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Part E — ExemptionsGeneral
38

Exemptions

In plain language

Vessels whose keel was laid before the Rules entered into force may be exempted, for stated periods, from certain requirements on light positioning, ranges, colour specifications, sound signal appliances and the repositioning of lights.

Full text of Rule 38

Any vessel (or class of vessels) provided that she complies with the requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1960, the keel of which is laid or which is at a corresponding stage of construction before the entry into force of these Regulations, may be exempted from compliance therewith as follows:

(a)

The installation of lights with ranges prescribed in Rule 22, until four years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.

(b)

The installation of lights with colour specifications as prescribed in Section 7 of Annex I to these Regulations, until four years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.

(c)

The repositioning of lights as a result of conversion from Imperial to metric units and rounding off measurement figures, permanent exemption.

(d)(i)

The repositioning of masthead lights on vessels of less than 150 metres in length, resulting from the prescriptions of Section 3(a) of Annex I to these Regulations, permanent exemption.

(d)(ii)

The repositioning of masthead lights on vessels of 150 metres or more in length, resulting from the prescriptions of Section 3(a) of Annex I to these Regulations, until nine years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.

(e)

The repositioning of masthead lights resulting from the prescriptions of Section 2(b) of Annex I to these Regulations, until nine years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.

(f)

The repositioning of sidelights resulting from the prescriptions of Sections 2(g) and 3(b) of Annex I to these Regulations, until nine years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.

(g)

The requirements for sound signal appliances prescribed in Annex III to these Regulations, until nine years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.

(h)

The repositioning of all-round lights resulting from the prescription of Section 9(b) of Annex I to these Regulations, permanent exemption.

Reproduced from the COLREGs 1972 (as amended) for study. Always verify against the official IMO publication.

Key points

  • 1

    Exemptions are transitional and apply to vessels built before entry into force.

  • 2

    They cover the positioning and ranges of lights and the fitting of sound signal appliances.

  • 3

    Some exemptions are permanent, others ran for four or nine years.

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