Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 62 Part 1.djvu/284

 PUBLIC LAWS-CH. 328 -MAY 21, 1948 "III-STEERING AND SAILING RULES "PRE LIM I NARY-RISK OF COLLISION "Risk of collision can, when circumstances permit, be ascertained by carefully watching the bearing of an approaching vessel. If the bearing does not appreciably change such risk should be deemed to exist. Vessels meeting end "RULE NUMBERED 18. (a) When two steam vessels are meeting end on, or nearly end on, so as to involve risk of collision, except when one steam vessel is ascending and the other descending a river, it shall be the duty of each to pass on the port side of the other, and to alter course to starboard sufficiently so that this can be done in safety. This maneuver shall require an exchange of one-blast signals when the vessels are not less than one-half mile apart, and either vessel shall blow the first signal which the other shall promptly answer. scendingd dsede- "(b) When an ascending steam vessel is approaching a descending steam vessel on a river, the signals for passing shall be one distinct blast of the whistle by each vessel if passing port to port, and two distinct blasts of the whistle if passing starboard to starboard. "The pilot of the ascending steam vessel shall give the first signal for passing, which shall promptly be answered by the same signal by the pilot of the descending steam vessel, if safe to do so, and both shall be governed accordingly; but if the pilot of the descending steam vessel deems it dangerous to take the side indicated by the ascending steam vessel, he shall immediately signify that fact by sounding four or more short and rapid blasts, the danger signal, and it shall be the duty of the pilot of the ascending steam vessel to answer by a similar danger signal and the engines of both shall immediately be stopped and backed, if necessary, until signals for passing are given, answered, and understood. After sounding the danger signal by both vessels, the pilot of the descending steam vessel shall indicate by his whistle the side on which he desires to pass, and the pilot of the ascending steam vessel shall govern himself accordingly, the descending steam vessel being entitled to the right-of-way. "The pilot of the descending steam vessel shall not blow the first signal, except that if the other vessel has not whistled when the steam vessels, or the forward end of their tows, if being pushed ahead, are within one-half mile of each other, he shall blow the first danger signal, which shall be promptly answered by a danger signal by the ascending vessel; but whether answered or not, the pilot of the descend- ing vessel shall indicate the side on which he desires to pass, and both vessels shall be governed accordingly. Vessels rossng. "RULE NUMBERED 19. (a) When two steam vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, other than when one vessel is over- taking another, the vessel which has the other to starboard shall keep out of the way of the other. Either vessel shall give, as a signal of intention to comply with this rule, one distinct blast of her whistle, which the other vessel shall answer with a similar blast: Provided, towenndo vessel however, That a steam vessel descending a river and towing another vessel or vessels shall be deemed to have the right-of-way over any steam vessel crossing the river, and shall give as a signal of her intention to hold on across the bow of the other vessel, three distinct blasts of the whistle. The crossing vessel shall immediately reply with a similar signal, and shall keep clear by stopping or going under the stern of the descending vessel. Mofisderstandng "(b) If from any cause the conditions covered by these situations are such as to prevent immediate compliance with each other's signals, the misunderstanding or objection shall be at once made apparent by blowing four or more short and rapid blasts, the danger signal, 254 [62 STAT.

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