LIGHTS AND DAY SIGNALS

SOURCE: §§ 95.52 to 95.59 contained in CGFR 58-45, 23 F.R. 9838, Dec. 20, 1958, unless otherwise noted.

§ 95.52 Signals to be displayed by a towing vessel when towing a submerged or partly submerged object upon a hawser when no signals can be displayed upon the object which is towed.

(a) The vessel having the submerged object in tow shall display by day, where they can best be seen, two shapes, one above the other, not less than six feet apart, the lower shape to be carried not less than 10 feet above the deck house. The shapes shall be in the form of a double frustum of a cone, base to base, not less than two feet in diameter at the center nor less than eight inches at the ends of the cones, and to be not less than four feet lengthwise from end to end, the upper shape to be painted in alternate horizontal stripes of black and white eight inches in width, and the lower shape to be painted a solid bright red.

(b) By night the towing vessel shall display the regular sidelights, but in lieu of the regular white towing lights shall display four lights in a vertical position not less than 3 feet, nor more than 6 feet apart, the upper and lower of such lights to be white and of the same character as the regular towing lights, and the middle of such lights to be red and of such character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere for a distance of at least 2 miles.

[CGFR 58-45, 23 F.R. 9838, Dec. 20, 1958, as amended by CGFR 67-92, 32 F.R. 20773, Dec. 23, 1967]

§ 95.53

Steam vessels, derrick boats, lighters, or other types of vessels made fast alongside a wreck, or moored over a wreck which is on the bottom or partly submerged, or which may be drifting.

(a) Steam vessels, derrick boats, lighters, or other types of vessels made fast alongside a wreck, or moored over a wreck which is on the bottom or partly submerged, or which may be drifting, shall display by day two shapes of the same character and dimensions and displayed in the same manner as required by § 95.52 (a), except that both shapes shall be painted a solid bright red, but where more than one vessel is working under the above conditions, the shapes need be displayed only from one vessel

on each side of the wreck from which they can best be seen from all directions.

(b) By night this situation shall be indicated by the display of a white light from the bow and stern of each outside vessel or lighter not less than six feet above the deck, and in addition thereto there shall be displayed in a position where they can best be seen from all directions two red lights carried in a vertical line not less than three feet nor more than six feet apart, and not less than 15 feet above the deck.

§ 95.54 Dredges held in stationary position by moorings or spuds.

(a) Dredges which are held in stationary positions by moorings or spuds shall display by day two red balls not less than two feet in diameter and carried in a vertical line not less than three feet nor more than six feet apart, and at least 15 feet above the deck house and in a position where they can best be seen from all directions.

(b) By night they shall display a white light at each corner, not less than six feet above the deck, and in addition thereto there shall be displayed in a position where they can best be seen from all directions two red lights carried in a vertical line not less than three feet nor more than six feet apart, and not less than 15 feet above the deck. When scows are moored alongside a dredge in the foregoing situation they shall display a white light on each outboard corner, not less than six feet above the deck.

§ 95.55 Self-propelling suction dredges under way and engaged in dredging operations.

(a) Self-propelling suction dredges under way and engaged in dredging operations shall display by day two black balls not less than two feet in diameter and carried in a vertical line not less than 15 feet above the deck house, and where they can best be seen from all directions. The term "dredging operations" shall include maneuvering into or out of position at the dredging site, but shall not include proceeding to and from the site.

(b) By night self-propelled dredges underway and engaged in dredging operations shall carry, in addition to the regular running lights, two red lights in a vertical line beneath the white masthead light. These red lights shall be not less than 3 feet nor more than 6 feet

apart and the upper red light to be not less than 3 feet nor more than 6 feet below the masthead light. They shall also carry on or near the stern two red lights in a vertical line not less than 3 feet nor more than 6 feet apart, to show through 12 points of the compass; that is, from right astern to 6 points on each quarter. The forward red lights and after red lights shall be of such character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere for a distance of at least two miles.

