Rule  36  –  Signals  to  a1ract  a1en4on  

If  necessary  to  a1ract  the  a1en4on  of  another  vessel,  any  vessel  may  make  light  or  sound  signals  that  cannot  be  mistaken  for  any  signal  authorized  elsewhere  in  these  Rules,  or  may  direct  the  beam  of  her  searchlight  in  the  direc4on  of  the  danger,  in  such  a  way  as  not  to  embarrass  any  vessel.  Any  light  to  a1ract  the  a1en4on  of  another  vessel  shall  be  such  that  it  cannot  be  mistaken  for  any  aid  to  naviga4on  (e.g.  buoy,  lighthouses).  For  the  purpose  of  this  Rule  the  use  of  high  intensity  intermi1ent  or  revolving  lights,  such  as  strobe  lights,  shall  be  avoided.  

Remarks

The signals to attract attention mentioned in Rule 36 shall consist of light or sound signals. Day shapes are thus not taken into account. Warning signals may in no circumstance be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in the Rules.

The following signals may be used as signals to attract attention:

1

Rule  36  –  Signals  to  a1ract  a1en4on  

Signalling light which can be used as a searchlight

−  Direct the beam of the searchlight in the direction of the danger

−  Rapidly swing the searchlight horizontally and vertically

−  Make a signal of the International Code of Signals

A vessel using a searchlight should avoid impeding or misleading another vessel 2

Rule  36  –  Signals  to  a1ract  a1en4on  

Switch on the deck or working lights, provided they do not impair the visibility or characteristics of other lights prescribed by the Rules

Deck or working lights

3

Rule  36  –  Signals  to  a1ract  a1en4on  

Sound a signal of the International Code of Signals on the whistle

Sound signals

4

Rule  36  –  Signals  to  a1ract  a1en4on  

Signals to attract attention cannot be confused with distress signals. Signals to attract attention will be particularly useful: a) to vessels in special circumstances such as those which are not under command; b) to vessels engaged in special operations such as buoying vessels, workboats, fishing vessels, etc.; c) to deep draught vessels; and d) to small vessels.

5

Rule  36  –  Signals  to  a1ract  a1en4on  

Signals to attract attention must not be confused with the warning signals mentioned in Rule 34 (d). A signal to attract attention is used to warn other vessels of an unusual situation, whereas a warning signal is a demand for the observance of the Regulations.

6