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§ 86.01 Frequencies and range of audibility.
The fundamental frequency of the signal shall lie within the range 70-525 Hz. The range of audibility of the signal from a whistle shall be determined by those frequencies, which may include the fundamental and/or one or more higher frequencies, which lie within the frequency ranges and provide the sound pressure levels specified in § 86.05.

§ 86.03 Limits of fundamental frequencies.
To ensure a wide variety of whistle characteristics, the fundamental frequency of a whistle shall be between the following limits:
(a) 70-200 Hz, for a vessel 200 meters or more in length;
(b) 130-350 Hz, for a vessel 75 meters but less than 200 meters in length;
(c) 250-525 Hz, for a vessel less than 75 meters in length.

§ 86.05 Sound signal intensity and range of audibility.
A whistle on a vessel shall provide, in the direction of the forward axis of the whistle and at a distance of 1 meter from it, a sound pressure level in at least one-third octave band of not less than the appropriate figure given in Table 86.05 within the following frequency ranges (± 1 percent):
(a) 130-1200 Hz, for a vessel 75 meters or more in length;
(b) 250-1600 Hz, for a vessel 20 meters but less than 75 meters in length;
(c) 250-2100 Hz, for a vessel 12 meters but less than 20 meters in length.

Note: The range of audibility in the table is for information and is approximately the range at which a whistle may usually be heard on its forward axis in conditions of still air on board a vessel having average background noise level at the listening posts (taken to be 68 dB in the octave band centered on 250 Hz and 63 dB in the octave band centered on 500 Hz). In practice, the range at which a whistle may be heard is extremely variable and depends critically on weather conditions; the values given can be regarded as typical, but under conditions of strong wind or high ambient noise level at the listening post the range may be much reduced.

§ 86.07 Directional properties.
The sound pressure level of a directional whistle shall be not more than 4 dB below the sound pressure level specified in § 86.05 in any direction in the horizontal plane within ±45 degrees of the forward axis. The sound pressure level of the whistle at any other direction in the horizontal plane shall not be more than 10 dB less than the sound pressure level specified for the forward axis, so that the range of audibility in any direction will be at least half the range required on the forward axis. The sound pressure level shall be measured in that one-third octave band which determines the audibility range.

§ 86.09 Positioning of whistles.
(a) When a directional whistle is to be used as the only whistle on the vessel and is permanently installed, it shall be installed with its forward axis directed forward.
(b) A whistle shall be placed as high as practicable on a vessel, in order to reduce interception of the emitted sound by obstructions and also to minimize hearing damage risk to personnel. The sound pressure level of the vessel's own signal at listening posts shall not exceed 110 dB (A) and so far as practicable should not exceed 100 dB (A).

§ 86.11 Fitting of more than one whistle.
If whistles are fitted at a distance apart of more than 100 meters, they shall not be sounded simultaneously.

§ 86.13 Combined whistle systems.
(a) A combined whistle system is a number of whistles (sound emitting sources) operated together. For the purposes of the Rules a combined whistle system is to be regarded as a single whistle.
(b) The whistles of a combined system shall:

(i) Be located at a distance apart of not more than 100 meters;
(ii) Be sounded simultaneously;
(iii) Each have a fundamental frequency different from those of the others by at least 10 Hz, and;
(iv) Have a tonal characteristic appropriate for the length of vessel which shall be evidenced by at least two-thirds of the whistles in the combined system having fundamental frequencies falling within the limits prescribed in § 86.03, or if there are only two whistles in the combined system, by the higher fundamental frequency falling within the limits prescribed in § 86.03.

Note: If due to the presence of obstructions the sound field of a single whistle or of one of the whistles referred to in § 86.11 is likely to have a zone of greatly reduced signal level, a combined whistle system should be fitted so as to overcome this reduction.

§ 86.15 Towing vessel whistles.
A power-driven vessel normally engaged in pushing ahead or towing alongside may, at all times, use a whistle whose characteristic falls within the limits prescribed by § 86.03 for the longest customary composite length of the vessel and its tow.

§ 86.21 Intensity of signal.
A bell or gong, or other device having similar sound characteristics, shall produce a sound pressure level of not less than 110 dB at 1 meter.

§ 86.23 Construction.
Bells and gongs shall be made of corrosion-resistant material and designed to give a clear tone. The diameter of the mouth of the bell shall be not less than 300 mm for vessels of more than 20 meters in length, and shall be not less than 200 mm for vessels of 12 to 20 meters in length. The mass of the striker shall be not less than 3 per cent of the mass of the bell. The striker shall be capable of manual operation.

