🔍 Key Concepts
• Rule 35 – Sound signals in restricted visibility in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS)
• The special fog signal for a vessel engaged in towing or pushing
• The different categories of vessels with special operations or special limitations (constrained by draft, fishing, towing, minesweeping)
💭 Think About
• Which vessel types have a distinct fog signal of one prolonged followed by two short blasts according to Rule 35? List them out from the Rule, not from memory.
• Look carefully at how Rule 35 separates power-driven vessels underway, vessels not under command / restricted in ability to maneuver / constrained by draft / sailing / engaged in fishing / towing or pushing. Which group uses this pattern?
• Ask yourself: Does every vessel with a special definition (like constrained by draft, fishing, minesweeping, being towed) necessarily have a unique fog signal, or are some grouped together under one pattern?
✅ Before You Answer
• Look up Rule 35(c), (d), (e), and (g) in the International Rules and match each paragraph to a vessel type.
• Verify exactly which vessels are included in the group that sounds one prolonged followed by two short blasts and which vessels have no special fog signal beyond the basic patterns.
• Confirm whether a vessel being towed makes her own fog signal or if the towing vessel’s signal represents the tow. This will help eliminate at least one wrong choice.