the compass, so fixed as to show the light six points from right aft on each side of the vessel, and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least two miles. Such light shall be carried as nearly as practicable on the same level as the side lights.

(b) In a small vessel, if it is not possible on account of bad weather or other sufficient cause for this light to be fixed, an electric torch or a lighted lantern shall be kept at hand ready for use and shall, on the approach of an overtaking vessel, be shown in sufficient time to prevent collision. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 98; Aug. 14, 1958, Pub. L. 85-635, § 2, 72 Stat. 590.)

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1070 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 261 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 319 of this title.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 173 of this title.

§ 180. Lights of vessel at anchor (article 11).

(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a vessel under one hundred and fifty feet in length when at anchor shall carry forward, where it can best be seen, a white light in a lantern so constructed as to show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light visible all around the horizon at a distance of at least two miles.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a vessel of one hundred and fifty feet or upward in length, when at anchor, shall carry in the forward part of the vessel, at a height of not less than twenty feet above the hull, one such light, and at or near the stern of the vessel, and at such a height that it shall be not less than fifteen feet lower than the forward light, another such light.

(c) The Secretary of Transportation may, after investigation, by rule, regulation, or order, designate such areas as he may deem proper as "special anchorage areas"; such special anchorage areas may from time to time be changed, or abolished, if after investigation the Secretary of Transportation shall deem such change or abolition in the interest of navigation. When anchored within such an area

(1) a vessel of not more than sixty-five feet in length shall not be required to carry or exhibit the white light required by this section;

(2) a barge, canal boat, scow, or other nondescript craft of one hundred and fifty feet or upward in length may carry and exhibit the single white light prescribed by subsection (a) of this

47-5000-71-vol. 8 6

section in lieu of the two white lights prescribed by subsection (b) of this section; and

(3) where two or more barges, canal boats, scows, or other nondescript craft are tied together and anchored as a unit, the anchor light prescribed by this section need be displayed only on the vessel having its anchor down.

(June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 98; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 128, § 1, 54 Stat. 150; Aug. 5, 1963, Pub. L. 88-84, § 1, 77 Stat. 116.)

AMENDMENTS

1963-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 88-84 designated existing provisions of first sentence of first par. as subsec. (a), added the introductory phrase, eliminated location requirement of the light set at height not exceeding twenty feet above the hull and increased the visibility requirement of the light from one to two miles.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 88-84 designated existing provisions of second par. as subsec. (b), added the introductory phrase and eliminated location requirement of the forward light set at height not exceeding forty feet above the hull.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 88-84 designated existing provisions of first and second provisos of first par. as the Introductory par. and clause (1), respectively, and added clauses (2) and (3).

Pub. L. 88-84 eliminated the third par. deeming the length of a vessel to be the length appearing in her certificate of registry.

1940-Act Apr. 22, 1940, inserted the provisos in first par. TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS

Secretary of Transportation was substituted for Secretary of the Army pursuant to Pub. L. 89-670, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 931, which created the Department of Transportation and transferred all functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of the Army and other offices or officers of the Department of the Army relating generally to water vessel anchorages under this section to the Secretary of Transportation. See section 1655(g) (1) (B) of Title 49, Transportation.

AIR FORCE

For transfer of certain functions insofar as they pertain to the Air Force, and to the extent that they were not previously transferred to the Secretary of the Air Force and Department of the Air Force from the Secretary of the Army and Department of the Army, see Secretary of Defense Transfer Order No. 40 [App. A(56)], July 22, 1949. CROSS REFERENCES

Establishment, regulation, and marking of anchorage grounds, see sections 471 and 472 of this title.

Registry and recording, see section 11 et seq. of Title 46, Shipping. Similar rules

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1071 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 258 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 322 of this title.

Steam pilot vessel at anchor, see section 177 of this title.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 191 of this title. § 181. Additional lights when necessary authorized (article 12).

Every vessel may, if necessary, in order to attract attention, in addition to the lights which she is by these rules required to carry, show a flare-up light or use any detonating signal that cannot be mistaken for a distress signal. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 99.)

CROSS REFERENCES

Distress signals in daytime and at night, see section 231 of this title.

Similar rules

International rules for navigation at sea, see sec tion 1072 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 261 of this title.

§ 182. Special lights for ship of war and convoy; recognition signals adopted by shipowners (article 13).

Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the government of any nation with respect to additional station and signal lights for two or more ships of war or for vessels sailing under convoy, or with the exhibition of recognition signals adopted by shipowners, which have been authorized by their respective governments and duly registered and published. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 99.)

CROSS REFERENCES

Similar rule, international rules for navigation at sea, see section 1073 of this title.

§ 183. Day signal of steam vessel under sail (article 14).

A steam vessel proceeding under sail only, but having her funnel up, may carry in daytime, forward, where it can best be seen, one black ball or shape two feet in diameter. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 99.)

