Exemptions
Vessels which comply with earlier regulations may be exempted from certain requirements for specified periods.
Rule 38 provides exemptions for vessels whose keels were laid or which were at a corresponding stage of construction before the entry into force of these Regulations. Such vessels may be exempted from compliance with certain requirements regarding the positioning and characteristics of lights and sound signal appliances for specified transition periods.
Signal Workflow
Decide the context first: manoeuvring in sight, restricted visibility, or distress. The same whistle can mean very different things in a different context.
Check both the pattern and the interval. For fog signals, the time spacing is part of the rule, not just the blast sequence.
When in doubt about another vessel's intentions, use the prescribed warning signal early rather than waiting for the situation to deteriorate.
Exam Focus
Three short blasts are astern propulsion, not a fog signal.
In restricted visibility, think 'every two minutes' for underway signals and 'every one minute' for anchor bell signals.
Key Takeaways
Older vessels may have transitional exemptions
Exemptions are limited to specific requirements and time periods
Does not exempt from the fundamental rules of navigation
Common Mistakes
Assuming older vessels are completely exempt from COLREGs
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