Rule 36: Sound signals to attract attention
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 to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided.
What this means:
Rule 36: Sound signals to attract attention – Our plain English guide to help you understand & remember this rule.
This section of the rules also covers the signals we might use to attract attention or when we require assistance. Most of these signals are self-explanatory.
Attracting attention
The rules for attracting attention are pretty straightforward. It may be necessary to use sound or light to attract the attention of another vessel; however, this cannot be done using anything that may be mistaken for any other signal or navigation aid authorised elsewhere in the rules.
For example, using a fog horn in a pattern that could be misunderstood as a manoeuvring signal would be unsuitable. Likewise, a white all-round fixed light at night could be seen as a vessel’s navigation light. Or a flashing white light that may be misconstrued as a navigation aid.
If, for example, you were trying to attract the attention of a ferry with which you were on a collision course and all other methods had failed, you might find that a white flare is necessary to draw sufficient attention.
Key Point:
The rules are clear-cut on what you cannot do, but logically, if you are trying to attract attention, you need to do something that isn’t easily ignored.
