CHAPTER XVIII_The Men on Deck: Master, Mates and Crew, Their Duties and Responsibilities

THE RULES OF THE ROAD

INTERNATIONAL RULES: I. ENACTING CLAUSE, SCOPE, AND PENALTY

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress assembled, That the following regulations

for preventing collisions at sea shall be followed by all public and

private vessels of the United States upon the high seas and in all

waters connected therewith, navigable by seagoing vessels.

ARTICLE 30. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of

a special rule, duly made by local authority, relative to the navigation

of any harbor, river, or inland waters.

PRELIMINARY DEFINITIONS

In the following rules every steam vessel which is under sail and not

under steam is to be considered a sailing vessel, and every vessel under

steam, whether under sail or not, is to be considered a steam vessel.

The words "steam vessel" shall include any vessel propelled by machinery.

A vessel is "under way," within the meaning of these rules, when she is

not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.

INTERNATIONAL RULES: II. LIGHTS, AND SO FORTH

The word "visible" in these rules when applied to lights shall mean

visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere.

ARTICLE 1. The rules concerning lights shall be complied with in all

weathers from sunset to sunrise, and during such time no other lights

which may be mistaken for the prescribed lights shall be exhibited.

Steam vessels—masthead light.

ART. 2. A steam vessel when under way shall carry—(_a_) On or in front

of the foremast, or if a vessel without a foremast, then in the fore

part of the vessel, at a height above the hull of not less than twenty

feet, and if the breadth of the vessel exceeds twenty feet, then at a

height above the hull not less than such breadth, so, however, that the

light need not be carried at a greater height above the hull than forty

feet, a bright white light, so constructed as to show an unbroken light

over an arc of the horizon of twenty points of the compass, so fixed as

to throw the light ten points on each side of the vessel, namely, from

right ahead to two points abaft the beam on either side, and of such a

character as to be visible at a distance of at least five miles.

Steam vessels—side lights.

(_b_) On the starboard side a green light so constructed as to show an

unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass,

so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the

beam on the starboard side, and of such a character as to be visible at

a distance of at least two miles.

(_c_) On the port side a red light so constructed as to show an unbroken

light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass, so fixed

as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on

the port side, and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of

at least two miles.

(_d_) The said green and red side lights shall be fitted with inboard

screens projecting at least three feet forward from the light, so as to

prevent these lights from being seen across the bow.

Steam vessels—range lights.

(_e_) A steam vessel when under way may carry an additional white light

similar in construction to the light mentioned in subdivision (_a_).

These two lights shall be so placed in line with the keel that one shall

be at least fifteen feet higher than the other, and in such a position

with reference to each other that the lower light shall be forward of

the upper one. The vertical distance between these lights shall be less

than the horizontal distance.

Steam vessels when towing.

ART. 3. A steam vessel when towing another vessel shall, in addition to

her side lights, carry two bright white lights in a vertical line one

over the other, not less than six feet apart, and when towing more than

one vessel shall carry an additional bright white light six feet above

or below such lights, if the length of the tow measuring from the stern

of the towing vessel to the stern of the last vessel towed exceeds six

hundred feet. Each of these lights shall be of the same construction and

character, and shall be carried in the same position as the white light

mentioned in article two (_a_), excepting the additional light, which

may be carried at a height of not less than fourteen feet above the hull.

Such steam vessel may carry a small white light abaft the funnel or

aftermast for the vessel towed to steer by, but such light shall not be

visible forward of the beam.

Special lights.

ART. 4. (_a_) A vessel which from any accident is not under command

shall carry at the same height as a white light mentioned in article two

(_a_), where they can best be seen, and if a steam vessel in lieu of

that light two red lights, in a vertical line one over the other, not

less than six feet apart, and of such a character as to be visible all

around the horizon at a distance of at least two miles; and shall by day

carry in a vertical line one over the other, not less than six feet

apart, where they can best be seen, two black balls or shapes, each two

feet in diameter.

(_b_) A vessel employed in laying or in picking up a telegraph cable

shall carry in the same position as the white light mentioned in article

two (_a_), and if a steam vessel in lieu of that light three lights in a

vertical line one over the other not less than six feet apart. The

highest and lowest of these lights shall be red, and the middle light

shall be white, and they shall be of such a character as to be visible

all around the horizon, at a distance of at least two miles. By day she

shall carry in a vertical line, one over the other, not less than six

feet apart, where they can best be seen, three shapes not less than two

feet in diameter, of which the highest and lowest shall be globular in

shape and red in color, and the middle one diamond in shape and white.

(_c_) The vessels referred to in this article, when not making way

through the water, shall not carry the side lights, but when making way

shall carry them.

(_d_) The lights and shapes required to be shown by this article are to

be taken by other vessels as signals that the vessel showing them is not

under command and can not therefore get out of the way.

These signals are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring

assistance. Such signals are contained in article thirty-one.

Lights for sailing vessels and vessels in tow.

ART. 5. A sailing vessel under way and any vessel being towed shall

carry the same lights as are prescribed by article two for a steam

vessel under way, with the exception of the white lights mentioned

therein, which they shall never carry.

Lights for small vessels.

ART. 6. Whenever, as in the case of small vessels under way during bad

weather, the green and red side lights can not be fixed, these lights

shall be kept at hand, lighted and ready for use; and shall, on the

approach of or to other vessels, be exhibited on their respective sides

in sufficient time to prevent collision, in such manner as to make them

most visible, and so that the green light shall not be seen on the port

side nor the red light on the starboard side, nor, if practicable, more

than two points abaft the beam on their respective sides. To make the

use of these portable lights more certain and easy the lanterns

containing them shall each be painted outside with the color of the

light they respectively contain, and shall be provided with proper

screens.

