as to involve risk of collision, the helms of both shall be put to port, so that each may pass on the port side of the other.

Rule nineteen. If two vessels under steam 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.

Rule twenty. If two vessels, one of which is a sail-vessel and the other a steam-vessel, are proceeding in such directions as to involve risk of collision, the steam-vessel shall keep out of the way of the sail-vessel.

Rule twenty-one. Every steam-vessel, when approaching another vessel, so as to involve risk of collision, shall slacken her speed, or, if necessary, stop and reverse; and every steam-vessel shall, when in a fog, go at a moderate speed.

Rule twenty-two. Every vessel overtaking any other vessel shall keep out of the way of the last-mentioned vessel.

Rule twenty-three. Where, by Rules seventeen, nineteen, twenty, and twenty-two, one of two vessels shall keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course, subject to the qualifications of Rule twenty-four.

Rule twenty-four. In construing and obeying these rules, due regard must be had to all dangers of navigation, and to any special circumstances which may exist in any particular case rendering a departure from them necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.

Forfeiture of sailing-vessels for omission of lights.

SEC. 4234. Collectors or other chief officers of the customs shall require all sail-vessels to be furnished with proper signal-lights, and every such vessel shall, on the approach of any steam-vessel during the night time, show a lighted torch upon that point or quarter to which such steam-vessel shall be approaching. Every such vessel that shall be navigated without complying with the provisions of this and the preceding section shall be liable to a penalty of two hundred dollars, one-half to go to the informer, for which sum the vessel so navigated shall be liable, and may be seized and proceeded against by way of libel in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction of the offense.

PILOT RULES FOR LAKE AND SEABOARD.

Rules and regulations for the government of pilots navigating seas, gulfs, lakes, bays, sounds, or rivers, except rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, and their tributaries. Revised and adopted by the Board of Supervising Inspectors June 10, 1871, as authorized by act of Congress to provide for the better security of life on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, and for other purposes, approved February 28, 1871, to take effect January 1, 1872. (Amended January, 1875.)

RULE I.-When steamers are approaching each other "head and head," or nearly so, it shall be the duty of each steamer to pass to the right, or on the port side of the other; and the pilot of either steamer may be first in determining to pursue this course, and thereupon shall give, as a signal of his intention, one short and distinct blast of his steam-whistle, which the pilot of the other steamer shall answer promptly by a similar blast of his steam-whistle, and thereupon such steamers shall pass to the right, or on the port side of each other. But if the course of such steamers is so far on the starboard of each other as not to be considered by the pilots as meeting "head and head," or nearly so, or if the vessels are approaching each other in such a manner that passing to the right (as above directed) is deemed unsafe by the pilot of either vessel, the pilot so first deciding shall immediately give two short and distinct blasts of his steam-whistle, which the pilot of the other steamer shall answer promply by two similar blasts of his steam-whistle, and they shall pass to the left, or on the starboard side of each other.

NOTE. In the night, steamers will be considered meeting "head and head" so long as both the colored lights of each are in view of the other. In the day, a similar position will also be considered "head and head."

RULE II.-When steamers are approaching each other in an oblique direction (as shown in diagram of the fifth situation), they shall pass to the right of each other, as if meeting "head and head," or nearly so, and the signals by whistle shall be given and answered promptly, as in that case specified.

RULE III.-If, when steamers are approaching each other, the pilot of either vessel fails to understand the course or intention of the other, whether from the signals being given or answered erroneously, or from other causes, the pilot so in doubt shall immediately signify the same by giving several short and rapid blasts of the steamwhistle; and if the vessel shall have approached within half a mile of each other,

both shall be immediately slowed to a speed barely sufficient for steerage-way, until the proper signals are given, answered, and understood, or until the vessels shall have passed each other.

RULE IV.-When steamers are running in a fog or thick weather, it shall be the duty of the pilot to cause a long blast of the steam-whistle to be sounded, at intervals not exceeding one minute, and no steamer shall, in any case, be justified in coming in collision with another vessel if it be possible to avoid it.

