Tier I – Policy - Use of blue flashing light as an identification signal on vessels under COLREG Rule 45

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1 Policy objective

  1. 1.1 The objective of this policy is to explain which vessels may exhibit a “blue flashing light” while performing a search & rescue (SAR) operation or engaged in law enforcement duties, in accordance with Rule 45 of the Collision Regulations (COLREG).

2 Policy statement

  1. 2.1 Pursuant to Rule 20 and Rule 45, only government vessels, vessel belonging to Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary or vessels that are owned or operated by a harbour, river, county or municipal police can exhibit a blue flashing when engaged in search and rescue (SAR) activities or while engaged in law enforcement duties.
  2. 2.2 Any vessel that is tasked or directed by a statutory authority to provide SAR and emergency assistance may fall within the scope of Rule 45 and may be allowed to exhibit a blue flashing light while providing assistance to a vessel, craft, aircraft or person that is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.
  3. 2.3 Any vessel that is operated under statutory law enforcement authority, such as “Enforcement officer” may fall within the scope of Rule 45 and may be allowed to exhibit a blue flashing light when performing law enforcement duties.
  4. 2.4 The light must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights.

3 Scope

  1. 3.1 This policy applies to vessels operated for the purposes of a SAR and emergency operations in any waters, or for law enforcement duties in the Canadian waters.

4 Authority

  1. 4.1 This policy comes under the overall administrative authority of the Marine Executive Committee, and the Executive Director, of Navigation Safety and Oversight Standards has approved this policy for general application.

5 Responsibility / further information

  1. 5.1 The Director General, Marine Safety and Security is accountable for the implementation of this policy.
  2. 5.2 The Executive Director, Navigation Safety and Oversight Standards (AMSE) is the functional authority for the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of this policy.
  3. 5.3 The Regional Directors are responsible for the implementation and promotion of this policy in their respective regions.
  4. 5.4 Regional offices are responsible for informing, where necessary, local statutory SAR emergency services and law enforcement entities.
  5. 5.5 Comments or queries related to this policy and its application should be addressed to:
  6. The Manager, Navigation Safety and Radiocommunications (AMSEC)
    330 Sparks Street Ottawa ON K1A 0N8
    TC.navradio.TC@tc.gc.ca.
  1. 6.1 Collision Regulations.

7 Background

  1. 7.1 Collision Regulations Rule 45 permits
    1. a) any government vessel or any vessel that is owned or operated by a harbour, river, county or municipal police force to exhibit as an identification signal a blue flashing light when:
      1. providing SAR assistance in any waters to any vessel, craft, aircraft or person that is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance, or
      2. is engaged in law enforcement duties in Canadian waters.
    2. b) Any vessel operated by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary may exhibit a blue flashing light as an identification signal when the vessel participates, at the request of the Canadian Coast Guard, in search and rescue operations.
  2. 7.2 A “government vessel” means a vessel that is owned by and is in the service of His Majesty in right of Canada or a province or that is in the exclusive possession of His Majesty in that right. (Canada Shipping Act 2001 (CSA 2001), Sec 2)
  3. 7.3 "Blue flashing light" means a blue all-round light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per minute. (Collision Regulations (COLREG ), Rule 21 sec (h)).
  4. 7.4 For the purposes of this policy, an “Enforcement Officer” means a person, or a member of a class of persons, who is designated under the authority of an Act of Parliament to enforce specific laws or regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals designated under CSA 2001 subsection 196(1).

  5. 7.5 The following flowchart is created to assist in determining what constitutes a government vessel and hence authorized under COLREG Rule 45 to use “blue flashing light” as an identification signal.

Text version:

Is the vessel owned by the federal or provincial government?

  • No – Is the vessel in the exclusive possession of the government?
    • No – The vessel is not a government vessel
    • Yes – The vessel is a government vessel
  • Yes – Is the vessel in the service of the government?
    • No – The vessel is not a government vessel
    • Yes – The vessel is a government vessel
 
  1. 7.6 Please note that this table is intended as a general reference tool and provides guidance only. Each case should be evaluated individually. If there is any uncertainty, contact the Navigation Safety and Radiocommunications group at: tc.navradio.tc@tc.gc.ca.
  2. 7.7 Misuse of the blue flashing light could detract from its effectiveness, both as a safety and as an identification signal, create confusion, or distract vessels. Consequently, it should be made clear that the light may only be exhibited while the vessel is providing assistance (i.e., not during transit to and from the incident location or during towing operations).
  3. 7.8 It should be noted that any vessel allowed to exhibit a blue flashing light as an identification or safety signal is not relieved from the obligation to comply with the Steering and Sailing Rules set out in the Collision Regulations.

8 Date of application

  1. 8.1 This policy becomes effective on October 7, 2025.

9 Date for review or expiry

  1. 9.1 This policy shall be in effect until rescinded.

10 RDIMS reference

  1. 10.1 The English version of this document is found under RDIMS reference number 9132171. The applied naming convention is publication – TP 13585 – Policy – Use of blue flashing light as an identification signal on vessels under COLREG Rule 45.
  2. 10.2 La version française du présent document est dans le SGDDI et porte le numéro de référence 9290836. La règle d’affectation des noms est Publication — TP 13585 — Politique – Utilisation du feu bleu à éclats clignotant comme signal d'identification sur les batiments en vertu de la regle 45 du règlement sur les abordages.
  3. 10.3 This is the second approved and finalized revision of the English version of this document.

11 Keywords

  • Blue flashing light
  • Collision Regulations
  • SAR vessels
  • Enforcement officer
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