Lights for small steam and sail vessels and open boats.

ART. 7. Steam vessels of less than forty, and vessels under oars or

sails of less than twenty tons gross tonnage, respectively, and rowing

boats, when under way, shall not be required to carry the lights

mentioned in article two (_a_), (_b_), and (_c_), but if they do not

carry them they shall be provided with the following lights:

_First._ Steam vessels of less than forty tons shall carry—

(_a_) In the fore part of the vessel, or on or in front of the funnel,

where it can best be seen, and at a height above the gunwale of not less

than nine feet, a bright white light constructed and fixed as prescribed

in article two (_a_), and of such a character as to be visible at a

distance of at least two miles.

(_b_) Green and red side lights constructed and fixed as prescribed in

article two (_b_) and (_c_), and of such a character as to be visible at

a distance of at least one mile, or a combined lantern showing a green

light and a red light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on

their respective sides. Such lanterns shall be carried not less than

three feet below the white light.

_Second._ Small steamboats, such as are carried by seagoing vessels, may

carry the white light at a less height than nine feet above the gunwale,

but it shall be carried above the combined lantern mentioned in

subdivision one (_b_).

_Third._ Vessels under oars or sails of less than twenty tons shall

have ready at hand a lantern with a green glass on one side and a red

glass on the other, which, on the approach of or to other vessels,

shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision, so that the

green light shall not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the

starboard side.

_Fourth._ Rowing boats, whether under oars or sail, shall have ready at

hand a lantern showing a white light which shall be temporarily

exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

The vessels referred to in this article shall not be obliged to carry

the lights prescribed by article four (_a_) and article eleven, last

paragraph.

Lights for pilot vessels.

ART. 8. Pilot vessels when engaged on their station on pilotage duty

shall not show the lights required for other vessels, but shall carry a

white light at the masthead, visible all around the horizon, and shall

also exhibit a flare-up light or flare-up lights at short intervals,

which shall never exceed fifteen minutes.

On the near approach of or to other vessels they shall have their side

lights lighted, ready for use, and shall flash or show them at short

intervals, to indicate the direction in which they are heading, but the

green light shall not be shown on the port side, nor the red light on

the starboard side.

A pilot vessel of such a class as to be obliged to go alongside of a

vessel to put a pilot on board may show the white light instead of

carrying it at the masthead, and may, instead of the colored lights

above mentioned, have at hand, ready for use, a lantern with green glass

on the one side and red glass on the other, to be used as prescribed

above.

Pilot vessels when not engaged on their station on pilotage duty shall

carry lights similar to those of other vessels of their tonnage.

A steam pilot vessel, when engaged on her station on pilotage duty and

in the waters of the United States, and not at anchor, shall, in

addition to the lights required for all pilot boats, carry at a distance

of eight feet below her white masthead light a red light, visible all

around the horizon and of such a character as to be visible on a dark

night with a clear atmosphere at a distance of at least two miles, and

also the colored side lights required to be carried by vessels when

under way.

When engaged on her station on pilotage duty and in waters of the United

States, and at anchor, she shall carry in addition to the lights

required for all pilot boats the red light above mentioned, but not the

colored side lights. When not engaged on her station on pilotage duty,

she shall carry the same lights as other steam vessels.

Lights, etc., of fishing vessels.

ART. 9. Fishing vessels and fishing boats, when under way and when not

required by this article to carry or show the lights hereinafter

specified, shall carry or show the lights prescribed for vessels of

their tonnage under way.

(_a_) Open boats, by which it is to be understood boats not protected

from the entry of sea water by means of a continuous deck, when engaged

in any fishing at night, with outlying tackle extending not more than

one hundred and fifty feet horizontally from the boat into the seaway,

shall carry one all-round white light.

Open boats, when fishing at night, with outlying tackle extending more

than one hundred and fifty feet horizontally from the boat into the

seaway, shall carry one all-round white light, and in addition, on

approaching or being approached by other vessels, shall show a second

white light at least three feet below the first light and at a

horizontal distance of at least five feet away from it in the direction

in which the outlying tackle is attached.

(_b_) Vessels and boats, except open boats as defined in subdivision

(_a_), when fishing with drift nets, shall, so long as the nets are

wholly or partly in the water, carry two white lights where they can

best be seen. Such lights shall be placed so that the vertical distance

between them shall be not less than six feet and not more than fifteen

feet, and so that the horizontal distance between them, measured in a

line with the keel, shall be not less than five feet and not more than

ten feet. The lower of these two lights shall be in the direction of the

nets, and both of them shall be of such a character as to show all

around the horizon, and to be visible at a distance of not less than

three miles.

Within the Mediterranean Sea and in the seas bordering the coasts of

Japan and Korea sailing fishing vessels of less than twenty tons gross

tonnage shall not be obliged to carry the lower of these two lights.

Should they, however, not carry it, they shall show in the same position

(in the direction of the net or gear) a white light, visible at a

distance of not less than one sea mile, on the approach of or to other

vessels.

(_c_) Vessels and boats, except open boats as defined in subdivision

(_a_), when line fishing with their lines out and attached to or hauling

their lines, and when not at anchor or stationary within the meaning of

subdivision (_h_), shall carry the same lights as vessels fishing with

drift nets. When shooting lines, or fishing with towing lines, they

shall carry the lights prescribed for a steam or sailing vessel under

way, respectively.