RULE V.-Whenever a steamer is nearing a short bend or curve in the channel, where, from the height of the banks or other cause, a steamer approaching from the opposite direction cannot be seen for a distance of half a mile, the pilot of such steamer, when he shall have arrived within half a mile of such curve or bend, shall give a signal by one long blast of the steam-whistle, which signal shall be answered by a similar blast, given by the pilot of any approaching steamer that may be within hearing. Should such signal be so answered by a steamer upon the farther side of such bend, then the usual signals for meeting and passing shall immediately be given and answered; but if the first alarm-signal of such pilot be not answered, he is to consider the channel clear and govern himself accordingly.

RULE VI.—The signals, by blowing of the steam-whistle, shall be given and answered by pilots in compliance with these rules not only when meeting "head and head." or nearly so, but at all times when passing or meeting at a distance within half a mile of each other, and whether passing to the starboard or port.

N. B.-The foregoing rules are to be complied with in all cases, except when steamers are navigating s crowded channel, or in the vicinity of wharves; under such circumstances steamers must be run and managed with great caution, sounding the whistle, as may be necessary, to guard against collision er other accidents.

RULE VIL-All steamers rigged for carrying sail, when under way, must carry a bright white light at the foremast head, and all other steamers must carry a bright white light on the stem or near the bow, and another on a mast near the stern, or on the flagstaff at the stern, the last named being at an elevation of at least twenty feet above all other lights upon the steamer. All steamers must carry a green light upon the starboard side and a red light on the port side.

NOTE-Steamers, although rigged for carrying sail, instead of the foremast head-light, may adopt the forward and stern lights provided for steamers not rigged for carrying sail, provided said lights are so arranged and placed on the vessel as to secure the contemplated objects.

When at anchor, a bright white light shall be exhibited at least twenty feet above the surface of the water, the lantern so constructed and placed as to show a good light all around the horizon.

RULE VIII.—That when two steamers are approaching the narrows known as "Hellgate," on the East River, at New York, side by side, or nearly so, running in the same direction, the steamer on the right or starboard hand of the other (when approaching from the west), when they shall have arrived abreast of the north end of Blackwell's Island, shall have the right of way, and the steamer on the left or port side of the other shall check her way and drop astern. In like case, when two steamers are approaching from the east, and are abreast of Negro Point, the steamer on the right or starboard hand of the other shall have the right of way, and shall proceed on her course without interference, and the steamer on the port side of the other shall keep at a safe distance astern (not less than three lengths) until both steamers have passed through the difficult channel.

RULE IX. Steam-vessels, when towing other vessels, shall carry two bright white mast-head lights vertically, in addition to their side lights, so as to distinguish them from other steam-vessels. Each of these mast-head lights shall be of the same construction and character as the mast-head lights which other steam-vessels are required to carry; and in addition to the lights herein referred to, when engaged in towing canal boats and barges, or both, as is customary on the Hudson and other rivers, white lights shall also be carried on the extreme outside of the tow on either hand, and also on the extreme afterpart of the same.

RULE X.-When steamers are running in a fog or thick weather, and the pilot elects to lay by, or, as it is usual to say, drift, or if at anchor, with steam up, in the fairway of other steamers, it shall be the duty of the pilot to cause three distinct blasts of the steam-whistle to be sounded at intervals not exceeding three minutes: Provided, however, That nothing herein shall be construed to, in any way, conflict with Rule IV, regulating fog-signals, when under way.

NOTE-The object of this rule is to give timely notice to approaching steamers that the steamer giv. ing such signal is lying still or at anchor, as the case may be, in thick weather.

I The mast-head light of steamers rigged for carrying sail to be visible at a distance of at least five miles on a clear, dark night, and the lantern to be so constructed as to show a uniform and unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of twenty points of the compass, viz, from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on either side of the ship.

