answered by pilots, in compliance with the rules in this part, when approaching each other; and wherever possible, the signals shall be given and answered before the steamers have arrived at a distance of half a mile of each other.

§ 332.10

Two steam vessels on opposite courses at 15 knots approach each other at the rate of 500 feet every 10 seconds. This is a poor place for delayed action.

If you change course 1° you will have to run 60 miles to move over one mile.

Changing course 20° is harder on the steering gear than changing 2o, but easier on the blood pressure.

A kick ahead when your speed is too slow is a better remedy than a kick astern when your speed is too fast.

PART IV

THE OVERTAKING SITUATION

NOTE.-The overtaking situation is unlike the meeting situation in two respects: (1) The overtaking vessel may pass on either side provided it is safe; (2) The overtaking vessel is burdened and must keep well clear of the other while the overtaken vessel is privileged and must hold her course and speed. The privilege of the overtaken vessel lasts until the overtaking vessel is finally past and clear. The rate of approach in the overtaking situation may be low as the difference in the speed of the two vessels and hence there is generally more time for preventive action. However, this action should be taken always before the vessels are close together. In open water there is no excuse for an overtaking vessel to pass close to the overtaken vessel. In narrow channels it should not be attempted unless reasonably safe. In shallow water, the danger of suction is sometimes very great and must be guarded against with care.

Remember: Nearly all overtaking collisions occur because the overtaking vessel attempts to pass too fast, too close. Take your time.

INTERNATIONAL

Importance of Taking Compass Bearings

Risk of collision can, when circumstances permit, be ascertained by carefully watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel. If the bearing does not appreciably change, such risk should be deemed to exist. Preliminary, Part IV

Overtaking Vessels

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, that is, 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 can not 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. 24

NOTE-As defined in the rule, an overtaking vessel is one coming up more than 2 points abaft the beam of another. The rule refers to the doubt that exists by day in certain border line cases, implying that the arc of visibility at night provides an absolute test of whether a given situation is overtaking. However, due to the un

Overtaken seagoing steam vessel, with fixed stern light, high seas, Inland.

Overtaken steam vessel without fixed stern light, showing flare. up, high seas, Inland.

steadiness of an overtaken vessel on her course and to the imperfection of side lights, there are many doubtful cases at night and in these cases as well as by day, it is the duty of the following vessel to conduct herself as an overtaking vessel.

The words “until she is finally past and clear” prevent the overtaking vessel from altering course or speed in any way to embarrass the overtaken vessel even after she has passed her.

Overtaking Vessel to Keep Course and Speed

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 twenty-seven and twenty-nine.)

Steam Vessel Shall Slacken Speed or Stop

Art. 21

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.

Whistle Signals

Art. 23

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, namely:

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 at full speed

astern."

Art. 28

NOTE. Under this rule an overtaking vessel outside the inland waters of the United States must blow the proper signal when altering course to the right or left both before and after passing the overtaken vessel. Thus, if turning to port in order to pass on the left, she would blow two short blasts and when turning back to her course after clearing the other vessel one short blast. The overtaken vessel, obliged to keep course and speed, properly maintains whistle silence. The overtaking vessel would also remain silent if passing clear without a change of course.

General Prudential Rule

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 above rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.

Good Seamanship Required

Art. 27

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 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.

INLAND

Importance of Taking Compass Bearings

Art. 29

Risk of collision can, when circumstances permit, be ascertained by carefully watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel. If the bearing does not appreciably change, such risk should be deemed to exist. Preliminary, Part IV

Overtaking Vessels

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, that is, 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 can not always know with certainty whether she is forward of or abaft this direction from the other vessels she should, if in doubt, assume that she is an overtaking vessel and keep out of the way.

See note to Article 24 International, p. 42.
Overtaking Steam Vessel

Art. 24

When steam vessels are running in the same direction, and the vessel which is astern shall desire to pass on the right or starboard hand of the vessel ahead, she shall give one short blast of the steam whistle, as a signal of such desire, and if the vessel ahead answers with one blast, she shall direct her course to starboard; or if she shall desire to pass on the left or port side of the vessel ahead, she shall give two short blasts of the steam whistle as a signal of such desire, and if the vessel ahead answers with two blasts, shall direct her course to port; or if the vessel ahead does not think it safe for the vessel astern to attempt to pass at that point, she shall immediately signify the same by giving several short and rapid blasts of the steam whistle, not less than four, and under no circumstances shall the vessel astern attempt to pass the vessel ahead until such time as they have reached a point where it can be safely done, when said vessel ahead shall signify her willingness by blowing the proper signals. The vessel ahead shall in no case attempt to cross the bow or crowd upon the course of the passing vessel.

Every vessel coming up with another vessel from any direction more