Within the Mediterranean Sea and in the seas bordering the coast of

Japan and Korea sailing fishing vessels of less than twenty tons gross

tonnage shall not be obliged to carry the lower of these two lights.

Should they, however, not carry it, they shall show in the same position

(in the direction of the lines) a white light, visible at a distance of

not less than one sea mile on the approach of or to other vessels.

(_d_) Vessels when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the dragging

of an apparatus along the bottom of the sea—

_First._ If steam vessels, shall carry in the same position as the white

light mentioned in article two (_a_) a tri-colored lantern so

constructed and fixed as to show a white light from right ahead to two

points on each bow, and a green light and a red light over an arc of the

horizon from two points on each bow to two points abaft the beam on the

starboard and port sides, respectively; and not less than six nor more

than twelve feet below the tri-colored lantern a white light in a

lantern, so constructed as to show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light

all around the horizon.

_Second._ If sailing vessels, shall carry a white light in a lantern, so

constructed as to show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light all around

the horizon, and shall also, on the approach of or to other vessels,

show where it can best be seen a white flare-up light or torch in

sufficient time to prevent collision.

All lights mentioned in subdivision (_d_) first and second shall be

visible at a distance of at least two miles.

(_e_) Oyster dredgers and other vessels fishing with dredge nets shall

carry and show the same lights as trawlers.

(_f_) Fishing vessels and fishing boats may at any time use a flare-up

light in addition to the lights which they are by this article required

to carry and show, and they may also use working lights.

(_g_) Every fishing vessel and every fishing boat under one hundred and

fifty feet in length, when at anchor, shall exhibit a white light

visible all around the horizon at a distance of at least one mile.

Every fishing vessel of one hundred and fifty feet in length or upward,

when at anchor, shall exhibit a white light visible all around the

horizon at a distance of at least one mile, and shall exhibit a second

light as provided for vessels of such length by article eleven.

Should any such vessel, whether under one hundred and fifty feet in

length or of one hundred and fifty feet in length or upward, be attached

to a net or other fishing gear, she shall on the approach of other

vessels show an additional white light at least three feet below the

anchor light, and at a horizontal distance of at least five feet away

from it in the direction of the net or gear.

(_h_) If a vessel or boat when fishing becomes stationary in consequence

of her gear getting fast to a rock or other obstruction, she shall in

daytime haul down the day signal required by subdivision (_k_); at night

show the light or lights prescribed for a vessel at anchor; and during

fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms make the signal prescribed

for a vessel at anchor. (See subdivision (_d_) and the last paragraph of

article fifteen.)

(_i_) In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms drift-net vessels

attached to their nets, and vessels when trawling, dredging, or fishing

with any kind of drag net, and vessels line fishing with their lines

out, shall, if of twenty tons gross tonnage or upward, respectively, at

intervals of not more than one minute make a blast; if steam vessels,

with the whistle or siren, and if sailing vessels, with the fog-horn,

each blast to be followed by ringing the bell. Fishing vessels and boats

of less than twenty tons gross tonnage shall not be obliged to give the

above-mentioned signals; but if they do not, they shall make some other

efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than one minute.

(_k_) All vessels or boats fishing with nets or lines or trawls, when

under way, shall in daytime indicate their occupation to an approaching

vessel by displaying a basket or other efficient signal where it can

best be seen. If vessels or boats at anchor have their gear out, they

shall, on the approach of other vessels, show the same signal on the

side on which those vessels can pass.

The vessels required by this article to carry or show the lights

hereinbefore specified shall not be obliged to carry the lights

prescribed by article four (_a_) and the last paragraph of article

eleven.

Lights for an overtaken vessel.

ART. 10. A vessel which is being overtaken by another shall show from

her stern to such last-mentioned vessel a white light or a flare-up

light.

The white light required to be shown by this article may be fixed and

carried in a lantern, but in such case the lantern shall be so

constructed, fitted, and screened that it shall throw an unbroken light

over an arc of the horizon of twelve points of the compass, namely, for

six points from right aft on each side of the vessel, so as to be

visible at a distance of at least one mile. Such light shall be carried

as nearly as practicable on the same level as the side lights.

Anchor lights.

ART. 11. A vessel under one hundred and fifty feet in length when at

anchor shall carry forward, where it can best be seen, but at a height

not exceeding twenty feet above the hull, a white light, in a lantern so

constructed as to show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light visible all

around the horizon at a distance of at least one mile.

A vessel of one hundred and fifty feet or upwards in length when at

anchor shall carry in the forward part of the vessel, at a height of not

less than twenty and not exceeding forty feet above the hull, one such

light, and at or near the stern of the vessel, and at such a height that

it shall be not less than fifteen feet lower than the forward light,

another such light.

The length of a vessel shall be deemed to be the length appearing in her

certificate of registry.

A vessel aground in or near a fairway shall carry the above light or

lights and the two red lights prescribed by article four (_a_).

Special signals.

ART. 12. Every vessel may, if necessary in order to attract attention,

in addition to the lights which she is by these rules required to carry,

show a flare-up light or use any detonating signal that can not be

mistaken for a distress signal.

Naval lights and recognition signals.

ART. 13. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of

any special rules made by the Government of any nation with respect to

additional station and signal lights for two or more ships of war or for

vessels sailing under convoy, or with the exhibition of recognition

signals adopted by shipowners, which have been authorized by their

respective Governments and duly registered and published.

