REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA AND AS TO SIGNALS OF DISTRESS

REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA AND AS TO SIGNALS OF DISTRESS

2.-REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA
AND AS TO SIGNALS OF DISTRESS.

ORDER IN COUNCIL, 13th October, 1910,

Consolidating Orders in Council making Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea, and Rules as to Signals of Distress.

At the Court of St. James, the 13th (lay of October, 1910.

PRESENT:
The King's Most Excellent Majesty in Council.

AND WHEREAS it haS been made to appear to His Majesty that the
Governments of the several countries mentioned in schedule II hereto
annexed are willing that the regulations and rule., contained in schedule 1
should, subject to the qualifications mentioned in the aforesaid schedule 1
and to the proviso in the case of Chinese ,-hips that the application of
the regulations and rules shall be limited to ships of foreign type, apply
to the ships of those countries when beyond the limits of British
jurisdiction: *

NOW THERFYORE, His Majesty, by virtue of the powers conferred ou
Him by the aforesaid Act,* and on the joint recommendation of the3
Admiralty and the Board of Trade, and by and with the advice of the
Privy Guncil, is pleased to direct that the collision regulations and
the ruless as to signals of distress contained in schedule, 1 to this Order'
shall apply to all British ships :

And His Majesty is also pleased to direct that the said regulations
and rules shall, subject to the aforesaid qualifications and to the proviso
in the case of Chinese ships that the regulations and rules will be
applicable only to ships foreign type, apply to the ships of the
countries named in schedule II to this Order whether they are within
British jurisdiction or not, and that such ships shall for the purpose of
such regulations and rules be treated as if they were British ships:





And His Majesty is further pleased to direct that this Order shall come
into operation on and after the 13th October, 1910, and that as and
trom the coming into operation of this Order, the Orders in Council
specified in schedule III to this Order shall be revoked and the same
shall be revoked accordingly.

SCHEDULE 1.

Preliminary.
These Rules shall be followed by all vessels upon the high seas and in
all waters connected therewith, navigable by sea-going vessels.
In the following Rules every steam vessel which is under sail and not
under steam to be considered a sailing vessel, and everv vessel under
steam, whether under sail or not, is to bc considered a steam vessel.
The word steam vessels ' 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.

Rules concerning Lights, &c.
The word ' visible ' in these Rules, when applied to lights, shall
mean visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere.

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.

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 20 feet, and if the breadth of the vessel exceeds 20 feet, then at a
heiglit 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 40
feet, a bright white light, so constructed as to show an unbroken light
over an are of the horizon of 20 points of the compass, so fixed as to
throw the light 10 points on each side of the vessel, viz., from right
ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on either side, and of such a character
as to be visible at a distance of at least 5 miles.
(b) on the starboard side a green light so constructed as to show an
unbroken light over an are of the horizon of 10 points of the compass, so
fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to 2 points abaft the beam
on. the starboard side, and of such a character as to be visible at a
distance of at least 2 miles.
(c) on the port side a red light so constructed as to show an unbroken
light over an are of the horizon of 10 points of the compass, so fixed as





to throw the light from right ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on the 1
port side, and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least
2 miles.
(d) The said green and red side-lights shall be fitted with. innoard
screens projecting at least 3 feet forward from the light, so as to prevent
these lights froin being seen across the bow.
(e) A steam vessel when -under wa ' v may carry an additional white
light similar in construction to the light mentioned in sub-division (a).
These two lights shall be so placed in line with the keel that one shall
be at least 15 feet hialler 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.

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 thail 6 feet apart, and when towing more than one
vessel shall carry an additional bright white light 6 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 600 feet. Each
of these lights shall be of the sarne construction and Character, and shall
be carried in the same position as the white light mentioned in Article
2 (a), except the additional light, which may be carried at a height of
not less than 14 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, such light shall not be visible
forward of the beam.

