Port of Vancouver in order to ensure safety informs that thick fog and fog patches are common at this time of year and there is a high chance of restricted visibility. Therefore, the port reminds the regulations that require anchored ships to sound every minute and moving ships to sound every two minutes as it is written on Rule 35 of Collision Regulations of Canada Shipping Act of 2001.
The Rule 35 includes common international safety requirements but also contains a Canadian modification.
The Rule 35 of Collision Regulations of Canada Shipping Act of 2001:
Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility — International
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 vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes one prolonged blast.
- A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about two seconds between them.
- A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, a vessel constrained by her draught, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, sound at intervals of not more than two minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blasts.
- A vessel engaged in fishing, when at anchor, and a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when carrying out her work at anchor, shall instead of the signals prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Rule sound the signal prescribed in paragraph (c) of this Rule.
- 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 two 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.
- 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 paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule.
- A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one minute ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds. In a vessel of 100 metres 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 five 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.
- A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if required the gong signal prescribed in paragraph (g) 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.
- A vessel of 12 metres or more but less than 20 metres in length shall not be obliged to give the bell signals prescribed in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this Rule. However, if she does not, she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
- A vessel of less than 12 metres 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.
- A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may in addition to the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b) or (g) of this Rule sound an identity signal consisting of four short blasts.
Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility — Canadian Modification
Notwithstanding paragraph (j), in the Canadian waters of a roadstead, harbour, river, lake or inland waterway, a vessel shall sound the signals prescribed for a vessel of 12 metres or more in length if it is
- less than 12 metres in length,
- ordinarily used for the purpose of pushing or pulling any floating object, and
- not located within a recognized mooring, storage or booming area.