SOUND SIGNALS FOR FOG, ETC.; SPEED § 191. Sound signals for fog, etc., generally (article 15).

All signals prescribed by this section for vessels under way shall be given

1. By "steam vessels" on the whistle or siren. 2. By "sailing vessels" and "vessels towed" on the foghorn.

The words "prolonged blast" used in this section shall mean a blast of from four to six seconds duration.

A steam vessel shall be provided with an efficient whistle or siren, sounded by steam or by some substitute for steam, so placed that the sound may not be intercepted by any obstruction, and with an efficient foghorn; also with an efficient bell.

A sailing vessel of twenty tons gross tonnage or upward shall be provided with a similar foghorn and bell.

In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rainstorms, whether by day or night, the signals described in this article shall be used as follows, namely:

(a) A steam vessel under way shall sound, at intervals of not more than one minute, a prolonged blast.

(c) A sailing vessel under way shall sound, at intervals of not more than one minute, when on the starboard tack, one blast; when on the port tack, two blasts in succession; and when with the wind abaft the beam, three blasts in succession.

(d) A vessel when at anchor shall, at intervals of not more than one minute, ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds, except that the following

1 So in original. There is no subsec. (b).

vessels shall not be required to sound this signal when anchored in a special anchorage area established pursuant to section 180 (c) of this title:

(1) a vessel of not more than sixty-five feet in length; and

(2) a barge, canal boat, scow, or other nondescript craft.

(e) A steam vessel when towing, shall, instead of the signals prescribed in subdivision (a) of this section, at intervals of not more than one minute, sound three blasts in succession, namely, one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts.

A vessel towed may give this signal and she shall not give any other.

(f) All rafts or other water craft, not herein provided for, navigating by hand power, horse power, or by the current of the river, shall sound a blast of the foghorn, or equivalent signal, at intervals of not more than one minute. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 99; Aug. 5, 1963, Pub. L. 88-84, § 2, 77 Stat. 116.)

AMENDMENTS

1963-Subd. (d). Pub. L. 88-84 added the exception provision. CROSS REFERENCES

Similar rules

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1076 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 271 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 331 of this title.

Weather conditions restricting visibility as necessitating use of fog signals only, see section 203 (Rule IX) of this title.

§ 192. Speed in fog, etc. (article 16).

Every vessel shall, in a fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rainstorms, go at a moderate speed, having careful regard to the existing circumstances and conditions.

A steam vessel hearing, apparently forward of her beam, the fog signal of a vessel the position of which is not ascertained shall, so far as the circumstances of the case admit, stop her engines, and then navigate with caution until danger of collision is over. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 99.)

Similar rules

CROSS REFERENCES

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1077 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 272 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 341 of this title.

STEERING AND SAILING RULES AND SIGNALS

§ 201. Suggestion for ascertainment of risk of colli. sion.

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. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 100.)

Similar rules

CROSS REFERENCES

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1078 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 341a of this title.

§ 202. Sailing vessels approaching one another (article 17).

When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows, namely:

(a) A vessel which is running free shall keep out of the way of a vessel which is close-hauled.

(b) A vessel which is close-hauled on the port tack shall keep out of the way of a vessel which is close-hauled on the starboard tack.

(c) When both are running free, with the wind on different sides, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.

(d) When both are running free, with the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to the windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to the leeward.

(e) A vessel which has the wind aft shall keep out of the way of the other vessel. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 100.)

Similar rules

CROSS REFERENCES

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1079 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 281 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 342 of this title.

§ 203. Steam vessels approaching, meeting, or passing one another; banks obstructing view; leaving dock (article 18).

Rule I. When steam vessels are approaching each other head and head, that is, end on, or nearly so, it shall be the duty of each to pass on the port side of the other; and either vessel shall give, as a signal of her intention, one short and distinct blast of her whistle, which the other vessel shall answer promptly by a similar blast of her whistle, and thereupon such vessels shall pass on the port side of each other.

But if the courses of such vessels are so far on the starboard of each other as not to be considered as meeting head and head, either vessel shall immediately give two short and distinct blasts of her whistle, which the other vessel shall answer promptly by two similar blasts of her whistle, and they shall pass on the starboard side of each other.

The foregoing only applies to cases where vessels are meeting end on or nearly end on, in such a manner as to involve risk of collision; in other words, to cases in which, by day, each vessel sees the masts of the other in a line, or nearly in a line, with her own and by night to cases in which each vessel is in such a position as to see both the sidelights of the other.

It does not apply by day to cases in which a vessel sees another ahead crossing her own course, or by night to cases where the red light of one vessel is opposed to the red light of the other, or where the green light of one vessel is opposed to the green light of the other, or where a red light without a green light or a green light without a red light, is seen ahead, or where both green and red lights are seen anywhere but ahead.

Rule III. If, when steam vessels are approaching each other, either vessel fails to understand the course or intention of the other, from any cause, the vessel so in doubt shall immediately signify the same by giving several short and rapid blasts, not less than four, of the steam whistle.