4.-(a) A vessel which from aily accident is not under command shall
carry at the same height as the white light mentioned in Article 2 (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 thall 6 feet
apart, and of such a character as to be visible all round the horizon at a
distance of at least 2 miles; and shall by day carry, in a vertical line one
over the other not less than 6 feet apart, where they can best be seen,
two black balls or shapes each 2 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
2 (a), and if a steam vessel, in lieu of that light, three lights, in a ver-
tical line one over the other, not less than 6 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 round the
horizon, at a distance of at least 2 miles. By day she shall carry in a
vertical line one over the other, not less tban 6 feet apart, where they





can best be seen, three shapes not less than 2 feet in diameter, of which the
Iighest and lowest shall be ulobular in shape and red in colour, and the
middle one diamond in shape and white.
(c) The vessels referred to in this Article when not inaking 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 cannot therefore (yet, out of the way.

These signals are not siunals of vessels in distress and requiring

assistance. Such signals are contained in Article 31.

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

the same lights as are prescribed by Article 2 for a steam vessel under
way, with the exception of the white lights mentioned therein, which
they shall never carry.

6. Whenever, as in the case of small vessels under way during bad
weather, the green and red side-lights cannot be fixed, these lights shall

be kept at hand lighted and readv for use and shall, on the approach of
or to other vessels, he exhibited ou their respective sides in sufficient
time to prevent collision. in such nianner 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 2 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 colour
of the light they respectively contain, and shall be provided with proper
screens.

7. Steam vessels of less than 40, and vessels under oars or sails of less
than 20 tons gross tonnage, respectively, and rowing boats, when under
way, shall not be obliged to carry the lights mentioned in Article 2 (a)
(b) and (c), but if they do not carry thein they shall be provided with the
following lights:-
1. Steam vessels of less than 40 tons shall carry:-
(a) in the fore part of the vessel, or on or in from of the funnel, where
it can best be seen, and at a height above the gunwale of not less than 9
feet, a bright white light constructed and fixed as prescribed in Article
2 (a),.and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least 2
miles-
(b) green and red side-lights constructed and fixed as prescribed in

Article 2 (b) and (c), and of such a character as to be visible at a distance





of at least 1 mile, or a combined lantern showing a green ligbtand a red

light from rightahead to 2 points abaft the beam on their respective sides.
Such lantern shall be carried not less than 3 feet below the white light.
2. Small steamboats, such as are carried by sea-going vessels, may

carry the white light at a less height than 9 feet above the gunwale, but
it shall be carried above the combined lauterfl, mentioned in sub-division
1 (b).
3. Vessels under oars of sails, of less than 20 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 bo

seen oil the port side nor the red light on the starboard side.

4. Rowing boats, whether under wins or sail, shall have ready at hand
a lantern showing a white light, which shall bee temporarily exhibited in

sufficient tinie to prevent collision.
The vessels referred to ill this Article shall not be obliged to carry the

lights prescribed by Article 4 (a), and Article 11, last paragrapli.

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 round the horizon, and sliall also
exhibit a flare-up lights or flare-up lights at short intervals,which shll
never exceed 15 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 thein at short in

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

green lioht shall not be. shown on the popt 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 carry-

ing it at the masthead, and may, instead of the coloured 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.
A steam pilot-vessel exclusively employed for the service of pilots
licensed or certified by any pilotage authority or the committee of any
pilotage district, when engaged on her station on pilotage duty and not
at anchor, shall, in addition to the lights required for all pilot boats,
carry at a distance of 8 feet below her white masthead light a red light
visible all round 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 2 miles,
and also the coloured side-lights required to be carried by vessels whell
under way.





When engaged on her station on pilotaoc duty and at anchor she
shall carry, in addition to the lights required for all pilot boats, the red
light above mentioned, brit not the coloured side-light.

Pilot-vessels, when not engaged on their station on pilotage duty, shall
carry lights similar to those of other vessels of their tonnage.

9. Fishing-vessels and fishing-boats, when wnder way and when not
required by this article to carry or show the lights hereinafter specified
shall carryor show the llights prescibed for vessels of their tonnage
under way.

(a) Open boats, by which it is to be understood boeasts 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 150 feet horizontally from the boat into the seaway shall
carry one all-round white light.

Open boats, when fishing at night, whith outlying tackle extending
more than 150 feet horizontally from the boat into the seaway, shall carry
one all-round white light, and in addition, on approaching or being
apporached by other vessels, shall show a second white light at least 3
feet below the first light and at a horizontal distance of at least 5 feet
away from it in the direction in which the outlying tackle is attached.

