
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 33USC2035]

 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
                  CHAPTER 34--INLAND NAVIGATIONAL RULES
 
                           SUBCHAPTER I--RULES
 
                     Part D--Sound and Light Signals
 
Sec. 2035. Sound signals in restricted visibility (Rule 35)

    In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or 
night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as follows:

(a) Power-driven vessels making way through the water

    A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at 
intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast.

(b) Power-driven vessels underway but stopped and making no way through 
        the water

    A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through 
the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes two 
prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about 2 seconds 
between them.

(c) Vessels not under command; vessels restricted in ability to 
        maneuver; sailing vessels; vessels engaged in fishing; vessels 
        engaged in towing or pushing

    A vessel not under command; a vessel restricted in her ability to 
maneuver, whether underway or at anchor; a sailing vessel; a vessel 
engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor; and a vessel engaged 
in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals 
prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule, sound at intervals of 
not more than 2 minutes, three blasts in succession; namely, one 
prolonged followed by two short blasts.

(d) Vessels towed

    A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed the last vessel 
of the tow, if manned, shall at intervals of not more than 2 minutes 
sound four blasts in succession; namely, one prolonged followed by three 
short blasts. When practicable, this signal shall be made immediately 
after the signal made by the towing vessel.

(e) Pushing and pushed vessels connected in composite unit

    When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly 
connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven 
vessel and shall give the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of 
this Rule.

(f) Vessels at anchor

    A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than 1 minute ring 
the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds. In a vessel of 100 meters or more 
in length the bell shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and 
immediately after the ringing of the bell the gong shall be sounded 
rapidly for about 5 seconds in the after part of the vessel. A vessel at 
anchor may in addition sound three blasts in succession; namely, one 
short, one prolonged and one short blast, to give warning of her 
position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel.

(g) Vessels aground

    A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if required the gong 
signal prescribed in paragraph (f) of this Rule and shall, in addition, 
give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before 
and after the rapid ringing of the bell. A vessel aground may in 
addition sound an appropriate whistle signal.

(h) Vessels of less than 12 meters in length

    A vessel of less than 12 meters in length shall not be obliged to 
give the above-mentioned signals but, if she does not, shall make some 
other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

(i) Pilot vessels

    A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may in addition to the 
signals prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b) or (f) of this Rule sound an 
identity signal consisting of four short blasts.

(j) Vessels anchored in special anchorage areas

    The following vessels shall not be required to sound signals as 
prescribed in paragraph (f) of this Rule when anchored in a special 
anchorage area designated by the Secretary:
        (i) a vessel of less than 20 meters in length; and
        (ii) a barge, canal boat, scow, or other nondescript craft.

(Pub. L. 96-591, Sec. 2, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3431.)

                          Codification

    Section was enacted as part of section 2 of Pub. L. 96-591 which 
enacted the Inland Navigational Rules which comprise this subchapter.
