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PART II.
Examination Service.
(4.) In certain circumstances it is also necessary to take special measures to examine vessels desiring to enter the ports or localities at home or abroad, referred to in Part III. of this Notice.
(5) In such case, vessels carrying the distinguishing flags or lights mentioned in paragraph (7) will be charged with the duty of examining ships which desire to enter the ports and of allotting positions in which they shall anchor. If Government vessels, or vessels belonging to the local port authority, are found partrolling in the offing, mer- chant vessels are advised to communicate with such vessels with a view to obtaining information as to the course on which they should approach the Examination Anchorage. Such communication will not be necessary in cases where the pilot on board has already received this information from the local authorities.
(6) As the institution of the Examination Service at any port will never be publicly advertised, especial care shall be taken in approaching the ports, by day or night, to keep a sharp look-out for any vessel carrying the flags or lights mentioned in paragraph (7), and to be ready to "bring to at once when hailed by her or warned by the firing of a gun or sound rocket.
In entering by night any of the ports mentioned in Part III., serious delay and risk will be avoided if four efficient all round lamps, two red and two white, are kept available for use.
(7) By day the distinguishing flags of the Examination Steamer will be a special flag (white and red horizontal surrounded by a blue border) and a blue ensign.
Also, three red vertical balls if the port is closed.
1
&
SPECIAL FLAG
THREE RED BALLS
ONT RED
BLUE
By night the steamer will carry :
(a) Three red vertical lights if the port is closed.
(b) Three white vertical lights if the port is open.
The above lights will be carried in addition to the ordinary navigation lights, and will show an unbroken light around the horizon.
(8) Masters are warned that, before attempting to enter any of these ports when the Examination Service is in force, they must in their own interests strictly obey all instructions given to them by the Examination Steamer. In the absence of any instruc- tions from the Examination Steamer they must proceed to the position marked “Examina- tion Anchorage" on the Admiralty Charts and anchor there, or keep the sea.
Whilst at anchor in the Examination Anchorage, Masters are warned that they must not lower any boats (except to avoid accident), communicate with the shore, work cables, move the ship, or allow anyone to leave the ship, without permission from the Examina- tion Steamer.
(9) In case of fog, Masters are enjoined to use the utmost care, and the Examination Anchorage itself should be approached with caution,
(10) Merchant vessels when approaching ports are especially cautioned against making use of private signals of any description, either by day or night: the use of them. will render a vessel liable to be fired on.
(11) The pilots attached to the ports will be acquainted with the regulations to be followed.
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