(a). These Rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.
(b). Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of special rules made by an appropriate authority for roadsteads
A roadstead is a sheltered area of water where ships typically anchor. It is less protected from the elements than a harbor but is often easier to access. More, harbours, rivers, lakes or inland waterways connected with the high seas and navigable by seagoing vessels. Such special rules shall conform as closely as possible to these Rules.
(c). Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the Government of any State with respect to additional station or signal lights, shapes or whistle
The word 'whistle' means any sound signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. More signals for ships of war and vessels proceeding under convoy, or with respect to additional station or signal lights or shapes for fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet. These additional station or signal lights, shapes or whistle signals shall, so far as possible, be such that they cannot be mistaken for any light, shape or signal authorized elsewhere under these RulesSounds and light signals are described in Part D of the collision regulations. For a quick read go to Rule 32 Definitions. More.
(d). Traffic separation schemes
A traffic separation scheme (TSS) is similar to a highway at sea. A TSS is often made up of 'traffic lanes' and 'separation zones' which prevent vessels from meeting head on and therefore reduce the likelihood of collision. It is common to find traffic separation schemes in areas of high traffic density such as straits and choke points. The rules relating to traffic separation schemes are described in Rule 10. More may be adopted by the Organization for the purpose of these Rules.
(e). Whenever the Government concerned shall have determined that a vesselThe word 'vessel includes every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water'. of special construction or purpose
An example of a 'vessel of special construction or purpose' is a submarine or aircraft carrier. An aircraft carrier has a large flight deck running down the center of the ship. This means that aircraft carriers cannot have a masthead light on the fore and aft centerline. Similar restrictions apply to submarine designs. Rule 1(e) permits governments to ignore some of the rules relating to lights and shapes when they are constructing special vessels. More cannot comply fully with the provisions of any of these Rules with respect to the number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signalling appliances, such vessel shall comply with such other provisions in regard to the number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signalling appliances, as her Government shall have determined to be the closest possible compliance with these Rules in respect of that vessel.
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