Steam vessel under sail by day.

ART. 14. A steam vessel proceeding under sail only, but having her

funnel up, shall carry in daytime, forward, where it can best be seen,

one black ball or shape two feet in diameter.

INTERNATIONAL RULES: III. SOUND SIGNALS FOR FOG, AND SO FORTH

Preliminary.

ART. 15. All signals prescribed by this article for vessels under

way shall be given:

_First._ By "steam vessels" on the whistle or siren.

_Second._ By "sailing vessels" and "vessels towed" on the fog horn.

The words "prolonged blast" used in this article shall mean a blast of

from four to six seconds duration.

A steam vessel shall be provided with an efficient whistle or siren,

sounded by steam or by some substitute for steam, so placed that the

sound may not be intercepted by any obstruction, and with an efficient

fog horn, to be sounded by mechanical means, and also with an efficient

bell. In all cases where the rules require a bell to be used a drum may

be substituted on board Turkish vessels, or a gong where such articles

are used on board small seagoing vessels. A sailing vessel of twenty

tons gross tonnage or upward shall be provided with a similar fog horn

and bell.

In a fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms, whether by day or

night, the signals described in this article shall be used as follows,

namely:

Steam vessel under way.

(_a_) A steam vessel having way upon her shall sound, at intervals of

not more than two minutes, a prolonged blast.

(_b_) A steam vessel under way, but stopped, and having no way upon her,

shall sound, at intervals of not more than two minutes, two prolonged

blasts, with an interval of about one second between.

Sail vessel under way.

(_c_) A sailing vessel under way shall sound, at intervals of not more

than one minute, when on the starboard tack, one blast; when on the port

tack, two blasts in succession, and when with the wind abaft the beam,

three blasts in succession.

Vessels at anchor or not under way.

(_d_) A vessel when at anchor shall, at intervals of not more than one

minute, ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds.

Vessels towing or towed.

(_e_) A vessel when towing, a vessel employed in laying or in picking up

a telegraph cable, and a vessel under way, which is unable to get out of

the way of an approaching vessel through being not under command, or

unable to maneuver as required by the rules, shall, instead of the

signals prescribed in subdivisions (_a_) and (_c_) of this article, at

intervals of not more than two minutes, sound three blasts in

succession, namely: One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. A

vessel towed may give this signal and she shall not give any other.

Small sailing vessels and boats.

Sailing vessels and boats of less than twenty tons gross tonnage shall

not be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals, but, if they do not,

they shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not

more than one minute.

Speed in fog.

ART. 16. Every vessel shall, in a fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain

storms, go at a moderate speed, having careful regard to the existing

circumstances and conditions.

A steam vessel hearing, apparently forward of her beam, the fog signal

of a vessel the position of which is not ascertained shall, so far as

the circumstances of the case admit, stop her engines, and then navigate

with caution until danger of collision is over.

INTERNATIONAL RULES: IV. STEERING AND SAILING RULES

Preliminary.

Risk of collision can, when circumstances permit, be ascertained by

carefully watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel. If the

bearing does not appreciably change, such risk should be deemed to exist.

Sailing vessels.

ART. 17. When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to

involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the

other, as follows, namely:

(_a_) A vessel which is running free shall keep out of the way of a

vessel which is closehauled.

(_b_) A vessel which is closehauled on the port tack shall keep out of

the way of a vessel which is closehauled on the starboard tack.

(_c_) When both are running free, with the wind on different sides, the

vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of

the other.

(_d_) When both are running free, with the wind on the same side, the

vessel which is to the windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel

which is to the leeward.

(_e_) A vessel which has the wind aft shall keep out of the way of the

other vessel.

Steam vessels.

ART. 18. When two steam vessels are meeting end on, or nearly end on, so

as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter her course to

starboard, so that each may pass on the port side of the other.

This article only applies to cases where vessels are meeting end on, or

early end on, in such a manner as to involve risk of collision, and does

not apply to two vessels which must, if both keep on their respective

courses, pass clear of each other.

The only cases to which it does apply are when each of the two vessels

is end on, or nearly end on to the other; in other words, to cases in

which, by day, each vessel sees the masts of the other in a line, or

nearly in a line, with her own; and by night, to cases in which each

vessel is in such a position as to see both the side lights of the other.

It does not apply by day to cases in which a vessel sees another ahead

crossing her own course; or by night, to cases where the red light of

one vessel is opposed to the red light of the other, or where the green

light of one vessel is opposed to the green light of the other, or where

a red light without a green light, or a green light without a red light,

is seen ahead, or where both green and red lights are seen anywhere but

ahead.

Two steam vessels crossing.

ART. 19. When two steam vessels are crossing, so as to involve risk of

collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side

shall keep out of the way of the other.

Steam vessel shall keep out of the way of sailing vessel.

ART. 20. When a steam vessel and a sailing vessel are proceeding in such

directions as to involve risk of collision, the steam vessel shall keep

out of the way of the sailing vessel.

Course and speed.

ART. 21. Where, by any of these rules, one of two vessels is to keep out

of the way the other shall keep her course and speed.

NOTE.—When, in consequence of thick weather or other causes, such vessel

finds herself so close that collision can not be avoided by the action

of the giving-way vessel alone, she also shall take such action as will

best aid to avert collision. [See articles twenty-seven and twenty-nine.]

Crossing ahead.

ART. 22. Every vessel which is directed by these rules to keep out of

the way of another vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit,

avoid crossing ahead of the other.

