsers, or chains.
§ 90.5 Lights for moored vessels.
A vessel at anchor includes a vessel
made fast to one or more mooring
buoys or other similar device attached
to the ocean floor. Such vessels may be
lighted as a vessel at anchor in accordance with Rule 30, or may be lighted on
the corners in accordance with 33 CFR
88.13.
[CGD 94–011, 63 FR 5732, Feb. 4, 1998]

Sec.
90.1 Purpose.
90.3 Pushing vessel and vessel being pushed:
Composite unit.
90.5 Lights for moored vessels.
90.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.
AUTHORITY:
1.46(n)(14).

SOURCE: CGD 83–011, 48 FR 51622, Nov. 10,
1983, unless otherwise noted.

CFR

§ 90.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.
An unmanned barge being towed may
use the exception of COLREGS Rule
24(h). However, this exception only applies to the vertical sector requirements for sidelights.
[CGD 94–011, 63 FR 5732, Feb. 4, 1998]

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