Although where the rules say anything about flashing lights I have yet to see, where has this trend come from and why do port and flag states not issue non conformances for a breach of colregs?
Hi Clanky,
If you are making reference to the "flashing red light" on tankers, well it is not related to COLREGS at all. But I have seen some tankers displaying this light when underway and THIS would be a breach of COLREGS. I have even called tankers as such on the VHF and I was told they did so since they were tankers. In such cases the conversation is ended by telling them to "brush up their knowledge of COLREGS"
For long, tankers only displayed an all around red steady light to indicate they had dangerous cargo on board. Port rules in Japan require that tankers display a red "flashing" light and by default this is provided on all tankers. Even when outside Japan, tankers tend to use this light and port authorities rarely object.
But there is a provision for a "flashing light" in COLREGS too. Rule 23 para (b) states:-
"An air-cushion vessel when operating in nondisplacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit an
all-round flashing yellow light".
Regards
vin_sun