Steam vessel shall slacken speed or stop.

ART. 23. Every steam vessel which is directed by these rules to keep out

of the way of another vessel shall, on approaching her, if necessary,

slacken her speed or stop or reverse.

Overtaking vessels.

ART. 24. Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules every vessel,

overtaking any other, shall keep out of the way of the overtaken vessel.

Every vessel coming up with another vessel from any direction more than

two points abaft her beam, that is, in such a position, with reference

to the vessel which she is overtaking that at night she would be unable

to see either of that vessel's side lights, shall be deemed to be an

overtaking vessel; and no subsequent alteration of the bearing between

the two vessels shall make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel

within the meaning of these rules, or relieve her of the duty of keeping

clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.

As by day the overtaking vessel can not always know with certainty

whether she is forward of or abaft this direction from the other vessel

she should, if in doubt, assume that she is an overtaking vessel and

keep out of the way.

Narrow channels.

ART. 25. In narrow channels every steam vessel shall, when it is safe

and practicable, keep to that side of the fairway or mid-channel which

lies on the starboard side of such vessel.

Right of way of fishing vessels.

ART. 26. Sailing vessels under way shall keep out of the way of sailing

vessels or boats fishing with nets, or lines, or trawls. This rule shall

not give to any vessel or boat engaged in fishing the right of

obstructing a fairway used by vessels other than fishing vessels or

boats.

General prudential rule.

ART. 27. In obeying and construing these rules due regard shall be had

to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to any special

circumstances which may render a departure from the above rules

necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.

Sound signals for passing steamers.

ART. 28. The words "short blast" used in this article shall mean a blast

of about one second's duration.

When vessels are in sight of one another, a steam vessel under way, in

taking any course authorized or required by these rules, shall indicate

that course by the following signals on her whistle or siren, namely:

One short blast to mean, "I am directing my course to starboard."

Two short blasts to mean, "I am directing my course to port."

Three short blasts to mean, "My engines are going at full speed

astern."

Precaution.

ART. 29. Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner

or master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to carry

lights or signals, or of any neglect to keep a proper lookout, or of the

neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice

of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.

ART. 30. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of a

special rule, duly made by local authority, relative to the navigation

of any harbor, river, or inland waters.

Distress signals.

ART. 31. When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance from other

vessels or from the shore the following shall be the signals to be used

or displayed by her, either together or separately, namely:

In the daytime—

_First._ A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a

minute.

_Second._ The international code signal of distress indicated by N C.

_Third._ The distance signal, consisting of a square flag, having either

above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.

_Fourth._ A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

At night—

_First._ A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a

minute.

_Second._ Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil

barrel, and so forth).

_Third._ Rockets or shells throwing stars of any color or description,

fired one at a time, at short intervals.

_Fourth._ A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

INLAND RULES: I. ENACTING CLAUSE, SCOPE, AND PENALTY

Whereas the provisions of chapter eight hundred and two of the laws of

eighteen hundred and ninety, and the amendments thereto, adopting

regulations for preventing collisions at sea [i.e., international rules

of left-hand column], apply to all waters of the United States connected

with the high seas navigable by seagoing vessels, except so far as the

navigation of any harbor, river, or inland waters is regulated by

special rules duly made by local authority; and

Whereas it is desirable that the regulations relating to the navigation

of all harbors, rivers, and inland waters of the United States, except

the Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters as far east as

Montreal and the Red River of the North and rivers emptying into the

Gulf of Mexico and their tributaries, shall be stated in one act:

Therefore,

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress assembled, That the following regulations

for preventing collisions shall be followed by all vessels navigating

all harbors, rivers, and inland waters of the United States, except the

Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters as far east as

Montreal and the Red River of the North and rivers emptying into the

Gulf of Mexico and their tributaries, and are hereby declared special

rules duly made by local authority:

SEC. 3. That every pilot, engineer, mate, or master of any steam vessel,

and every master or mate of any barge or canal boat, who neglects or

refuses to observe the provisions of this act, or the regulations

established in pursuance of the preceding section [see section 2, page

193], shall be liable to a penalty of fifty dollars, and for all damages

sustained by any passenger in his person or baggage by such neglect or

refusal: Provided, That nothing herein shall relieve any vessel, owner,

or corporation from any liability incurred by reason of such neglect or

refusal.

SEC. 4. That every vessel that shall be navigated without complying with

the provisions of this act shall be liable to a penalty of two hundred

dollars, one-half to go to the informer, for which sum the vessel so

navigated shall be liable and may be seized and proceeded against by

action in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction of

the offense.

PRELIMINARY DEFINITIONS

In the following rules every steam vessel which is under sail and not

under steam is to be considered a sailing vessel, and every vessel under

steam, whether under sail or not, is to be considered a steam vessel.

The words "steam vessel" shall include any vessel propelled by machinery.

A vessel is "under way," within the meaning of these rules, when she is

not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.

INLAND RULES: II. LIGHTS AND SO FORTH

The word "visible" in these rules, when applied to lights, shall mean

visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere.

ARTICLE 1. The rules concerning lights shall be complied with in all

weathers from sunset to sunrise, and during such time no other lights

which may be mistaken for the prescribed lights shall be exhibited.

Steam vessels—masthead light.

ART. 2. A steam vessel when under way shall carry—(_a_) On or in the

front of the foremast, or if a vessel without a foremast, then in the

fore part of the vessel, a bright white light so constructed as to show

an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of twenty points of the

compass, so fixed as to throw the light ten points on each side of the

vessel, namely, from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on either

side, and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least

five miles.