(b) Vessels and boats, except open boats as defined in sub-division (a)
when fishing with drift-nets, shall , so long as the nets are wholly or
partly in the water, caryy two hite lights where they can best be
seen. Such lights shall be placed so that the vertical distance between
them shal be not less than 6 feet and not moe than 15 feet,and so that
the horizontal distance between them, measured in a line with the keel,
shall be not less than 5 feet and not more than 10 feet. The lower of
these two lights shall be in the firection of the nets, and both of them
shall be of such a character as to show all round the horizon, and to be
visible at a distance of not less than 3 miles.

Within the Mediterranean Seat and in the seas bordering the coast of
Japan and Corea sailing fishing vessels of less than 20 tons gross
tonnage shall not be obliged to carry the lower of thses 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 sub-division (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 sub-
division (h), shall carry the same lights as vessels fishing with drift-nets.
When shottinglines, or fishing with towing lines, they shall carry the
lights prescribed for a steam or sailing vessel under way respectively.

Within the Medieterranean Seat and in the seas bordering the coasts of
Japan and Corea sailing fishing vessels of less than 20 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 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 drag-
mentioned in Article 2 (a), a tricoloured lantern so constructed and fixed
so to show a white light from right ahead to 2 points on each bow,
and a green light and a red light over an arc of the horizon from
2 points on each bow to 2 points abaft the beam on the starboard
and port sides respectively; and not less than 6 nor more than 12 feet
below the tricloured lantern a white light all round the horizon;
as to show a clar, uniform, and unborken light all round the horizon;

2. if sailing vessels, shall carry a white light in a lantern, so con-
structed as to show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light all round 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 cllision.

All lights mentioned in sub-dividion (d) 1 and 2 shall be visible at a
distance of at least 2 miles.

(e) Oyster dredgers and othe rvessels 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 ligths which they ae by this Article required to
carry and show, and they may also use working lights.

(g) Every fishing-vessels and fishing-boats under 150 feet in
length, when at anchor, shall exhibit a white light visible all round the
horizon at a distrance of at least on mile.

Every fishing-vessel of 150 feet in length or upwards, when at anchor,
shall exhibit a white light visible all round 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 11.

Should any such vessel, whether under 150 feet in length, or of 150
feet in length or upwards, be attached to a net or other fisnhing gear, she
shall on approach of other vessels show an additional white light at
least 3 feet below the anchor light, and at a horizontal distance of at
least 5 feet away from it in the direction of the net or gear.

(h) If a vessel or boat when fishing becomes stationary in conse~
quence of her gear getting fast to a rock or other obstruction, she shall
in day-time haul down the day-signal required by sub-division (k) : at
night show the 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 sub-division (d). and the last paragraph of
Article 15.)

(i) In fog, inist, falling ,now, or heavy rain-storms, drift-net vessels
attached to their nets, and vessels when trawling, dredging or fishing
with ally kind. of dracr-net, and vessels line-fishiwy with their lines out
shall, if of 20 toils gross tonnage or upwards, respectivelv, 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
20 tons gross tonnage shall not be obliged to give the above-inentioned
signals; but if they do not, they shall inake some. other efficient sound
sianal 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
by seen. If vessels or boats at anchor have their aear 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 herein-
before specified shall not be obliged to carry the lights prescribed by
Article 4 (a), and the last paragraph of Article 11.

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

awd carried in a lantern, but in sul case the lantern shall be so con-
structed, fitted, and screened that it shall throw an unbroken light ovel.
an are of the horizon of 12 points of compass, viz., for 6 points from
right aft on each side of the vessel, so as to be visible at a distance of at





least on mile. Such light shall be carried as nearly as practicable on
the same level as the side- lights.

11. A vessel under 150 feet in length, when at anchor, shall carry
forwar, where it can beat be seen, but at a height not exceeding 20
feet above the hull, a white light in a lantern so constructed as to show
a clear, uniform, and unbrken light bisible all around the horizon at a
distance of at least 1 mile.

