COLREGs Rule 36: Signals to attract attention

Rule 36 says any vessel may make a light or sound signal to attract attention, as long as it cannot be mistaken for any signal in the rules, or shine a searchlight towards a danger without dazzling anyone.

What Rule 36 says

1. Any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any authorised signal, or direct a searchlight beam towards a danger, in a way that does not embarrass any vessel.
2. Any light used to attract attention should not be mistaken for an aid to navigation. High-intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobes, shall be avoided for this purpose.

This is a plain-English summary, not the official wording. For the exact text, see the IMO convention. In UK waters the rules are given legal force by the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations.

What it means on a yacht

Shining a powerful torch onto your sails is a good way to show a ship that you are there. Do not point it at the bridge, and do not use a strobe, which can be mistaken for a navigation mark or a distress signal.

Practise it

Test yourself on who gives way in the free COLREGs trainer, or print the rules of the road cheat sheets for the chart table.

Other rules in Part D

• Rule 32: Definitions of sound signals
• Rule 33: Equipment for sound signals
• Rule 34: Manoeuvring and warning signals
• Rule 35: Sound signals in restricted visibility
• Rule 37: Distress signals