Question 43

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Option A (Correct):** Option A states, "Manual sounding of the bell and gong must always be possible." This is correct under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Annex III, Section 2 (Equipment for Sound Signals). Specifically, concerning bells and gongs, the rule ensures that even if a vessel utilizes an automatic signaling system for fog, there must always be a reliable backup method. The bell and gong must be placed or mounted in such a way that they can be manually sounded effectively in case of failure of the power supply or automated system. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **B) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.** This is incorrect. Rule 33(b) (COLREGs and Inland) requires a vessel of less than 12 meters to be provided with "some efficient means of making a sound signal." While they are generally exempted from carrying the specific whistles, bells, and gongs required for larger vessels, they are *not* exempt from carrying *any* sound signaling equipment (e.g., a horn, mouth-operated whistle, or portable bell). * **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** This is incorrect. Rule 33 (COLREGs and Inland) specifies that only vessels of **100 meters or more** in length are required to carry a bell and a gong. Vessels between 12 meters and 100 meters need only carry a whistle and a bell. * **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is incorrect. COLREGs, Annex III, Section 1(a) and 1(b) explicitly permits the use of automated systems for sounding required signals (like fog signals), provided that they meet specific technical requirements and the facility for manual operation is maintained (as confirmed by the correctness of option A).