Marshall Islands issues a safety advisory for laser pointers and COLREG light signals

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has issued a marine safety advisory regarding laser pointers and COLREG light signals.

Advisory No. 15-23 was published on 29 September 2023.

The Maritime Administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has recently received reports of two incidents involving laser pointers.

In the first incident, crewmembers aboard an RMI-registered vessel utilized a laser pointer to signal the approaching vessel when a collision risk was imminent.

In the second incident, crewmembers on a fishing vessel directed a laser at another RMI-registered vessel in an attempt to gain attention just before both vessels collided.

According to Rule 36 of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREG), vessels are permitted to "make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules."

However, it is emphasized that "the use of high-intensity intermittent lights...shall be avoided."

Due to the fact that lasers, including handheld laser pointers, emit a concentrated and potentially vision-disrupting beam of light, the Administrator strongly advises against their use for COLREG-related purposes.

Hence, owners, operators, and Masters of RMI-registered vessels are reminded of the following:

• COLREG Rule 34(d) mandates that when vessels within sight of one another are approaching each other, and if for any reason either vessel fails to comprehend the intentions or actions of the other, the vessel in doubt must promptly indicate such doubt by sounding at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. Additionally, this sound signal may be "supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and rapid flashes."
  • Such a signal can be generated using the ship's maneuvering light, a handheld Aldis lamp, or a similar device. It is strongly advised not to use laser pointers for this purpose.

The Administrator recommends that Masters of RMI-registered vessels thoroughly review COLREGs and the contents of this Marine Safety Advisory with all navigational watchstanders.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Laser Pointers and COLREG Light Signals