Steam vessels—side lights.

(_b_) On the starboard side a green light so constructed as to show an

unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass,

so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the

beam on the starboard side, and of such a character as to be visible at

a distance of at least two miles.

(_c_) On the port side a red light so constructed as to show an unbroken

light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass, so fixed

as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on

the port side, and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of

at least two miles.

(_d_) The said green and red side lights shall be fitted with inboard

screens projecting at least three feet forward from the light, so as to

prevent these lights from being seen across the bow.

Steam vessels—range lights.

(_e_) A seagoing steam vessel when under way may carry an additional

white light similar in construction to the light mentioned in

subdivision (_a_). These two lights shall be so placed in line with the

keel that one shall be at least fifteen feet higher than the other, and

in such a position with reference to each other that the lower light

shall be forward of the upper one. The vertical distance between these

lights shall be less than the horizontal distance.

(_f_) All steam vessels (except seagoing vessels and ferryboats), shall

carry in addition to green and red lights required by article two (_b_),

(_c_), and screens as required by article two (_d_), a central range of

two white lights; the after light being carried at an elevation at least

fifteen feet above the light at the head of the vessel. The headlight

shall be so constructed as to show an unbroken light through twenty

points of the compass, namely, from right ahead to two points abaft the

beam on either side of the vessel, and the after light so as to show all

around the horizon.

Steam vessels when towing.

ART. 3. A steam vessel when towing another vessel shall, in addition to

her side lights, carry two bright white lights in a vertical line one

over the other, not less than three feet apart, and when towing more

than one vessel shall carry an additional bright white light three feet

above or below such lights, if the length of the tow measuring from the

stern of the towing vessel to the stern of the last vessel towed exceeds

six hundred feet. Each of these lights shall be of the same construction

and character, and shall be carried in the same position as the white

light mentioned in article two (_a_) or the after range light mentioned

in article two (_f_).

Such steam vessel may carry a small white light abaft the funnel or

aftermast for the vessel towed to steer by, but such light shall not be

visible forward of the beam.

Lights for sailing vessels and vessels in tow.

ART. 5. A sailing vessel under way or being towed shall carry the same

lights as are prescribed by article two for a steam vessel under way,

with the exception of the white lights mentioned therein, which they

shall never carry.

Lights for ferryboats, barges, and canal boats in tow.

SEC. 2. That the supervising inspectors of steam vessels and the

Supervising Inspector-General shall establish such rules to be observed

by steam vessels in passing each other and as to the lights to be

carried by ferryboats and by barges and canal boats when in tow of steam

vessels (and as to the lights and day signals to be carried by vessels,

dredges of all types, and vessels working on wrecks by [or] other

obstruction to navigation or moored for submarine operations, or made

fast to a sunken object which may drift with the tide or be towed) not

inconsistent with the provisions of this act, as they from time to time

may deem necessary for safety, which rules when approved by the

Secretary of Commerce are hereby declared special rules duly made by

local authority, as provided for in article thirty of chapter eight

hundred and two of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety. Two printed

copies of such rules shall be furnished to such ferryboats (barges,

dredges, canal boats, vessels working on wrecks) and steam vessels,

which rules shall be kept posted up in conspicuous places in such

vessels (barges, dredges, and boats).

Lights for small vessels.

ART. 6. Whenever, as in the case of vessels of less than ten gross tons

under way during bad weather, the green and red side lights can not be

fixed, these lights shall be kept at hand, lighted and ready for use;

and shall, on the approach of or to other vessels, be exhibited on their

respective sides in sufficient time to prevent collision, in such manner

as to make them most visible, and so that the green light shall not be

seen on the port side nor the red light on the starboard side, nor, if

practicable, more than two points abaft the beam on their respective

sides. To make the use of these portable lights more certain and easy

the lanterns containing them shall each be painted outside with the

color of the light they respectively contain, and shall be provided with

proper screens.

ART. 7. Rowing boats, whether under oars or sail, shall have ready at

hand a lantern showing a white light which shall be temporarily

exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

Lights for pilot vessels.

ART. 8. Pilot vessels when engaged on their stations on pilotage duty

shall not show the lights required for other vessels, but shall carry a

white light at the masthead, visible all around the horizon, and shall

also exhibit a flare-up light or flare-up lights at short intervals,

which shall never exceed fifteen minutes.

On the near approach of or to other vessels they shall have their side

lights lighted, ready for use, and shall flash or show them at short

intervals, to indicate the direction in which they are heading, but the

green light shall not be shown on the port side nor the red light on the

starboard side.

A pilot vessel of such a class as to be obliged to go alongside of a

vessel to put a pilot on board may show the white light instead of

carrying it at the masthead, and may, instead of the colored lights

above mentioned, have at hand, ready for use, a lantern with a green

glass on the one side and a red glass on the other, to be used as

prescribed above.

Pilot vessels, when not engaged on their station on pilotage duty, shall

carry lights similar to those of other vessels of their tonnage.

A steam pilot vessel, when engaged on her station on pilotage duty and

in waters of the United States, and not at anchor, shall, in addition to

the lights required for all pilot boats, carry at a distance of eight

feet below her white masthead light a red light, visible all around the

horizon and of such a character as to be visible on a dark night with a

clear atmosphere at a distance of at least two miles, and also the

colored side lights required to be carried by vessels when under way.

