SEMAPHORES.

The Semaphores, or Signal Stations, established on the coasts of France, have, wherever practicable, the means of intercommunication by Electro-Telegraphic Wires with each other, and with the chief Metropolitan, Provincial, and Foreign Telegraph Stations.

By the method hereafter described, passing vessels will be able to exchange communication with these Semaphores, and their messages will be received, and, if required, forwarded to their destination, according to the established Tariff of Rates.

Although at present there are no similar facilities of communication placed at the service of Shipping frequenting the coasts of the United Kingdom, it is believed that should Signal Stations be heaeafter established, the French system affords the simplest means of signalling by Semaphore between the shore and ships in the offing at a distance whence the Colours of Flags would not be distinguishable.

At a moderate distance the Signal Flags of the Code can of course be used by both ships and signal stations, but the Distance Signals should on all occasions be employed by ships when it is foumd that the Code Flags cannot be made out.

The Semaphores are furnished with Three Arms. When at rest the arms are not visible. When at work the position of the arms in the three directions indicated in the plate (page 52), represents respectively the Three Symbols used in the Distant Signal Code.

The Semaphore Signals will, consequently, be always read off as Distant Signals, the position or direction of the arms indicating respectively the Pennant, the Ball, or the Flag.

ADAPTATION OF THE FRENCH SEMAPHORIC SYSTEM TO THE COMMERCIAL CODE FOR MAKING DISTANT SIGNALS. N.B.-The Disc at the top of the mast remains in the position indicated at the next page whilst Signals are being made by this Code.

By means of the above Symbols, all the Signals of the Distant Signal Code may be made as shewn below. Handkerchiefs, Hats, Buckets, or Baskets may be used in making these signals; and if no mast, pole, or spar is handy, these signals can be made by holding the hat, bundle, or other symbol at arm's length. The Signals will be made from right to left, and be read off from left to right.

"Stop" or Finish after each complete Signal.

NOTE 1.-It is necessary, however, in using the proper means to attract attention, to avoid those which may occasion confusion.

NOTE 2. The rule for making Boat Signals will, perhaps, be better understood, as follows:

Boat Signals are made by the first man, stretching his left arm out, the second man to stand at the left hand of the first, and so in order. The Signals are to be read in the same order as a person would read his

own name.

EXTRACTS FROM THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 1876. Cadidates will be questioned on the following subjects:

"The record of the draught of water of any sea-going ship required under section 5 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1871, shall, in addition to the particulars thereby required, specify the extent of her clear side, in feet and inches.

H

“The term 'clear side' means the height from the water to the upper side of the plank of the deck from which the depth of hold as stated in the register is measured, and the measurement of the clear side is to be taken at the lowest part of the side.

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Every master of a sea-going ship shall, upon the request of any person appointed to record the ship's draught of water, permit such person to enter the ship and to make such inspections and take such measurements as may be requisite for the purpose of such record, and any master who fails so to do, or impedes, or suffers any one under his control to impede, any person so appointed in the execution of his duty, shall for each offence incur a penalty not exceeding £5.

"3. A square flag having either above, or below it, a ball.

"At Night.

"1. A minute gun.

"2. A burning tar barrel, oil barrel, &c.

"3. Rockets or shells, fired one at a time at short intervals.

"Signals to be made by Ships wanting a Pilot."

"In the Daytime.

"1. The Union Jack at the fore;

"2. The Code signal P T.

"At Night.

1.

A blue light every fifteen minutes; or,

"2. A bright white light, shewn at frequent intervals just above the bulwarks, for about a minute at a time."

Q. Where are the signal stations on the East and South Coasts? A. Flamborough Head, Bridlington, Grimsby; Yarmouth (Norfolk); Aldborough; Broadstairs; Deal; Dover; Dungeness; Yarmouth (Isle of Wight); Prawle Point; Penzance (Mounts Bay).

INSTUCTIONS FOR THE GUIDANCE OF MASTERS AND SEAMEN WHEN USING THE ROCKET APPARATUS FOR SAVING LIFE.

In the event of your vessel stranding on the coasts of the United Kingdom, and the lives of the crew being placed in danger, assistance will, if possible, be rendered from the shore in the following manner; namely,

1. A rocket with a thin line attached will be fired across your vessel. Get hold of this line as soon as you can; and when you have secured it, let one of the crew be separated from the rest, and, if in the daytime, wave his hat or his hand, or a flag or handkerchief; or, if at