Rule 36 — 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.

MSN 1781 (M+F): Rules text stated on the document as amended through IMO Res A.910(22); read with MSN 1781 (M+F) Amendment 3 (21 Nov 2023, current — replaces Amendment 2; scope-only change for the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023). Per Amendment 2 Appendix 2, the only later wording changes are Annex IV (A.1004(25)) and new Part F Rules 39-41 (A.1085(28)).

Contains public sector information reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: MSN 1781.

Independent preparatory study aligned to the MCA OOW (Yachts <3000 GT) oral examination syllabus. Not an MCA-approved course and confers no credit toward a Certificate of Competency.