When engaged on her station on pilotage duty and in waters of the United

States, and at anchor, she shall carry in addition to the lights

required for all pilot boats the red light above mentioned, but not the

colored side lights. When not engaged on her station on pilotage duty,

she shall carry the same lights as other steam vessels.

Lights, etc., of fishing vessels.

ART. 9. (_a_) Fishing vessels of less than ten gross tons, when under

way and when not having their nets, trawls, dredges, or lines in the

water, shall not be obliged to carry the colored side lights; but every

such vessel shall, in lieu thereof, have ready at hand a lantern with a

green glass on one side and a red glass on the other side, and on

approaching to or being approached by another vessel such lantern shall

be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision, so that the green

light shall not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the

starboard side.

(_b_) All fishing vessels and fishing boats of ten gross tons or upward,

when under way and when not having their nets, trawls, dredges, or lines

in the water, shall carry and show the same lights as other vessels

under way.

(_c_) All vessels, when trawling, dredging, or fishing with any kind of

drag nets or lines, shall exhibit, from some part of the vessel where

they can be best seen, two lights. One of these lights shall be red and

the other shall be white. The red light shall be above the white light,

and shall be at a vertical distance from it of not less than six feet

and not more than twelve feet; and the horizontal distance between them,

if any, shall not be more than ten feet. These two lights shall be of

such a character and contained in lanterns of such construction as to be

visible all round the horizon, the white light a distance of not less

than three miles and the red light of not less than two miles.

Lights for rafts or other craft not provided for.

(_d_) Rafts, or other water craft not herein provided for, navigating by

hand power, horse power, or by the current of the river, shall carry one

or more good white lights, which shall be placed in such manner as shall

be prescribed by the Board of Supervising Inspectors of Steam Vessels.

Lights for an overtaken vessel.

ART. 10. A vessel which is being overtaken by another, except a steam

vessel with an after range light showing all around the horizon, shall

show from her stern to such last-mentioned vessel a white light or a

flare-up light.

Anchor lights.

ART. 11. A vessel under one hundred and fifty feet in length when at

anchor shall carry forward, where it can best be seen, but at a height

not exceeding twenty feet above the hull, a white light, in a lantern so

constructed as to show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light visible all

around the horizon at a distance of at least one mile.

A vessel of one hundred and fifty feet or upwards in length when at

anchor shall carry in the forward part of the vessel, at a height of not

less than twenty and not exceeding forty feet above the hull, one such

light, and at or near the stern of the vessel, and at such a height that

it shall be not less than fifteen feet lower than the forward light,

another such light.

The length of a vessel shall be deemed to be the length appearing in her

certificate of registry.

Special Signals.

ART. 12. Every vessel may, if necessary, in order to attract attention,

in addition to the lights which she is by these rules required to carry,

show a flare-up light or use any detonating signal that can not be

mistaken for a distress signal.

Naval lights and recognition signals.

ART. 13. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of

any special rules made by the Government of any nation with respect to

additional station and signal lights for two or more ships of war or for

vessels sailing under convoy, or with the exhibition of recognition

signals adopted by shipowners, which have been authorized by their

respective Governments, and duly registered and published.

Steam vessel under sail by day.

ART. 14. A steam vessel proceeding under sail only, but having her

funnel up, may carry in daytime, forward, where it can best be seen, one

black ball or shape two feet in diameter.

INLAND RULES: III. SOUND SIGNALS FOR FOG, AND SO FORTH

Preliminary.

ART. 15. All signals prescribed by this article for vessels under

way shall be given:

1. By "steam vessels" on the whistle or siren.

2. By "sailing vessels" and "vessels towed" on the fog horn.

The words "prolonged blast" used in this article shall mean a blast of

from four to six seconds duration.

A steam vessel shall be provided with an efficient whistle or siren,

sounded by steam or by some substitute for steam, so placed that the

sound may not be intercepted by any obstruction, and with an efficient

fog horn; also with an efficient bell. A sailing vessel of twenty tons

gross tonnage or upward shall be provided with a similar fog horn and

bell.

In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms, whether by day or

night, the signals described in this article shall be used as follows,

namely:

Steam vessel under way.

(_a_) A steam vessel under way shall sound, at intervals of not more

than one minute, a prolonged blast.

Sail vessel under way.

(_c_) A sailing vessel under way shall sound, at intervals of not more

than one minute, when on the starboard tack, one blast; when on the port

tack, two blasts in succession, and when with the wind abaft the beam,

three blasts in succession.

Vessels at anchor or not under way.

(_d_) A vessel when at anchor shall, at intervals of not more than one

minute, ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds.

Vessels towing or towed.

(_e_) A steam vessel when towing, shall, instead of the signals

prescribed in subdivision (_a_) of this article, at intervals of not

more than one minute, sound three blasts in succession, namely, one

prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. A vessel towed may give

this signal and she shall not give any other.

Rafts, or other craft not provided for.

(_f_) All rafts or other water craft, not herein provided for,

navigating by hand power, horse power, or by the current of the river,

shall sound a blast of the fog horn, or equivalent signal, at intervals

of not more than one minute.

Speed in fog.

ART. 16. Every vessel shall, in a fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain

storms, go at a moderate speed, having careful regard to the existing

circumstances and conditions.

A steam vessel hearing, apparently forward of her beam, the fog signal

of a vessel the position of which is not ascertained shall, so far as

the circumstances of the case admit, stop her engines, and then navigate

with caution until danger of collision is over.

INLAND RULES: IV. STEERING AND SAILING RULES

Preliminary.