A vessel of 150 feet or upwards in length, when at anchor, shall carry
in the forward part of teh vessel, at a height of not less than 20, and
not exceeding 40 feet, above the hull, one such light, and at or near
the sternof the vessel and at such a height that it shall be not less than
15 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 firway shall carry the above light or
lights and the two red lights prescribed by Article 4 (a)

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 cannot be mis
taken fro a distress singal.

13. nothing in thsee Rules shall interfere with the operation of any
special rules made by the government of any nation with respect to
additional station and singnal 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 authorised byt their
respective Governments and duly registered and published.

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 shap 2 feet in diameter.

Sound-signals for fog.&c.

15. All signals prescribed by this Article fro 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 4 to 6 seconds duration.

A steam vessel shall be provided with an efficient whistle or siren,
sounded by steam or 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 nicans, and also with an efficient
bell.* A sailing vessel of 20 tons gross tonnacre or upwards shall be
provided with a similar fog-horn and bell.


It, fof, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain-storms, whether by day or

night, the signals described in this Article shall be used as follows,
viz. :-

(a) A steaul vessel having way upon her, shall sound, it intervals of
not more than 2 minutes, a prolonged blast.

(b) A steam vessel under way, but stopped and having no way upon
her, shall sound. at intervals of not inore than 2 minutes., two prolonged
blasts, with an interval of about one second between their.

(c) A sailincy vessel under way shAl sound, at intervals of not more

than one ininute, when on the starboard tack one blast, when on the port
tack two blasts in succession, and when with the wind abaft the beani
three blasts in succession.

d) A vessel when at anchor. shall, at intervals of not more than
one minute, ring the bell rapidly for about .5 seconds.

(e) A vessel, when towing, a vessel employed in laying or in pick-
ing 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 manoeuvre as required by these Rules shall,
insteadd of the signals prescirbed insub-divisions (a) and (c) of this
Article, at intervals of not more than 2 minutes, sound three blasts in
succession, viz: one prolonged blast follwed by two shor balsts. a
vessel towed may give this signal and she shall not give any other.

Sailing vessels and boats of less than 20 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 of ships to be moderate in Fog,&c

16. Every vessel shall, in 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 foe,

signal of a vessel the position of which is not ascertained, shall, so far
as the circumsLances of the case admit, stop her engines, and then

navigate with caution until danger of collision is over.

Steering and Sailing Rides.
Risk of collision can, when. circumstances pertnit, lie ascertained
by carefully watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel.
C
If the bearing does not appreciably change, such risk should be deemed
to exist.

17. When two sailing vessels are approacching one. another, so as

to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of
the other, as follows, viz. :-
(a) A vessel which is running free shall keel) out of the way of a
vessel which is close-hauled.
(b) A vessel which is close-hauled on the port tack shall keep out
of the way of a vessel which is close-hauled on the starboard tack.
(c) Whell both are running free, -,vith the wind on different sides,
the vessel which has the Wind ou the port side shall keep out of the
way of the other.
(d) When 1)oth are running free, with the wind on the same side,
the vessel which is to windward shall keel) out of the wa.y of the vessel
which is to jeesvard.
(e) A vessel which has the wind aft shall keep out of the way of the
other vessel.

18. SY, hen two steam vessels are meetina end on, or nearly end on
so as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter her course to star-
board, so that each may pass on the port side of the other.
This Article only applies to cases where vessels are ineeting end on,
or nearly end on, in such a manner as to involve risk of collision, avid
does not apply to two vessels which must, if both keel) on their respec-
tive 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, oach vessel sees the inasts 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 fier 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 lio-lit without a green light, or a green light without a red

light is scen ahead, or where both green and red lights are see any-

where but alioad.

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

directions as to involve risk of collision, the steam vessel shall keel)
out of the way of the sailim. vessel.

0 21. Where by anv of these Rules. one of two vessels, is to keep out
of the way the other shall keep her course and speed.

-When, in consequence of thick weather or other causes, such
vessel finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action
of the aiving-way vessel alone, she also shall take such action as will

best aid to avert collision. (see Articles 27 and 2g.)

22. Every vessel which is directed bY these Rules to keep out of the
way of allotiter vessel shall, if the circunistances of the case admit, avoid
crossinu alicad of the other.
n
23. Every steam vessel which is directed by these Rules to keel) out
of the way of another vessel shall. on approaching her, if necessary
slacken her speed ot. stop ot. reverse.