Note: When practicable, a power-driven bell striker is recommended to ensure constant force.

Annex III
There are technical differences between the International and Inland Rules regarding the frequency of whistle sounds for various sizes of vessels and other specifications.

§ 87.1 Need of assistance.
The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and need of assistance:
(a) A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute;
(b) A continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus;
(c) Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals;
(d) A signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signaling method consisting of the group * * * - - - * * (SOS) in the Morse Code.
(e) A signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word "Mayday";
(f) The International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.;
(g) A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball;
(h) Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.);
(i) A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light;
(j) A smoke signal giving off orange-colored smoke;
(k) Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side;
(l) The radiotelegraph alarm signal;
(m) The radiotelephone alarm signal;
(n) Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons;
(o) Signals transmitted by radio communication systems, including survival craft radar transponders meeting the requirements of 47 CFR 80.1095.
(p) A high intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70 times per minute.

§ 87.3 Exclusive use.
The use or exhibition of any of the fore-going signals except for the purpose of indicating distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is prohibited.

§ 87.5 Supplemental signals.
Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the International Code of Signals, the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual, the International Telecommunication Union Regulations and the following signals:
(a) A piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black square and circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air);
(b) A dye marker.

These distress signals can be used individually or in combination. The International and Inland Rules are identical, except that the Inland Rules additionally list a high-intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70 times per minute; this is commonly called a "strobe" light. Note that these signals are both an indication of a state of distress and a request for assistance, a request that must be responded to.

This Annex - the U.S. Pilot Rules - is found only in the Inland Rules. It is a collection of miscellaneous, unrelated regulations.

Note that from this point forward the Rules chapter is no longer divided into International and Inland columns. The applicability of each section will be noted at the beginning of that section.

§ 88.01 Purpose and applicability.
This Part applies to all vessels operating on United States inland waters and to United States vessels operating on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the extent there is no conflict with Canadian law.

§ 88.03 Definitions.
The terms used in this part have the same meaning as defined in the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980.

§ 88.05 Copy of Rules.
After January 1, 1983, the operator of each self-propelled vessel 12 meters or more in length shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of the Inland Navigation Rules.

§ 88.09 Temporary exemption from light and shape requirements when operating under bridges.
A vessel's navigation lights and shapes may be lowered if necessary to pass under a bridge.

§ 88.11 Law enforcement vessels.
(a) Law enforcement vessels may display a flashing blue light when engaged in direct law enforcement or public safety activities. This light must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights.
(b) The blue light described in this section may be displayed by law enforcement vessels of the United States and the States and their political subdivisions.

§ 88.12 Public Safety Activities.
(a) Vessels engaged in government sanctioned public safety activities, and commercial vessels performing similar functions, may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light signal. This identification light signal must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights. The identification light signal may be used only as an identification signal and conveys no special privilege. Vessels using the identification light signal during public safety activities must abide by the Inland Navigation Rules, and must not presume that the light or the exigency gives them precedence or right of way.
(b) Public safety activities include but are not limited to patrolling marine parades, regattas, or special water celebrations; traffic control; salvage; firefighting; medical assistance; assisting disabled vessels; and search and rescue.

§ 88.13 Lights on barges at bank or dock.
(a) The following barges shall display at night and, if practicable, in periods of restricted visibility the lights described in paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) Every barge projecting into a buoyed or restricted channel.
(2) Every barge so moored that it reduces the available navigable width of any channel to less than 80 meters.
(3) Barges moored in groups more than two barges wide or to a maximum width of over 25 meters.
(4) Every barge not moored parallel to the bank or dock.

(c) A barge or group of barges at anchor or made fast to one or more mooring buoys or other similar device, in lieu of the provisions of Inland Navigation Rule 30, may carry unobstructed all-round white lights of an intensity to be visible for at least 1 nautical mile that meet the requirements of Sec. 84.15 of this chapter and shall be arranged as follows:

(1) Any barge that projects from a group formation, shall be lighted on its outboard corners.
(2) On a single barge moored in water where other vessels normally navigate on both sides of the barge, lights shall be placed to mark the corner extremities of the barge.
(3) On barges moored in group formation, moored in water where other vessels normally navigate on both sides of the group, lights shall be placed to mark the corner extremities of the group.

(1) A barge or group of barges moored in a slip or slough used primarily for mooring purposes.
(2) A barge or group of barges moored behind a pierhead.
(3) A barge less than 20 meters in length when moored in a special anchorage area designated in accordance with Sec. 109.10 of this chapter.

