You are Chief Mate and believe a small vessel 2nm away is in distress but is not showing any conventional distress signals. What signals may you see from a distressed vessel, and what signals can you use to attract attention?

A. Distress signals — Annex IV to COLREGs (complete list): (1) Gun or explosive signal at approximately one-minute intervals; (2) Continuous sounding with fog signalling apparatus; (3) Rockets or shells throwing red stars at short intervals; (4) SOS in Morse (... --- ...); (5) Spoken word "MAYDAY" on radiotelephone; (6) International Code signal NC (November Charlie); (7) Square flag with ball above or below; (8) Flames from burning oil drum or tar barrel; (9) Orange smoke; (10) Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side; (11) DSC digital selective calling distress alert (Ch 70); (12) EPIRB 406MHz signal; (13) High intensity white light flashing at 50-70 flashes per minute; (14) Approved signals made by signalling devices. Rule 36 — Signals to Attract Attention: "Any vessel may... use any light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorised elsewhere in these Rules." Avoid signals that could be confused with distress signals.

B. The only recognised distress signals are a red flare and MAYDAY on VHF Ch 16. All other signals listed in Annex IV are supplementary and non-mandatory.

C. Rule 36 allows you to fire white rockets to attract the attention of the distressed vessel. White rockets are not a distress signal (red rockets are), so they can be used freely for signalling.

D. Use a searchlight to illuminate the distressed vessel. This is the standard Rule 36 signal for attracting attention at night and has no risk of confusion with distress signals.

A. Management-level framework for a close-quarters situation: (1) Brief the master concisely on arrival: target bearing, CPA, TCPA, action already taken (course/speed changes), what response (if any) from the other vessel; (2) Confirm your own vessel's status: current course, speed, engine readiness; (3) Apply Rule 17(b) — if the give-way vessel has not acted and a collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone, the stand-on vessel (if that is you) SHALL take action. This is now a mandatory action, not a permissive one; (4) Rule 2(a) — General Prudential Rule: "Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel... from the consequences of any neglect to take all precautions which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen"; (5) Take action EARLY and LARGE — a late small alteration is less effective and less visible than an early substantial alteration; (6) Document actions in the deck log with times; (7) Post-incident: write an OOW narrative of events for the file.

B. Once the master is on the bridge, all COLREGs responsibility transfers to the master. Inform him of the situation and step back — the Chief Mate has no further COLREGs obligation.

C. At management level, VHF contact with the other vessel must be established before any manoeuvre. Contact MRCC for assistance identifying the non-responding vessel.

D. Rule 17 does not apply at sea — it is only relevant in port approaches and narrow channels. In open water, both vessels are equal stand-on until one acts.

A. TSS-specific passage planning obligations (Rule 10 and SOLAS V/34): (1) Identify all TSS on the route — plot them on charts, note their direction of traffic flow and separation zones; (2) Plan the route to navigate in the correct lane (Rule 10(a) — join and navigate in appropriate lanes); (3) If crossing is necessary, plan to cross at right angles to the lane direction (Rule 10(c)); (4) Plan to avoid anchoring in or near a TSS unless in an emergency (Rule 10(g)); (5) Note any deep-water routes or inshore traffic zones relevant to the vessel's draught; (6) Research MSI broadcasts for TSS — check for restricted areas, military exercises, or temporary changes to the scheme; (7) Brief the master in the pre-departure voyage plan review — specifically note any TSS crossing points and their timing (daylight/night preference, tidal considerations); (8) Identify VHF traffic advisory services (CNIS Dover Strait, Jobourg Traffic, Gris Nez Traffic) associated with each TSS.

B. TSS planning only requires noting the lane direction on the chart. The OOW on watch at the time handles all TSS decisions in real time.

C. Traffic Separation Schemes are voluntary under SOLAS for vessels over 300 GT. Planning teams should note but not restrict passage plan options based on TSS.

D. Rule 10 only applies to vessels that are lane-traffic. A vessel transiting through a TSS at an angle is not subject to Rule 10 and can navigate freely.