24. Notwitlistanding anything contained in these Rules. every
vessel, overtaking any other,shall keep out of the wav of the overtaken

vessel.
Every vessel coming tip with another vessel front any direction more
than 2 points abaft her beam, i.e., in such a position, with reference to
,the vessel which she is overtaking, that at night slic 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 hearing between
the two vessels shall make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel with-
in the ineanincr 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 cannot always knom, with certainty
whether she is forward 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.

25. In narrow channels every steam vessel shall, when it is safe and
practicable, keep to that side of the fair-way or mid-channel which lies
on the starboard side of such vessel.





26. Sailing vessels tinder way shall keep out of the way of sailing

vessels or boats fishing with nds, 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.

27. ln obeyingand construing these Rules, due regard shall be had to

all dangers of navigation and collision, and to any special cireumstances
which may render a departure front the above Rules necessary in order
to avoid immediate danger.

Sound signals fro Vessels in Sighte of one another
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 authorised or required by these Pules, shall in-
dicate that course by the following signals on her whistle or siren, viz:-
one short blast to mean, ' I am directing my con rse 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 neglact proper preacutions.
29. Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any or the owoer,
or master, or crew thereof, front the consequences of' ally neglect to
carry lights or signals, or of any negleet to keep a proper look-out or of

the negleet of any precaution which may be required by tbe ordinar.,
practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.

Reservation of Rulesfor flarbours and Inland Nevigaion.
30. Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of a
special rule, duly made by local authority, relative to the navio-ation of
any harbour, river, or inland waters.

distress Signals.
31. When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance front 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
2. the International Code Agnal of distress indicated by NC;





3. the distantconsisting of a square flag, having either
above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball;

4. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.
At night-

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

2. flames on the vessel (as front a burning tar-barrel, &c.);
3. rockets or shells, throwing stars of any colour or description,
fired One at a time, at short intervals
4. a continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparAus.

SCHEDULE IL

List of countries to which the Regulations ronfained in Schedule 1
apply, subject to the and eonditions stated in the Order and the
Schedule.
Argentine Republic. Italy.
Alistria-Huno.ars Japan.
Bellgium Mexico.
Brazil. Netherlands.
Bulgaria. Norway.
Chile. Peru.
China. Portucyal.
Costa Rieu. Roumania.
Deninark. Russia.
Ecuador. Siam.
Egypt. Spain.
France. Sweden.
Gerniany. Turkey.
Greece. United States.
Guatemala. Venezuela.

SCHEDULE 11.1.

Orders in Council revoked.
14th August, 1879-Approving new regulations for British vessels, and

applying them to the vessels of certain foreign countries.
27th November, 1880.-Applying the regulations of 1879 to the vessels of
certain other foreign countries.
9th September, 1884.-Applying the reaulations of 1884 to French vessels.




30th Decei-nber, 1884-Applying the same rwnilations to the vessels of
certain other foreign countrie 16th May,1885-Applying the same regulations to the vessels of celtaill
other foreign coinitries.

9th July, 1885.-Applying the same regulations to Turkish vessels.
17th September, 188.5.--Applyinh the same regulations to Chilian vessels.
18th Anatist, 1894-Approving regulations as to the lights of British
steam pilot vessels.
279th November, 1891-Approving new regulations for British ships.
C) 7th July, 1897.-Directing that the Order of 1892 shall be construed aS
referring to the regalations of 1897th July, 1897.-A pplying tbe regulations of 1896 to the vessels of certain
foreign countries.
4th April, 1906.-Approving new regulations for British fishing vessels.

NOTE :-The regulations of 1879 (with the exception of Article 10)

still apply to ships belonging to Khelat, Muscat, Zanzibar, Cochin, Travan-

core, Kutch, and Kattyawar. it has not, however, been thought necessary
to print them. They lie found in 'Statutory Rules and Orders', Vol 8.
tit. ' Merchant Shipping ' p. 248.

THE MARITIME CONVENTIONS ACT, 1911.

1 Geo. V. c. 57:-

AN ACT to amend the Law relating to Merchant Shipping with a
view to enabling certain Conventions to be carried into effect.
[16th December, 1911.]