Risk of collision can, when circumstances permit, be ascertained by

carefully watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel. If the

bearing does not appreciably change, such risk should be deemed to exist.

Sailing vessels.

ART. 17. When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to

involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the

other as follows, namely:

(_a_) A vessel which is running free shall keep out of the way of a

vessel which is closehauled.

(_b_) A vessel which is closehauled on the port tack shall keep out of

the way of a vessel which is closehauled on the starboard tack.

(_c_) When both are running free, with the wind on different sides, the

vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of

the other.

(_d_) When both are running free, with the wind on the same side, the

vessel which is to the windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel

which is to the leeward.

(_e_) A vessel which has the wind aft shall keep out of the way of the

other vessel.

Steam vessels.

ART. 18. RULE I. When steam vessels are approaching each other head and

head, that is, end on, or nearly so, it shall be the duty of each to

pass on the port side of the other; and either vessel shall give, as a

signal of her intention, one short and distinct blast of her whistle,

which the other vessel shall answer promptly by a similar blast of her

whistle, and thereupon such vessels shall pass on the port side of each

other. But if the courses of such vessels are so far on the starboard of

each other as not to be considered as meeting head and head, either

vessel shall immediately give two short and distinct blasts of her

whistle, which the other vessel shall answer promptly by two similar

blasts of her whistle, and they shall pass on the starboard side of each

other.

The foregoing only applies to cases where vessels are meeting end on, or

nearly end on, in such a manner as to involve risk of collision; in

other words, to cases in which, by day, each vessel sees the masts of

the other in a line, or nearly in a line, with her own, and by night to

cases in which each vessel is in such a position as to see both the side

lights of the other.

It does not apply by day to cases in which a vessel sees another ahead

crossing her own course, or by night to cases where the red light of one

vessel is opposed to the red light of the other, or where the green

light of one vessel is opposed to the green light of the other, or where

a red light without a green light or a green light without a red light,

is seen ahead, or where both green and red lights are seen anywhere but

ahead.

RULE III. If, when steam vessels are approaching each other, either

vessel fails to understand the course or intention of the other, from

any cause, the vessel so in doubt shall immediately signify the same by

giving several short and rapid blasts, not less than four, of the steam

whistle.

RULE V. Whenever a steam vessel is nearing a short bend or curve in the

channel, where, from the height of the banks or other cause, a steam

vessel approaching from the opposite direction can not be seen for a

distance of half a mile, such steam vessel, when she shall have arrived

within half a mile of such curve or bend, shall give a signal by one

long blast of the steam whistle, which signal shall be answered by a

similar blast given by any approaching steam vessel that may be within

hearing. Should such signal be so answered by a steam vessel upon the

farther side of such bend, then the usual signals for meeting and

passing shall immediately be given and answered; but, if the first alarm

signal of such vessel be not answered, she is to consider the channel

clear and govern herself accordingly.

When steam vessels are moved from their docks or berths, and other boats

are liable to pass from any direction toward them, they shall give the

same signal as in the case of vessels meeting at a bend, but immediately

after clearing the berths so as to be fully in sight they shall be

governed by the steering and sailing rules.

RULE VIII. When steam vessels are running in the same direction, and the

vessel which is astern shall desire to pass on the right or starboard

hand of the vessel ahead, she shall give one short blast of the steam

whistle, as a signal of such desire, and if the vessel ahead answers

with one blast, she shall put her helm to port; or if she shall desire

to pass on the left or port side of the vessel ahead, she shall give two

short blasts of the steam whistle as a signal of such desire, and if the

vessel ahead answers with two blasts, shall put her helm to starboard;

or if the vessel ahead does not think it safe for the vessel astern to

attempt to pass at that point, she shall immediately signify the same by

giving several short and rapid blasts of the steam whistle, not less

than four, and under no circumstances shall the vessel astern attempt to

pass the vessel ahead until such time as they have reached a point where

it can be safely done, when said vessel ahead shall signify her

willingness by blowing the proper signals. The vessel ahead shall in no

case attempt to cross the bow or crowd upon the course of the passing

vessel.

RULE IX. The whistle signals provided in the rules under this article,

for steam vessels meeting, passing, or overtaking, are never to be used

except when steamers are in sight of each other, and the course and

position of each can be determined in the daytime by a sight of the

vessel itself, or by night by seeing its signal lights. In fog, mist,

falling snow or heavy rain storms, when vessels can not see each other,

fog signals only must be given.

Supplementary regulations.

SEC. 2. That the supervising inspectors of steam-vessels and the

Supervising Inspector-General shall establish such rules to be observed

by steam vessels in passing each other and as to the lights to be

carried by ferryboats and by barges and canal boats when in tow of steam

vessels, not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, as they from

time to time may deem necessary for safety, which rules when approved by

the Secretary of Commerce are hereby declared special rules duly made by

local authority, as provided for in article thirty of chapter eight

hundred and two of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety. Two printed

copies of such rules shall be furnished to such ferryboats and steam

vessels, which rules shall be kept posted up in conspicuous places in

such vessels.

Two steam vessels crossing.

ART. 19. When two steam vessels are crossing, so as to involve risk of

collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side

shall keep out of the way of the other.

Steam vessel shall keep out of the way of sailing vessel.

ART. 20. When a steam vessel and a sailing vessel are proceeding in such

directions as to involve risk of collision, the steam vessel shall keep

out of the way of the sailing vessel.

Course and speed.

ART. 21. Where, by any of these rules, one of the two vessels is to keep

out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed. [See articles

twenty-seven and twenty-nine.]