2. The stem and stern lights of steamers not rigged for carrying sail to be visible at a distance of at least five miles on a clear, dark night, and the respective lanterns to be so constructed that the stemhight shall show a uniform and unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of twenty points of the compass, víz, from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on either side of the ship, and that the sternlights shall show a uniform light all around the horizon.

3. The colored side-lights to be visible at a distance of at least two miles on a clear, dark night, and the lanterns to be so constructed as to show a uniform and unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass, viz, from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on their respective sides. 4. The side-lights are to be fitted with inboard screens of at least three feet in length (clear of the lantern), to prevent them from being seen across the bow, the screens to be placed in a fore-and-aft line with the inner edge of the side-lights, and in contact therewith.

NOTE 1st. The object of carrying the bright white light at the foremast-head of steamers rigged for carrying sail is merely to intimate to other vessels the approach or presence of such steamers.

NOTE 2d.-The object of the colored lights required to be carried on all steamers is to indicate to other vessels the course or direction such steamer may be steering.

NOTE 3d.-The object of requiring steamers not rigged for carrying sail to carry a white stern light, in connection with a white light on the stem or near the bow, is to provide (when the vessel's rig will admit of it), by a central range of lights, a method of determining more correctly the course that such vessel is steering.

RULE XI. When steamers are running in the same direction, and the pilot of the steamer which is astern shall desire to pass on the right or starboard hand of the steamer ahead, he shall give one short blast of the steam-whistle as a signal of such desire and intention, and shall put his helm to port; and the pilot of the steamer ahead shall answer by the same signal, or, if he prefer to keep on his course, he shall make the necessary signals, and the boat wishing to pass must govern herself accordingly, but the boat ahead shall in no case attempt to cross her bow or crowd upon her course.

DIAGRAMS.

The following diagrams are intended to illustrate the working of the foregoing system of colored lights, and are to be used by pilots, in connection with the rules as sailing directions on meeting or nearing other steamers:

First situation.

In this situation the steamer A will only see the red light of the steamer B, in whichever of the three positions the latter may happen to be, because the green light will be hid from view; A will be assured that the port side of B is toward him, and that the latter is therefore crossing the bows of A in some direction to port;

A

B

B

B

A will therefore (if so near as to fear collision) port his helm with confidence and pass clear.

On the other hand, the steamer B, in either of

the three positions, will see both the red and green lights of A, by which the former will know that a steamer is approaching directly toward him; B will act accordingly, and keep away if necessary.

Second situation.

Here A will see B's green light only, which will clearly indicate to the former that B is crossing to starboard. Again, both the colored lights of A being visible to B, will apprise the latter that a steamer is steering directly toward him. If necessary, A shall starboard his helm; and if so near as to fear collision, the boat shall be slowed and stopped.

B

A

Third situation.

A and B will see each other's red light only, the screens preventing the green lights from being seen. Both vessels are evidently passing to port, which is rulable in this situation, each pilot having previously signified

his intention by one blast of the steam-whistle.

A

B

Fourth situation.

Here the green light only will be visible to each, the screens preventing the red light from being seen. They are, therefore, passing to starboard, which is rulable in this situation, each pilot having previously signified his intention by two blasts of the steam-whistle.

A

B

Fifth situation.

This is a situation requiring great caution; the red light of B in view to A, and the green light of A in view to B, will inform both that they are approaching each other in an oblique direction. A should put his helm to port, according to the standing rale mentioned in the next or sixth situation, and pass astern of B, while B should continue on his course, or port his helm, if necessary, to avoid collision, each having previously given one blast of the steam-whistle, as required by the rule, when passing to the right.

B

Sixth situation.

Here the two colored lights, visible to each, will indicate their direct approach ("head and head") toward each other. In this situation it is a standing rule that both shall put their helms to port and pass to the right, each having previously given

A

one blast of the steam-whistle. But when for good reasons, in rivers and narrow and difficult channels, a pilot finds it necessary to deviate from the standing rule just stated, he shall give early notice of such intention to the pilot of the other steamer by giving two blasts of the steam-whistle, and the pilot of the other vessel shall

answer promptly with two blasts of his whistle, and both boats shall pass to the left, as shown in the fourth situation.