WHEREAS at the Conference lield at Brussels in the year 1910
two conventions, dealing respectively with collisions between vessels and
with salvage, were signed on behalf of His Majesty, and it is desirable
that such arnendments Should be made in the law relatino, to merchant.
shipping as will enable effect to be given to the conventions

Provisions as to Collisions, &c.,
1.-(1) Where, by the fault of two or more vessels, damage or loss

is caused to one or more of those vessels, to their cargoes or freight, or

to any property on board, the liability to make good the damage or loss
shall be in proportion to the degree in which each vessel was in fault:

Provided that-
(a) if, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it is not
possible to establish different degrees of fault, the liability shall be
apportioned equally; and





(b) nothing in this section shall operate so as to render any vessel
liable for any loss or damage to which her fault has not contributed;
and
(c) nothing in this section shall affect the liability of any person un-
der a contract of carriage or any contract, or shall be construed as
imposing any liability upon any person from which he is exempted by
,any contract or by any provision of law, or as affecting the right of any
person to limit his liability in the manner provided by law.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, the expression 'freight' includes
passage money and hire, and references to damage or loss caused by the
fault of a vessel shall be construed as including references to any sal-
vage or other expenses, consequent upon that fault, recoverable at law
by way of damages.

2. Where loss of life or personal injuries are suffered by any person
on board a vessel owing to the fault of that vessel and of any other
vessel or vessels, the liability of the owners of the vessels shall be joint
and several:

Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as depriving
my person of any right of defence on which, independently of this
section, he might have relied in an action brought against him by the
person injured, or any person or persons entitled to sue in respect of
such loss of life, or shall affect the right of any person to limit his
liability in cases to which this section relates in fire manner provided
by law.

3.-(1) Where loss of life or personal injuries are suffered by any
person on board a vessel owing to the fault of that vessel and any other
vessel or vessels, and a proportion of the damages is recovered against
the owners of one of the vessels which exceeds the proportion in which
she was in fault, they inay recover by way of contribution the amount
of the excess from the owners of the other vessel or vessels to the extent
to which those vessels were respectively, in fault:

-Provided that no ainOUDt shall be so recovered which could not, by
reason of any statutory or contractual limitation of, or exemption from,
liability, or which could not for -any other reason, have been recovered
in the first instance as damages by the persons entitled to sue therefor.

(2) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the persons
entitled to any such contribution as aforesaid shall, for the purpose of
recovering the same, have, subject to the provisions of this Act., the
same rights and powers as the persons entitled to sue for damages in the
first instance.





4.-(1) Sub-section (4) of section 419* of the Merchant Shipping
Act, 1894, (which provides that a ship shall be deemed in fault in a ease
of collision where any of tile Collision Regulations have been infringed
by that ship), is hereby repealed.
(2) The failure of the master or person in charge of a vessel to
comply with the provisions of section 422 of the Merchant Shipping
Act, 1894, (which imposes a duty upon -masters and persons in charge
of vessels after a collision to stand by and assist the other vessel), shall
not raise Lily presumption of law that the. collision was caused by his
wrongful act, negleet, or default, and accordinuly sub-section (2) of
that section shall be repealed.

5, Any enactment which confers on any Court of Admiralty jurisdic-
tion in respect of dainage shall have effect as though references to such
damage included references to damages for loss of life or personal
injury, and accordingly proceedings in respect of such damages may be
broualit in rem or in personam.

Provisimis as to Salvage
6.-(1) The master or person in charge of a vessel shall, so far as he
can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, her crew and pas-
sengers (if ,any), render assistance to ever person, even if such person
be a subject of a foreign State at war with His Majesty, who is found
at sea in danuer of beiner lost and. if he fails to do so, lie shall be guilty

of a misdemeanor.
(2) Compliance by the master or person in charge of a vessel with
the provisions of this section shall not affect his right or the right of
any other person to salvage.

7. Where any dispute arises as to the apportionment of ally amount
of salvaue aniono. the owners, master, pilot, crew, and other persons in
the service of -any foreign vessel, the amount. shall be apportioned by
the Court or person making the apportionment in accordance with the
law of tile country to which the vessel belongs.