[CGFR 58-45, 23 F.R. 9838, Dec. 20, 1958, as amended by CGFR 67-92, 32 F.R. 20773, Dec. 23, 1967]

§ 95.56 Vessels moored or anchored and engaged in laying cables or pipe, submarine construction, excavation, mat sinking, bank grading, dike construction, revetment, or other bank protection operations.

(a) Vessels which are moored or anchored and engaged in laying cables or pipe, submarine construction, excavation, mat sinking, bank grading, dike construction, revetment, or other bank protection operations, shall display by day, not less than 15 feet above the deck, where they can best be seen from all directions, two balls not less than two feet in diameter, in a vertical line not less than three feet nor more than six feet apart, the upper ball to be painted in alternate black and white vertical stripes six inches wide, and the lower bali to be painted a solid bright red.

(b) By night they shall display three red lights, carried in a vertical line not less than three feet nor more than six feet apart, in a position where they can best be seen from all directions, with the lowermost light not less than 15 feet above the deck.

(c) Where a stringout of moored vessels or barges is engaged in the operations, three red lights carried as prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section shall be displayed at the channelward end of the stringout. Where the stringout crosses the navigable channel and is to be opened for the passage of vessels, the three red lights shall be displayed at each side of the opening instead of at the outer end of the stringout. There shall also be displayed upon such stringout one horizontal row of amber lights not less than six feet above the deck, or above the deck house where the craft carries a deck house, in a position where they can best be seen from all directions,

spaced not more than 50 feet apart so as to mark distinctly the entire length and course of the stringout.

§ 95.57 Lights to be displayed on pipelines.

Pipelines attached to dredges, and either floating or supported on trestles, shall display by night one row of amber lights not less than eight feet nor more than 12 feet above the water, about equally spaced and in such number as to mark distinctly the entire length and course of the line, the intervals between lights where the line crosses navigable channels to be not more than 30 feet. There shall also be displayed on the shore or discharge end of the line two red lights, three feet apart, in a vertical line with the lower light at least eight feet above the water, and if the line is to be opened at night for the passage of vessels, a similar arrangement of lights shall be displayed on each side of the opening.

§ 95.58 Lights generally.

(a) All the lights required by §§ 95.52 to 95.57, inclusive, except as provided in § 95.52(b), shall be of such character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere for a distance of at least 2 miles. The white lights provided for in § 95.52(b) shall be visible for at least 3 miles.

(b) The lights required by § 95.52(b) shall be of the same construction as the regular towing lights. The lights required by 95.55(b) shall be of the same construction as the masthead light.

(c) All floodlights or headlights which may interfere with the proper navigation of an approaching vessel shall be so shielded that the lights will not blind the pilot of such vessel.

[CGFR 58-45, 23 F.R. 9838, Dec. 20, 1958, as amended by CGFR 67-92, 32 F.R. 20773, Dec. 23, 1967]

§ 95.60 Passing signals.

(a) Vessels intending to pass dredges or other types of floating plant working in navigable channels, when within a reasonable distance therefrom and not in any case over a mile, shall indicate such intention by one long blast of the whistle, and shall be directed to the proper side for passage by the sounding, by the dredge or other floating plant, of the signal prescribed in the local pilot rules for vessels under way and approaching each other from opposite directions, which shall be answered in the usual manner by the approaching vessel. the channel is not clear, the floating plant shall sound the alarm or danger signal and the approaching vessel shall slow down or stop and await further signal from the plant.

If

(b) When the pipe line from a dredge crosses the channel in such a way that an approaching vessel cannot pass safely around the pipe line or dredge, there shall be sounded immediately from the dredge the alarm or danger signal and the approaching vessel shall slow down or stop and await further signal from the dredge. The pipe line shall then be opened and the channel cleared as soon as practicable; when the channel is clear for passage the dredge shall so indicate by sounding the usual passing signal as prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section. The approaching vessel shall answer with a corresponding signal and pass promptly.

