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Rule 38: Exemptions (COLREGS)

Last reviewed October 21, 2026

The short answer

Rule 38 gives older vessels exemptions from certain technical requirements, such as light ranges, light colors, and light positioning. International exemptions cover vessels built before the 1972 Regulations entered into force. Inland exemptions cover vessels whose keel was laid before December 24, 1980, if they meet the earlier U.S. rules.

The rule text

The repositioning of lights as a result of conversion from Imperial to metric units and rounding off measurement figures, permanent exemption.

International Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (NAVCEN, 2024 corrected edition), Rule 38

the keel of which was laid or which was at a corresponding stage of construction before December 24, 1980

Inland Rules, 33 CFR Part 83 (eCFR), Rule 38

What it means on the water

  • It's about construction and equipment, not conduct.
  • Exemptions include light ranges, color specs, and repositioning, some permanent and some time-limited.
  • It doesn't excuse any steering or sailing rule.

International vs Inland

Different by design. International ties exemptions to the 1960 Regulations and the 1972 Regulations' entry into force (with a U.S. note in 33 CFR 81.20 using July 15, 1977). Inland ties them to keels laid before December 24, 1980, under earlier U.S. statutes, and makes some permanent, such as Rule 22 light ranges for vessels under 20 meters.

Common exam traps

  • Thinking an exempt vessel can ignore conduct rules. Rule 38 covers technical items only.

Try 3 questions on Rule 38

  1. Rule 38 exemptions cover:

    1. Conduct rules
    2. Technical items like light ranges and positions
    3. Distress signals
    4. Sound signal meanings
    Show answer

    B. Technical items like light ranges and positions Rule 38.

  2. Inland exemptions depend on a keel laid before:

    1. 1972
    2. July 15, 1977
    3. December 24, 1980
    4. 2014
    Show answer

    C. December 24, 1980 Inland Rule 38.

  3. Inland: vessels under 20 m built before the cutoff are permanently exempt from:

    1. Rule 22 light ranges
    2. Rule 5
    3. Rule 7
    4. Rule 35
    Show answer

    A. Rule 22 light ranges Inland Rule 38(i).

Frequently asked questions

What does Rule 38 exempt?

Certain technical equipment requirements for older vessels, not the conduct rules.

What's the Inland cutoff date?

Keel laid or corresponding stage of construction before December 24, 1980.

Where's the U.S. note for International?

33 CFR 81.20, cited in the NAVCEN handbook.

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