(1) Mile 293.2 to 293.9;
(3) Mile 295.2 to 296.1;
(5) Mile 297.5 to 297.8;
(7) Mile 298 to 298.2;
(9) Mile 298.6 to 298.8;
(11) Mile 299.3 to 299.4;
(13) Mile 299.8 to 300.5;
(15) Mile 303 to 303.2;
(17) Mile 303.7 to 303.9;
(19) Mile 305.7 to 305.8;
(21) Mile 310.7 to 310.9;
(23) Mile 311 to 311.2;
(25) Mile 312.5 to 312.6;
(27) Mile 313.8 to 314.2;
(29) Mile 314.6;
(31) Mile 314.8 to 315.3;
(33) Mile 315.7 to 316;
(35) Mile 316.8;
(37) Mile 316.85 to 317.05;
(39) Mile 317.5;
(41) Mile 318.4 to 318.9;
(43) Mile 318.7 to 318.8;
(45) Mile 320 to 320.3;
(47) Mile 320.6;
(49) Mile 322.3 to 322.4;
(51) Mile 322.8;
(53) Mile 322.9 to 327.2.

(81) Mile 328.5 to 328.7;
(83) Mile 329.2 to 329.4;
(85) Mile 330, west bank to 330.2;
(87) Mile 331.4 to 331.6;
(89) Mile 332.2 to 332.4;
(91) Mile 332.6 to 332.8.

§ 88.15 Lights on dredge pipelines.
Dredge pipelines that are floating or supported on trestles shall display the following lights at night and in periods of restricted visibility.
(a) One row of yellow lights. The lights must be:

(1 ) Flashing 50 to 70 times per minute;
(2) Visible all around the horizon;
(3) Visible for at least 2 miles on a clear dark night;
(4) Not less than 1 and not more than 3.5 meters above the water;
(5) Approximately equally spaced; and
(6) Not more than 10 meters apart where the pipeline crosses a navigable channel. Where the pipeline does not cross a navigable channel the lights must be sufficient in number to clearly show the pipeline's length and course.

(b) Two red lights at each end of the pipeline, including the ends in a channel where the pipeline is separated to allow vessels to pass (whether open or closed). The lights must be:

(1) Visible all around the horizon; and
(2) Visible for at least 2 miles on a clear dark night; and
(3) One meter apart in a vertical line with the lower light at the same height above the water as the flashing yellow light.

82.1 Purpose.
(a) This part contains the interpretative rules concerning the 72 COLREGS that are adopted by the Coast Guard for the guidance of the public.

82.3 Pushing vessel and vessel being pushed: Composite unit.
Rule 24(b) of the 72 COLREGS states that when a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit, they are regarded as a power-driven vessel and must exhibit the lights under Rule 23. A "composite unit" is interpreted to be a pushing vessel that is rigidly connected by mechanical means to a vessel being pushed so they react to sea and swell as one vessel. "Mechanical means" does not include the following: (a) Lines, (b) Hawsers, (c) Wires, (d) Chains.

82.5 Lights for moored vessels.
For the purposes of Rule 30 of the 72 COLREGS, a vessel at anchor includes a barge made fast to one or more mooring buoys or other similar device attached to the sea or river floor. Such a barge may be lighted as a vessel at anchor in accordance with Rule 30, or may be lighted on the corners in accordance with 33 CFR 88.13.

82.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.
An unmanned barge being towed may use the exception of COLREGS Rule 24(h). However, this exception only applies to the vertical sector requirements.

90.1 Purpose
(a) This part contains the interpretative rules for the Inland Rules. These interpretative rules are intended as a guide to assist the public and promote compliance with the Inland Rules.

90.3 Pushing vessel and vessel being pushed: Composite unit.
Rule 24(b) of the Inland Rules states that when a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit, they are regarded as a power-driven vessel and must exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 23. A "composite unit" in interpreted to be the combination of a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead that are rigidly connected by mechanical means so they react to sea and swell as one vessel. Mechanical means does not include lines, wires, hawsers or chains.

90.5 Lights for moored vessels.
A vessel at anchor includes a vessel made fast to one or more mooring buoys or other similar device attached to the ocean floor. Such vessels may be lighted as a vessel at anchor in accordance with Rule 30, or may be lighted on the corners in accordance with 33 CFR 88.13.

