1501:47-2-27. Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver

(A) A vessel not under command shall exhibit:

(1) Two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen.

(2) Two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen.

(3) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(B) A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, except a vessel engaged in minesweeping operations, shall exhibit:

(1) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white.

(2) Three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond.

(3) When making way through the water, masthead lights, sidelights and a sternlight, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (B)(1) of this rule.

(4) When at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraphs (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this rule, the light, lights or shapes prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-30 of the Administrative Code.

(C) A vessel engaged in a towing operation which severely restricts the towing vessel and its tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraphs (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this rule, exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-24 of the Administrative Code.

(D) A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted in its ability to maneuver, shall exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in paragraphs (B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3) of this rule and shall in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:

(1) Two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to indicate the side on which the obstruction exists.

(2) Two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical line to indicate the side on which another vessel may pass.

(3) When at anchor, the lights or shape prescribed by this rule, instead of the lights or shapes prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-30 of the Administrative Code for anchored vessels.

(E) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed in paragraph (D) of this rule, the following shall instead be exhibited:

(1) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen; the highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white.

(2) A rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" not less than one meter in height; measures shall be taken to insure its all-round visibility.

(F) A vessel engaged in minesweeping operations shall, in addition to the lights prescribed for a power-driven in rule 1501:47-2-23 of the Administrative Code, exhibit three all-round green lights or three balls. One of these lights or shapes shall be exhibited near the foremast head and one at each end of the fore yard. These lights or shapes indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach closer than one thousand meters astern or five hundred meters on either side of the minesweeper.

(G) A vessel of less than twelve meters in length, except when engaged in diving operations, is not required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this rule.

(H) The signals prescribed in this rule are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance. Such signals are contained in annex IV of the "I.N.R.A."

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

Eff 6-11-90 (Emer.); 8-24-90
Rule promulgated under: RC Chapter 119.
Rule amplifies: RC 1547.52