Page:Small-boat sailing; an explanation of the management of small yachts, half-decked and open sailing-boats of various rigs; sailing on sea and on river; cruising, etc (IA smallboatsailing01knig).pdf/271



When vessels are in sight of one another, a steam vessel under way in taking any course authorised or required by these rules, shall indicate that course by the following signals on her whistle or siren, viz.:—

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 full speed astern.'

NO VESSEL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TO NEGLECT PROPER PRECAUTIONS.

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 look-out, 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.

RESERVATION OF RULES FOR HARBOURS AND INLAND NAVIGATION.

Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of a special rule, duly made by local authority, relative to the navigation of any harbour, 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, viz.:—

In the daytime-

1. A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute.