What is the required minimum diameter for a bell on vessels that are 20 meters or longer?

For vessels that are 20 meters or longer, the required minimum diameter for a bell is 250 mm. This specification is established to ensure that the sound emitted by the bell is loud enough to be heard over distances that would allow other vessels to be aware of its presence, particularly in conditions of reduced visibility. The size of the bell plays a vital role in the sound signaling system, as an adequately sized bell produces a sound that can be recognized and acted upon by other vessels, thereby enhancing overall navigational safety. The regulations surrounding the size of signaling devices are in place to promote effective communication at sea, especially for larger vessels that may be more challenging to detect visually.