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Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] PSUB conformance with COLREGS WAS home-built strobe location beacon
Ex coast-guard here (Canadian), with some experience in enforcement of
COLREG compliance.
Rule 22 c/d demarcation would likely depend on whether the submarine was
operated solely as a tender in close proximity to an appropriately
marked surface vessel while operating in the surfaced mode, or if
operated independently to the extent that some distance between the
surface vessel and submarine was expected, sufficient to create a
situation in which the vessel's intentions may not be clear to another
mariner, creating a hazard to navigation. If you intend on surface
running independently from any surface support, light for 22 (c).
As for strobes, note that a white strobe constitutes an internationally
recognized distress signal in inland waters, and are discouraged as
signals to attract attention in international waters due to their
propensity to overwhelm navigation lighting, possibly confusing other
mariners as to a vessel's intentions. White strobes are typically
employed only as emergency signals or as markers on stationary or
drifting objects not underway (hence their use on EPIRBs, datum marker
buoys used by SAR services, and personal distress beacons). A blue
strobe denotes a government vessel (Coast Guard, Navy when lights are
displayed, etc.). Yellow strobes (or yellow quick-flash) are used to
denote ACVs (hovercraft). Any other colour of strobe is not
specifically addressed by the rules, other than the fact that it must
not be confused with any other established vessel signal or aid to
navigation, and are generally discouraged on vessels underway due to the
obfuscation of other lighting. Area modifications may address
submarines, and I have heard of the use of some manner of flashing
(possibly strobe) red light for this purpose, but this is neither
addressed in the International COLREGs nor the Canadian modifications,
so I can't comment further.
For the surface vessel tending the submarine, lights and dayshapes must
be displayed for a vessel restricted in its ability to maneouver, in
addition to the lights normally required under Rule 22 (C). This
consists of a 360 degree arc Red/White/Red, or ball/diamond/ball
dayshapes. Additionally, the international code flag Alpha may be
displayed, denoting a vessel engaged in diving operations.
-Sean
Jay K. Jeffries wrote:
Jon,
It has been years since I sat for my Captain's exam and don't remember
what is in each Rule. Could you please provide a link that I can
review? Thanks!.
Lights will be a consideration for Ft. Pierce water operations
especially if there are night operations. Accommodations and dock
space are right next to a US Coast Guard Station so we will also have
to display the correct shapes, flags, and lights on attending surface
vessels to denote "Conducting submerged operations, restricted in
maneuverability" and these must be visible from 360° around the dive site.
R/Jay
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org
[mailto:owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org] On Behalf Of Jon Wallace
Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 1:38 AM
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] home-built strobe location beacon
Jay,
I don't see anything in COLREGS specific to submarines except that
naval submarines have various exemptions and customized lighting as
deemed reasonable. I believe the ABS requirement for a location
device is limited to just that, aiding in location of a sub that has
surfaced.
However, you make a good point about COLREG lighting which is a
requirement we haven't talked about much. If Rule 22(d) applies to
small subs then things are not too bad. But if we fall under Rule
22(c) then we should probably be looking at some reasonable solutions
that will survive a bit of external pressure.
Jon
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