(a) In a narrow channel every power-driven vessel when proceeding along the course of the channel shall, when it is safe and practicable, keep to that side of the fairway or midchannel which lies on the starboard side of such vessel.

(b) Whenever a power-driven vessel is nearing a bend in a channel where a vessel approaching from the other direction cannot be seen, such powerdriven vessel, when she shall have arrived within one-half (1/2) mile of the bend, shall give a signal by one prolonged blast on her whistle, which signal shall be answered by a similar blast given by any approaching power-driven vessel that may be within hearing around the bend. Regardless of whether an approaching vessel on the farther side of the bend is heard, such bend shall be rounded with alertness and caution.

(c) In a narrow channel a power-driven vessel of less than 19.80 m (65 feet) in length shall not hamper the safe passage of a vessel which can navigate only inside such channel.

Rule 26

All vessels not engaged in fishing, except vessels to which the provisions of Rule 4 apply, shall, when under way, keep out of the way of vessels engaged in fishing. This Rule shall not give to any vessel engaged in fishing the right of obstructing a fairway used by vessels other than fishing vessels.

Rule 27

In obeying and construing these Rules, due regard shall be had to all danger of navigation and collision, and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the craft involved, which may render a departure from the above Rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.

Fig. 60. Approaching to within one-half mile of the bend, give
a signal with the whistle, which shall be answered by a similar
blast by an approaching vessel around the bend.

Part E

Rule 28

(a) When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel under way, in taking any course authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that course by the following signals on her whistle, namely:

one short blast to mean "I am altering my course to starboard"; - two short blasts to mean "I am altering my course to port"; - three short blasts to mean "My engines are going astern."

(b) Whenever a power-driven vessel which, under these Rules, is to keep her course and speed, is in sight of another vessel and is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other vessel to avert collision, she may indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. The giving of such a signal shall not relieve a vessel of her obligations under Rules 27 and 29 or any other Rule, or of her duty to indicate any action taken under these Rules by giving the appropriate sound signals laid down in this Rule.

(c) Any whistle signal mentioned in this Rule may be further indicated by a visual signal consisting of a white light visible all round the horizon at a distance of at least 5 miles, and so devised that it will operate simultaneously and in conjunction with the whistle-sounding mechanism and remain lighted and visible during the same period as the sound signal.

(d) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the Government of any nation with respect to the use of additional whistle signals between ships of war or vessels sailing under convoy.

SECTION 29. MISCELLANEOUS

Part F

Rule 29

Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to carry lights or signals, or of any neglect to keep a proper lookout, 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.

Rule 30

Reservation of Rules for Harbors and Inland Navigation

Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of a special rule duly made by local authority relative to the navigation of any harbor, river, lake, or inland water, including a reserved seaplane area.

Rule 31

Distress Signals

(a) When a vessel or seaplane on the water 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, namely: (I) a gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute; (II) a continuous sounding with any fog-signalling apparatus; (III) rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short

intervals;

(IV) a signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signalling method consisting of the group in the Morse Code; (V) a signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word "Mayday";

(VI) the International Code Signal of distress, indicated by N.C.; (VII) a signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball;

etc.);

(VIII) flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel,

(IX) a rocket or parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light; (X) a smoke signal giving off a volume of orange-colored smoke; (XI) slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side.

NOTE: Vessels in distress may use the radiotelegraph alarm signal or the radiotelephone alarm signal to secure attention to distress calls and messages, the radiotelegraph alarm signal, which is designed to actuate the radiotelegraph auto alarms of vessels so fitted, consists of a series of 12 dashes, sent in 1 minute, the duration of each dash being 4 seconds, and the duration of the interval between 2 consecutive dashes being 1 second. The radiotelephone alarm signal consists of 2 tones transmitted alternately over periods of from 30 seconds to 1 minute.

(b) The use of any of the foregoing signals, except for the purpose of indicating that a vessel or seaplane is in distress, and the use of any signals which may be confused with any of the above signals, is prohibited.

ANNEX TO THE RULES

SECTION 30. RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE USE OF RADAR
INFORMATION AS AN AID TO AVOIDING

COLLISIONS AT SEA

1. Assumptions made on scanty information may be dangerous and should be avoided.

2. A vessel navigating with the aid of radar in restricted visibility must, in compliance with Rule 16 (a), go at a moderate speed. Information obtained from the use of radar is one of the circumstances to be taken into account when determining moderate speed. In this regard, it must be recognized that small vessels, small icebergs and similar floating objects may not be detected by radar. Radar indications of one or more vessels in the vicinity may mean that "moderate speed" should be slower than a mariner without radar might consider moderate in the circumstances.

3. When navigating in restricted visibility, the radar range and bearing alone do not constitute ascertainment of the position of the other vessel under Rule 16 (b) sufficiently to relieve a vessel of the duty to stop her engines and navigate with caution when a fog signal is heard forward of the beam.

4. When action has been taken under Rule 16 (c) to avoid a close quarters situation, it is essential to make sure that such action is having the desired effect. Alterations of course or speed or both are matters as to which the mariner must be guided by the circumstances of the case.

5. Alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid close quarters, provided that:

(a) there is sufficient sea room;

(b) it is made in good time;

(c) it is substantial; a succession of small alterations of course should be avoided;

(d) it does not result in a close quarters situation with other vessels.

6. The direction of an alteration of course is a matter in which the mariner must be guided by the circumstances of the case. An alteration to starboard, particularly when vessels are approaching apparently on opposite or nearly opposite courses, is generally preferable to an alteration to port.

7. An alteration of speed, either alone or in conjunction with an alteration of course, should be substantial. A number of small alterations of speed should be avoided.

8. If a close quarters situation is imminent, the most prudent action may be to take all way off the vessel.

SECTION 31. BRIEF EXPLANATIONS OF THE RULES OF THE ROAD

1. Preliminary Remarks

The officer of the watch must have a thorough knowledge of the Rules of the Road and other statutes governing navigation and passing of ships at sea, and must also understand and be able to correctly carry out all of the provisions contained therein in any specific situation.

In utilizing the Rules of the Road in their practical application, navigators should remember the following.

1. The rules are laws, not recommendations.

2. The requirements of the Rules should be carried out without hesitation; hesitation and procrastination in carrying out these Rules are extremely dangerous.

3. The Rules are applied to all ships equally, irrespective of the flag, ownership (State or private concern), nature of their mission, dimensions, speed and the extent to which the ship is equipped with navigational instruments, including radar gear.

4. The Rules apply to ships plying the high seas as well as in associated waters, with the exception of the inland waters of a State, where special local regulations may be established and in effect.

5. While operating on the high seas and in areas where circumstances permit, ships shall not be permitted, except in case of need, to come so close that the Rules of the Road must be applied.

The Rules stipulate that navigators must take the necessary measures not only to avoid collision but also to avoid the slightest possibility or risk of endangering his ship in any manner.

2. Lights and Shapes

A constant check must be maintained to make sure that all navigation lights, when utilized, are "burning brightly," and do not dim or become obscured. Special attention should be devoted to lights in stormy weather and snow flurries. A periodic check should be made to make sure the lights are operating properly and burning brightly.