General provisimis.
8. No action shall be maintainable to enforce any claim or lien
against a vessel or her owners in respect of any damage or loss to
another vessel, her cargo or freight, or ally property on board her,
or damages for loss of life or personal injuries suffered by any person
on board her, caused by the fault of the former vessel, whether such
vessel be wholly or partly in fault, or in respect of any salvage services,
unless proceedings therein are commenced within 2 years from the date





when the damage or loss or injury was caused ol. the salvage services
were rendered, and an action shall not be maintainable under this Act
to enforce any contribution in respect of all overpaid proportion of any
damages for loss of life or personal injuries unless proceedings therein

are commenced within one year front the date of payment

Provided that any Court having jurisdiction to deal with an action
to which this section relates inay, in accordance -,vith the rules of court,
extend any such period, to such extent and oil such conditions as it
thinks fit, and shall, if satisfied that there has not during such period
been any reasonable opportunity of arresting tbe defendatit vessel within
the jurisdiction of the Court, ot. within the territorial waters of the
country to which the plaintiff's ship belong or in which the plaintiff
resides or has his principal place of business, extend any suell period to
an extent sufficient to give such reasonable opportunity.

9.-(1) This Act shall extend throughout His Majesty's dominions

and to ally territories tinder his protection, and to Cyprus

Provided that it shall not extend to the Dominion of Canada, the
Commonwealth of Australia, the Dominion of New Zealand, the Union
of Africa, and Newfoundland.
(2) This Act shall not apply in any case in which proceedings have
been taken before the passing thereof and all such cases shall be deter-

mined as though this Act had not been passed.


(3) The provisions of this Act shall be applied in all cases licard and
determined in lily Court having jurisdiction to deal with the case and
ill whatever waters the damage or loss in question m-as caused, or the
salvage services in question were rendered, and sub-section (9) of section
2.5 of the Suprenic Court of Judicature Act, 10873, shall cease to have
effect.
(4) This Act shall apply to any persons other than the owners
responsible for the fault of the vessel as though the expression owners'
included such persons, and ill any case where, by virtue of any charter
or demise, or for ally other reason, the owners are no t responsible for
the navigation and management of the vessel, this Act shall be read
as though for references to the owners there. were substituted re-
ferences to the charterers or other persons for the time being so re-
sponsible.

16. This Act may be cited as the Maritime Conventions Act, 1911,
and shall be construed as one with the Merchant Shipping Acts, 1894
to 1907.
*[M.S. Act, 1894, ss 418, 424, 434, 734: see Part Vi.] Interpretation. Application of Rules. Steam vessel under way. Rules as to Lights. Steam vessel towing another vessel. Vessel not under command from accident. Vessel laying or picking up cable. Rules as to Lights. [r. 4 contd.] Sailing vessel under way; any vessel being towed. When side lights cannot be fixed, to be kept ready for use. Exceptions. Steam vessels of less than 40 tons. Rules as to Lights [r. 7 contd.] Small steam-bosts. Vessels under oars or sails of less than 20 tons. Rowing boats. Pilot-vessels. Steam pilot-vessels. Rules as to Lights. [r. 8 contd.] Fishing vessels and boats under way. Open boats. Vessels and boats fishing with drift-nets. Rules as to Lights [r. 9 contd.] Trawlers: Steam vessels. Sailing vessels. Vessels with dredge-nets. Vessels and boats at anchor. Rules as to Lights [r. 9 contd.] Vessels and boats stationary from getting fast. Fishing vessels in bad weather. Fishing vessels and boats to carry special signal. Overtaken vessel. Rules as to Lights. [r. 10 contd.] Vessel at anchor. Vessel aground in or near fairway. Special signals when necessary. Saving for specially authorised lights and signals. Steam vessel under sail, with funnel up. Vessels under way. Forms of signals. Fog signals. [r. 15 contd.] Steam vessel under way. Sailing vessel under way. Vessel at anchor. Vessel towing, or laying or picking up cable. Sailing vessels and boats of less than 20 tons. Speed of ships in fog. Fog signals. [r. 16 contd.] Steam vessel hearing fog signal forward of her beam. Risk of collision how to be ascertained. Two sailing vessels approaching. Two steam vessels meeting ernd on. Steering and Sailing Rules [r. 18 contd.] Two steam vessels crossing. Steam and sailing vessels. One vessel 'to keep out of the way' the other to keep her course and speed. Vessel to keep out of the way not to cross ahead. Steam vessel to slacken, stop or reverse. Overtaking to keep out of way of over-taken vessel. Steam vessels in narrow channels. Steering and Sailing Rules. Sailing vessels under way to keep out of way of fishing vessels. Departure from rules in order to avoid immediate danger. Vessels in sight of one another. Proper lights to be carried, and look-out kept. Saving for local rules of navigation. Signals from vessels reequiring assistance. Distress Signals.[r. 31 contd.] Orders in Council revoked. [contd.] Rule as to division of loss. Act of 1911. [s. 1 contd.] Damages for personal injuries. Right of contribution. Abolition of statutory presumptions of fault. *[cf. P. 230.] Jurisdiction in case of loss of life or personal injury. General duty to render assistance to persons in danger at sea. Apportionment of salvage amongst owners, &c., of foreign ship. Limitation of actions. Act if 1911. [s. 8 contd.] Application of Act. [36 & 37 Vict. C. 66.} Short title and construction.

