218
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3RD APRIL, 1897.
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 cannot 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 27 and 29.)
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.
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.
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, ze.. 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 cannot 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.
ART. 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.
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.
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 abové Rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.
Sound Signals for Vessels in Sight of one Another.
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, 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.'
3
""
No Vessel under any Circumstances to neglect proper Precautions.
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 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.
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 harbour, river, or inland waters.
SCHEDULE II.
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;
2. The International Code signal of distress indicated by NC;
3. The distant signal, consisting 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 from a burning tar-barrel, oil-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 apparatus.