(c) When any pipe line or swinging dredge shall have given an approaching vessel or tow the signal that the channel is clear, the dredge shall straighten out within the cut for the passage of the vessel or tow.

NOTE: The term "floating plant" as used in §§ 95.60 to 95.66, includes dredges, derrick boats, snag boats, drill boats, pile drivers, maneuver boats, hydraulic graders, survey boats, working barges, and mat sinking plant. § 95.61 Speed of vessels passing floating plant working in channels.

Vessels, with or without tows, passing floating plant working in channels, shall reduce their speed sufficiently to insure the safety of both the plant and themselves, and when passing within 200 feet of the plant their speed shall not exceed five miles per hour. While passing over lines of the plant, propelling machinery shall be stopped.

Vessels whose draft permits shall keep outside the buoys marking the ends of mooring lines of floating plant working in channels.

§ 95.63 Aids to navigation marking floating-plant moorings.

Breast, stern, and bow anchors of floating plant working in navigable channels shall be marked by barrel or other suitable buoys. By night approaching vessels shall be shown the location of adjacent buoys by throwing a suitable beam of light from the plant on the buoys until the approaching vessel has passed, or the buoys may be lighted by red lights, visible in all directions, of the same character as specified in § 95.58(a).

§ 95.64 Obstruction of channel by floating plant.

Channels shall not be obstructed unnecessarily by any dredging or other floating plant. While vessels are passing such plant all lines running therefrom across the channel on the passing side which may interfere with or obstruct navigation shall be slacked to the bottom of the channel.

§ 95.65 Clearing of channels.

When special or temporary regulations have not been prescribed and action under the regulations contained in §§ 95.60 to 95.64, will not afford clear passage, floating plant in narrow channels shall, upon notice, move out of the way of vessels a sufficient distance to allow them a clear passage. Vessels desiring passage shall, however, give the master of the floating plant ample notice in advance of the time they expect to pass.

NOTE: If it is necessary to prohibit or limit the anchorage or movement of vessels within certain areas in order to facilitate the work of improvement, application should be made through official channels for establishment by the Secretary of the Army of special or temporary regulations for this purpose.

§ 95.66 Protection of marks placed for the guidance of floating plant.

Vessels shall not run over anchor buoys, or buoys, stakes, or other marks placed for the guidance of floating plant working in channels; and shall not anchor on the ranges of buoys, stakes, or other marks placed for the guidance of such plant.

WARNING SIGNALS

§ 95.70 Warning signal displayed while transferring dangerous cargoes.

(a) At a dock. While fast to a dock, a vessel during the loading or unloading of hazardous or dangerous cargoes, such as explosives, combustible or inflammable liquids or gases, or certain chemicals in bulk, is required to display a red flag by day or a red light by night.

(b) At anchor. When at anchor, a vessel during the loading or unloading of such hazardous or dangerous cargoes is required to display a red flag by day. (No special warning signal is displayed at night.)

NOTE: The regulations in 46 CFR 35.301(a), 98.05-50(1), 98.10-45 (g), 98.15-45 (h), 98.20-70(g), 98.25-90 (g), and 146.29-25(0) require vessels to display warning signals when loading or unloading bulk cargoes of inflammable or combustible liquids or gases, elemental phosphorus in water, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, liquid chlorine, or anhydrous ammonia, or military explosives. [CGFR 60–61, 25 F.R. 9046, Sept. 21, 1960]

MISCELLANEOUS

§ 95.75 Exceptions to the statutory and regulatory requirements for lights, day signals, or other navigational means and appliances when operating under bridges.

(a) Any vessel while passing under a bridge may temporarily lower any lights, day signals, or other navigational means and appliances when required to do so because of the restricted vertical clearance under the bridge. Immediately when clear of the bridge, all lights, day signals, or other navigational means and appliances shall be exhibited as required by law or regulation.