90.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.
An unmanned barge being towed may use the exception of COLREGS Rule 24(h). However, this exception only applies to the vertical sector requirements for sidelights.

80.01 General basis and purpose of demarcation lines
(a) The regulations in this part establish the lines of demarcation delineating those waters upon which mariners shall comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) and those waters upon which mariners shall comply with the Inland Navigation Rules.
(b) The waters inside of the lines are Inland Rules Waters. The waters outside the lines are COLREGS Waters. [CGD 82-029,47 FR 19518, May 6, 1982; CGD 83-003, 48 FR 7442, Feb.22, 1983]

AUTHORITY:
Rule 1, International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (as rectified); E.O. 11964; Pub. L. 95-75, 91 Stat. 308; 14U.S.C. 2;49CFR 1.46(b),unless otherwise noted. SOURCE: CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

80.105 Calais, ME to Cape Small, ME.
The 72 COLREGS shall apply on the harbors, bays and inlets on the east coast of Maine from International Bridge at Calais, ME, to the southwesternmost extremity of Bald Head at Cape Small.

80.110 Casco Bay, ME.
(a) A line drawn from the southwesternmost extremity of Bald Head at Cape Small to the southeasternmost extremity of Ragged Island; thence to the southern tangent of Jaquish Island thence to Little Mark Island Monument Light; thence to the northernmost extremity of Jewell Island.
(b) A line drawn from the tower on Jewell Island charted in approximate position latitude 43° 40.6' N, longitude 70° 05.9' W, to the northeasternmost extremity of Outer Green Island.
(c) A line drawn from the southwesternmost extremity of Outer Green Island to Ram Island Ledge Light; thence to Portland Head Light.

80.115 Portland Head, ME to Cape Ann, MA.
(a) Except inside lines specifically described in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts from Portland Head to Halibut Point at Cape Ann.
(b) A line drawn from the southernmost tower on Gerrish Island charted in approximate position latitude 43° 04.0' N longitude 70° 41.2' W to Whaleback Light; thence to Jeffrey Point Light 2A; thence to the northeasternmost extremity of Frost Point.
(c) A line drawn from the northernmost extremity of Farm Point to Annisquam Harbor Light.

80.120 Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA.
(a) Except inside lines specifically described in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the harbors, bays and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from Halibut Point at Cape Ann to Marblehead Neck.
(b) A line drawn from Gloucester Harbor Breakwater Light to the twin towers charted in approximate position latitude 42° 35.1' N longitude 70° 41.6' W.
(c) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of Gales Point to the easternmost extremity of House Island; thence to Bakers Island Light; thence to Marblehead Light. [CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

80.125 Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA.
The 72 COLREGS apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from Marblehead Neck to the easternmost tower at Nahant, charted in approximate position latitude 42° 25.4' N, longitude 70° 54.6' W. [CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

80.130 Boston Harbor entrance.
A line drawn from easternmost tower at Nahant, charted in approximate position latitude 42° 25.4' N, longitude 70° 54.6' W, to Boston Lighted Horn Buoy "B"; thence to the easternmost radio tower at Hull, charted in approximate position latitude 42° 16.7' N, longitude 70° 52.6'W. [CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

80.135 Hull, MA to Race Point, MA.
(a) Except inside lines described in this section, the 72 COLREGS apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from the easternmost radio tower at Hull, charted in approximate position latitude 42° 16.7'N, longitude 70° 52.6' W, to Race Point on Cape Cod. (b) A line drawn from Canal Breakwater Light 4 south to the shoreline. [CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

80.145 Race Point, MA to Watch Hill, RI.
(a) Except inside lines specifically described in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the sounds, bays, harbors and inlets along the coast of Cape Cod and the southern coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island from Race Point to Watch Hill.
(b) A line drawn from Nobska Point Light to Tarpaulin Cove Light on the southeastern side of Naushon Island; thence from the southernmost tangent of Naushon Island to the easternmost extremity of Nashawena Island; thence from the southwestern most extremity of Nashawena Island to the easternmost extremity of Cuttyhunk Island; thence from the southwestern tangent of Cuttyhunk Island to the tower on Gooseberry Neck charted in approximate position latitude 41° 29.1' N, longitude 71° 02.3' W.
(c) A line drawn from Sakonnet Breakwater Light 2 tangent to the southernmost part of Sacnuest Point charted in approximate position latitude 41° 28.5'N, longitude 71° 14.8'W.
(d) An east-west line drawn through Beavertail Light between Brenton Point and the Boston Neck shoreline. [CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

International Navigation Rules