12567-1909-Cantion-when-approaching-British-Ports — Page 1

THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, OCTOBER 22, 1909.

No. 667.

HARBOUR MASTER'S DEPARTMENT.

The following notice is published for general information.

22nd October, 1909.

BASIL TAYLOR, Commander, R.N.,

Harbour Master, &c.

863

NOTICE TO MARINERS.

The last Notice to Mariners published in 1908 was No. 2075. [No. 1 of the year 1909.]

All.

I.

CAUTION WHEN APPROACHING BRITISH PORTS.

(1.) My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, having taken into consideration the fact that circumstances may arise in which it may be necessary, on account of periodical exercises, manœuvres, or otherwise, to forbid all entrance to the Naval Ports at night, this is to give Notice that on approaching the shores of Great Pritain, or any port of the British Empire, if search lights are observed to be in constant operation, the Naval Ports should be approached with great caution, as it may be apprehended that obstructions may exist outside. or that the entrances may be altogether closed.

(2.) If an entrance to a port is closed, three red vertical lights by night, or three red balls by day, will be exhibited in some conspicuous position, in or near to its approach, and as far as possible notice of this fact will be given by look-out vessels in the offing.

In this case vessels must either proceed to the position marked Anchorage" on the Admiralty charts and anchor there, or keep the sea.

41

Examination

II.

EXAMINATION SERVICE.

(1.) In the event of relations becoming strained between this country and any Naval Power, it may become necessary to take special measures to examine vessels desiring to enter the ports or localities in the United Kingdom and His Majesty's Possessions abroad, men- tioned at the end of this Notice.

(2.) In such case, vessels carrying the distinguishing flags or lights mentioned in para- graph (4) will be charged with the duty of examining ships which desire to enter the ports and of allotting positions in which they shall anchor.

(3.) As the institution of the Examination Service at any port will never be publicly advertised, especial care should be taken in approaching the ports, by day or night, at such times of strained relations, to keep a sharp look out for any vessel carrying the above-men- tioned flags or lights, and to be ready to

at once when hailed by her or warned by the firing of a gun.

66

bring to

(4.) By day the distinguishing flags of the Fxamination 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.

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.