[CGFR 64-14, 30 F.R. 6434, May 8, 1965] § 95.80 Distinctive blue light authorized for use by law enforcement vessels.

(a) The use of a distinctive light described in paragraph (b) of this section is authorized for law enforcement vessels, and may be displayed during the day or night, whenever the vessel may be engaged in direct law enforcement activities where identification of the law enforcement vessel is desirable or where necessary for safety reasons. This light when used would be in addition to prescribed lights and day signals required by law or regulations in this part.

(b) The distinctive light prescribed is

a blue colored, revolving horizontal beam, low intensity light, rotating or appearing to rotate because of a pulsating effect gained by means of a rotating reflector which causes a flashing or periodic peak intensity effect. The light shall be located at any effective point on the forward exterior of the vessel. A shield or other device, fixed or movable, to restrict the arc of visibility may be used if desired.

(c) The distinctive blue light described in this section may be displayed by law enforcement vessels of the United States, a State, or its political subdivisions, including municipalities, having administrative control over use of navigable waters, duly authorized by a controlling Federal or State governmental agency. [CGFR 66-32, 31 F.R. 10323, July 30, 1966]

§ 96.01-5 Assignment of functions.

The Secretary of the Treasury by Treasury Department Orders 120, dated July 31, 1950 (15 F.R. 6521), and 167–17, dated June 29, 1955 (20 F.R. 4976), delegated to the Commandant, United States Coast Guard, his authority to prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of any law administered by the Coast Guard. The interpretive rulings in this part are prescribed pursuant to section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1002) and 14 U.S.C. 633 in the Act of August 4, 1949. § 96.01-10 Penalties and violations.

(a) Failure to comply with any law as interpreted will be considered as a violation of such law and the penalty may be assessed as provided by law.

(b) The reports of violations of the "Rules of the Road," as well as the assessment, collection, mitigation or remission of civil penalties authorized by law. shall be in accordance with 46 CFR 2.5020 to 2.50-30, inclusive (Subchapter A— Procedures Applicable to the Public).

Subpart 96.05-Navigation Lights § 96.05-1 White lights for motorboats carried on centerline.

Every white light required by section 3 of the Act of April 25, 1940, as amended

(46 U.S.C. 526b), shall be carried on the centerline of the motorboat, except that the all-around white light aft on a motorboat of Class A or 1 may be carried off the centerline.

§ 96.05-5 Stern lights for all vessels.

Rule Numbered 10 of section 4233 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, as amended by the Act of August 14, 1958 (33 U.S.C. 319), requires "a vessel when underway, if not otherwise required by these rules to carry one or more lights visible from aft, shall carry at her stern a white light, * *" and this requirement shall be applied to all vessels, including but not limited to, tugs, barges, sail vessels, motorboats when propelled by sail alone, etc.

Subpart 96.10-Steering and Sailing § 96.10-1 Vessel moved from dock or anchorage.

(a) Rule Numbered 24 (c) of section 4233 of the Revised Statutes as amended (33 U.S.C. 349), requires "when a vessel is moved from her dock, or anchorage,” to give a prescribed signal of three distinct blasts on her whistle. The phrase "moved from her dock, or anchorage," includes moving from a riverbank mooring or from a mooring of any type. [CGFR 60-79, 25 F.R. 13633, Dec. 3, 1960]

SOURCE: The provisions of this Part 100 contained in CGFR 63-22, 28 F.R. 5155, May 23, 1963, unless otherwise noted.

§ 100.01 Purpose and intent.

(a) The purpose of the regulations in this part is to provide effective control over regattas and marine parades conducted on the navigable waters of the United States so as to insure safety of life in the regatta or marine parade area. § 100.05 Definition of terms used in this part.

(a) "Regatta" or "marine parade" means an organized water event of limited duration which is conducted according to a prearranged schedule.

(b) "Navigable waters of the United States" means those waters of the United States, including the territorial sea adjacent thereto, the general character of which is navigable, and which, either by