Glossary Archive

The word "whistle" means any sound signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. The term "short blast" means a blast of about one second’s duration. The term "prolonged blast" means a blast of from four to six seconds’ duration. Bells, gongs, whistles...

A vessel of 12 metres or more in length shall be provided with a whistle, a vessel of 20 metres or more in length shall be provided with a bell in addition to a whistle, and a vessel of 100 metres or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a gong, the tone...

When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on her whistle:     one short blast to mean "I am altering my course to starboard";     two short blasts to mean "I am altering my course to...

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 vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast. A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way...

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorised 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. Any light...

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV to these Regulations. Distress signals The distress signal rule directs you to ANNEX IV: Distress Signals of the regulations. This is the complete list of distress signals, including Mayday radio calls, electronic search and rescue...

Any vessel (or class of vessels) provided that she complies with the requirements of the International Regulation for Preventing Collisions and Sea, 1960, the keel of which is laid or which is at a corresponding stage of construction before the entry into force of these Regulations may be exempted from compliance therewith as follows: The...

Audit means a  systematic,  independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and  evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which audit criteria are fulfilled. Audit Scheme means the IMO Member State Audit Scheme established by the Organization and taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization. Code for Implementation means the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) adopted by  the Organization by resolution A.1070(28) Audit Standard means the Code for Implementation.

Contracting Parties shall use the provisions of the Code for Implementation in the execution of their obligations and responsibilities contained in the present Convention.

Every Contracting Party shall be subject to periodic audits by the Organization in accordance with  the audit standard to verify compliance with and implementation of the present Convention. The Secretary-General of the Organization shall have responsibility for administering the Audit  Scheme, based on the guidelines developed by the Organization. Every Contracting Party shall have responsibility for facilitating the conduct of the audit and implementation of a programme of actions to address  the ...