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Subject: Re: TWL: Re: COLREG Rule 33. Sound Equipment
From: Michael Maurice (mikem@XXX.XXX)
Date: Thu Feb 28 2002 - 22:32:28 EST
At 09:37 PM 2/28/02, you wrote:
>OK, lets say we have a more than 12 meter boat, with a computer connected to
>a humongous 150db at 1/2 mile amp/speaker. The computer runs a program which
>feeds the amp with a .wav file (or.mp3) of a bell flawlessly recorded. The
>program of course follows the rule for the situation exactly.
>
>But there is no bell aboard.
Rule 33 (a), last Sentence applies to over 12 meters and says:
"The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the
same respective sound characteristics, provided that MANUAL sound of the
prescribed signals shall always be possible.
Analysis:
It would appear that a substitution is allowed. The word "manual", would
appear to be interpreted as your ability to cause the sound by single
actuations, in other words, pressing the button/key whatever yourself.
THe history of this is pretty simple. The CG and the courts would prefer a
bell that is actuated by an automatic timer, but must be capable of manual
operation. The bells that most people have, have to be rung by hand.
Now here comes the sticky part. Notice the words, "shall always be possible".
AN electronic system that could fail might not be interpreted by the CG, on
inspection or the court if it failed to operate and a collision resulted,
to conform to the Rules.
For a vessel less than 12 meters, the use of an electronic system would
seem to be ok, at least for CG inspection purposes.
Over 12 meters, a bell would probably be necessary as a backup.
A vessel of 20 meters, the bell must be 300mm, which is about 12 inches.
Bells like that are not cheap.
Capt. Mike Maurice
Near Portland Oregon.
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