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Explanatory note

Original text. Later amendments are not shown.

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules replace the Merchant Shipping (Signals of Distress) Rules 1977 ( “the 1977 Rules”). They give effect to amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974 (Chapter V, Regulation 9) adopted on 11th April 1989 by the Maritime Safety Committee ( “MSC”) of the International Maritime Organization ( “IMO”) at its 57th Session.

The Rules prescribe the circumstances in which the signals of distress prescribed by the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1989 may be used by vessels (other than seaplanes). The 1977 Rules referred to a situation in which a ship or aircraft was in danger, but the new Rules also refer to a situation in which a person is in danger.

The MSC amendments to which the Rules give effect are included in the Annex to Resolution MSC 13(57), copies of which may be obtained from IMO, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.