The manner of fixing the colored lights should be particularly attended to. They will require to be fitted each with a screen of wood or canvas, on the inboard side, and close to the light, in order to prevent both being seen at the same moment from any direction but that of right ahead.

This is important, for without the screen any plan of bow-lights would be ineffectual as a means of indicating the direction of steering. This will be readily understood by a reference to the preceding illustrations, where it will appear evident that in any situation in which two vessels may approach each other in the dark, the colored lights will instantly indicate to both the relative course of each-that is, each will know whether the other is approaching directly, or crossing the bows either to starboard or to port.

This intimation, with the signals by whistle as provided, is all that is required to enable vessels to pass each other in the darkest night with almost equal safety as in broad day. If at anchor, all vessels, without distinction, must exhibit a bright white light at least twenty feet above the surface of the water.

PILOT RULES FOR WESTERN RIVERS.

Rules and regulations for the government of pilots of steamers navigating the rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, and their tributaries. Revised and adopted by the Board of Su pervising Inspectors June 12, 1871, as authorized by act of Congress to provide for the better security of life on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, and for other purposes, approved February 28, 1871, to take effect January 1, 1872. (Amended January, 1875.)

RULE I.—When steamers are approaching each other, the signal for passing shall be one sound of the steam-whistle to keep to the right, and two sounds of the steamwhistle to keep to the left. These signals to be made first by the ascending steamer. If the dangers of navigation, darkness of the night, narro wness of the channel, or any other cause, render it necessary for the descending boat to take the other side, she can do so by making the necessary signals, and the ascending steamer must govern herself accordingly. These signals to be observed by all steamers, either day or night. RULE II.-Should steamers be likely to pass near each other, and these signals should not be made and answered by the time such boats shall have arrived at the distance of eight hundred yards from each other, the engines of both boats shall be stopped; or should the signal be given and not properly understood, from any cause whatever, both boats shall be backed until their headway shall be fully checked, and the engines shall not be again started ahead until the proper signals are made, answered, and understood. Doubts or fears of misunderstanding signals shall be expressed by several short sounds of the whistle in quick succession.

RULE III.-When two boats are about to enter a narrow channel at the same time, the ascending boat shall be stopped below such channel until the descending boat shall have passed through it; but should two boats unavoidably meet in such a channel, then it shall be the duty of the pilot of the ascending boat to make the proper signals, and, when answered by the descending boat, to lie as close as possible to the side of the channel the exchange of signals may have determined, as allowed by Rule I, and either stop the engines or move them so as only to give the boat steerage-way, and the pilot of the descending boat shall cause his boat to be worked slowly until he has passed the ascending boat.

RULE IV.-When a steamer is ascending and running close on a bar or shore, the pilot shall in no case attempt to cross the river when a descending boat shall be so near that it would be possible for a collision to ensue therefrom.

RULE V.-No pilot of a descending steamer shall run down any island chute which is not the usual channel of the river, except such chutes as are designated by these rules, or may hereafter be designated to the Board of Supervising Inspectors.

RULE VI.-When any steamer, whether ascending or descending, is nearing a short bend or point where, from any cause, a steamer approaching in an opposite direction cannot be seen at a distance of six hundred yards, the pilot of such steamer, when he shall have arrived within six hundred yards of that bend or point, shall give a signal of one long sound of his steam-whistle as a notice to any steamer that may be approaching; and should there be any approaching steamer within hearing of such signal, it shall be the duty of the pilot thereof to answer such signal by one long sound of his steam-whistle, when both boats shall be navigated with the proper precautions, as required by preceding rules.

RULE VII.-When a steamer is running in a fog or thick weather, it shall be the duty of the pilot to sound his steam-whistle at intervals not exceeding one minute.