*[M.S. Act, 1894, ss 418, 424, 434, 734: see Part Vi.] Interpretation. Application of Rules. Steam vessel under way. Rules as to Lights. Steam vessel towing another vessel. Vessel not under command from accident. Vessel laying or picking up cable. Rules as to Lights. [r. 4 contd.] Sailing vessel under way; any vessel being towed. When side lights cannot be fixed, to be kept ready for use. Exceptions. Steam vessels of less than 40 tons. Rules as to Lights [r. 7 contd.] Small steam-bosts. Vessels under oars or sails of less than 20 tons. Rowing boats. Pilot-vessels. Steam pilot-vessels. Rules as to Lights. [r. 8 contd.] Fishing vessels and boats under way. Open boats. Vessels and boats fishing with drift-nets. Rules as to Lights [r. 9 contd.] Trawlers: Steam vessels. Sailing vessels. Vessels with dredge-nets. Vessels and boats at anchor. Rules as to Lights [r. 9 contd.] Vessels and boats stationary from getting fast. Fishing vessels in bad weather. Fishing vessels and boats to carry special signal. Overtaken vessel. Rules as to Lights. [r. 10 contd.] Vessel at anchor. Vessel aground in or near fairway. Special signals when necessary. Saving for specially authorised lights and signals. Steam vessel under sail, with funnel up. Vessels under way. Forms of signals. Fog signals. [r. 15 contd.] Steam vessel under way. Sailing vessel under way. Vessel at anchor. Vessel towing, or laying or picking up cable. Sailing vessels and boats of less than 20 tons. Speed of ships in fog. Fog signals. [r. 16 contd.] Steam vessel hearing fog signal forward of her beam. Risk of collision how to be ascertained. Two sailing vessels approaching. Two steam vessels meeting ernd on. Steering and Sailing Rules [r. 18 contd.] Two steam vessels crossing. Steam and sailing vessels. One vessel 'to keep out of the way' the other to keep her course and speed. Vessel to keep out of the way not to cross ahead. Steam vessel to slacken, stop or reverse. Overtaking to keep out of way of over-taken vessel. Steam vessels in narrow channels. Steering and Sailing Rules. Sailing vessels under way to keep out of way of fishing vessels. Departure from rules in order to avoid immediate danger. Vessels in sight of one another. Proper lights to be carried, and look-out kept. Saving for local rules of navigation. Signals from vessels reequiring assistance. Distress Signals.[r. 31 contd.] Orders in Council revoked. [contd.] Rule as to division of loss. Act of 1911. [s. 1 contd.] Damages for personal injuries. Right of contribution. Abolition of statutory presumptions of fault. *[cf. P. 230.] Jurisdiction in case of loss of life or personal injury. General duty to render assistance to persons in danger at sea. Apportionment of salvage amongst owners, &c., of foreign ship. Limitation of actions. Act if 1911. [s. 8 contd.] Application of Act. [36 & 37 Vict. C. 66.} Short title and construction.

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