Hong Kong Regulations

MERCHANT SHIPPING (INSTRUCTIONS TO SURVEYORS) (PASSENGER SHIPS) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 84

Description of requisite signals

   (a)  Distress Rockets: At least 24 rockets throwing stars of any colour or
        description are to be carried. Each rocket should be of not less size
        than that commonly known in the trade as 16 ozs. If a gun with charges
        of ammunition in accordance with sub-paragraph (c) is carried, or if
        socket signals in accordance with sub-paragraph (d) are provided, the
        number of rockets may be reduced by the number of gun charges or
        socket signals, provided that at least 12 rockets are carried.

   (b)  Lifebuoy Lights and Deck Flares: At least two lifebuoy lights or
        approved deck flares self igniting in water are to be carried so that
        the ship may, if necessary, make the statutory distress signal "flames
        on the vessel." Such lifebuoy lights are additional to those required
        by the Regulations relating to life-saving appliances.

   (c)  Gun: If a gun is carried it should not be less than 3 1/2 inches in
        the bore and should be provided with suitable charges of ammunition
        each containing 16 ozs. of powder. The necessary requisites for firing
        the gun should also be provided.

   (d)  Socket Signals: If socket signals are carried they are to be of an
        approved make and the surveyors should satisfy themselves that they
        will be fired only from approved sockets. There should be two sockets,
        one forward and one aft, on different sides of the vessel. Sockets
        should be of suitable gauge and should invariably be secured to a
        solid and substantial part of the vessel and should be fixed at an
        angle of about, but not less than, 20 degrees from the perpendicular
        so as to obviate the risk of a signal falling on the vessel's deck if
        it fails to rise to the normal height.