Rule V. Whenever a steam vessel is nearing a short bend or curve in the channel, where, from the height of the banks or other cause, a steam vessel approaching from the opposite direction cannot be seen for a distance of half a mile, such steam vessel, when she 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 any approaching steam vessel that may be within hearing. Should such signal be so answered by a steam vessel 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 vessel be not answered, she is to consider the channel clear and govern herself accordingly.

When steam vessels are moved from their docks or berths, and other boats are liable to pass from any direction toward them, they shall give the same signal as in the case of vessels meeting at a bend, but immediately after clearing the berths so as to be fully in sight they shall be governed by the steering and sailing rules.

Rule VIII. 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.

Rule IX. The whistle signals provided in the rules under this article, for steam vessels meeting, passing, or overtaking, are never to be used except when steamers are in sight of each other. and the course

In fog, mist, falling snow or heavy rainstorms, when vessels cannot so see each other, fog signals only must be given. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 100; Aug. 21, 1935, ch. 595, § 2, 49 Stat. 669.)

AMENDMENTS

1935-Act Aug. 21, 1935, substituted "direct her course to starboard" for "put her helm to port" and "direct her course to port" for "put her helm to starboard" in Rule

VIII.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1935 AMENDMENT

Section 5 of act Aug. 21, 1935 provided that the act "shall become fully effective for all ocean and coastwise vessels on January 1, 1936, and for all on the Great Lakes, bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, and lakes other than the Great Lakes of the United States on January 1, 1937." CROSS REFERENCES

Rules similar to Rule I

International rules for navigation at sea, see sections 1080 and 1090 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see sections 282 and 288 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 343 of this title.

Rules similar to Rule III

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1090 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 291 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries,

see sections 343 (b), 344 (b) and 349 (a) of this title. Rules similar to Rule V, see navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 349 (b), (c) of this title.

Rules similar to Rule VIII

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1090 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 288 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 347 (b) of this title.

Rules similar to Rule IX, see international rules for navigation at sea, section 1090 of this title.

§ 204. Steam vessels crossing (article 19).

When two steam vessels 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. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 101.)

CROSS REFERENCES

Crossing ahead of vessel having right of way, see section 207 of this title.

Duty of burdened vessel to slacken speed, stop, or reverse, see section 208 of this title.

Overtaking vessel to keep out of the way, see section 209 of this title.

Similar rules

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1081 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 283 of this title. Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 344 (a) of this title.

Special rules authorized, see section 157 of this title. Vessel having right of way to keep course and speed, see section 206 of this title.

When a steam vessel and a sailing vessel are proceeding in such directions as to involve risk of collision, the steam vessel shall keep out of the way of the sailing vessel. This rule shall not give to a sailing vessel the right to hamper, in a narrow channel, the safe passage of a steam vessel which can navigate only inside that channel. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 101; Nov. 5, 1966, Pub. L. 89-764, § 1, 80 Stat. 1313.)

AMENDMENTS

1966-Pub. L. 89-764 inserted sentence providing that this rule shall not give to a sailing vessel the right to hamper, in a narrow channel, the safe passage of a steam vessel which can navigate only inside that channel.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1966 AMENDMENT

Section 7 of Pub. L. 89-764 provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [enacting section 348a of this title and amending this section and sections 210, 284, 289 and 345 of this title) shall take effect as of the ninetieth day after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 5. 1966]."

CROSS REFERENCES

Crossing ahead of vessel having right of way, see section 207 of this title.

Duty of steam vessel to slacken speed, stop, or reverse, see section 208 of this title.

Similar rules

International rules for navigation at sea, see бесtion 1082 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 284 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 345 of this title.

§ 206. Vessel having right-of-way to keep course (article 21).

Where, by any of these rules, one of the two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 101.)

Similar rules

CROSS REFERENCES

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1083 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 285 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries. see section 348 of this title.

§ 207. Crossing ahead of vessel having right-of-way (article 22).

Every vessel which is directed by these rules to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 101.) CROSS REFERENCES

Burdened vessel's duty to keep out of way on crossing courses, see section 204 of this title.

Similar rule, international rules for navigation at sea, see section 1084 of this title.

§ 208. Duty of steam vessel to slacken speed (article 23).

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. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 101.)

Similar rules

CROSS REFERENCES

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1085 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see sections 286 and 291 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 346 of this title.

§ 209. Overtaking vessel to keep out of the way; definition of "overtaking vessel" (article 24).

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 cannot 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. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 101.)

CROSS REFERENCES

Signals of overtaking and overtaken vessel, see section 203 of this title.

Similar rules

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1086 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 287 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 347 (a) of this title.

§ 210. Steam vessel in narrow channel (article 25).

In narrow channels every steam vessel shall, when it is safe and practicable, keep to that side of the fairway or mid-channel which lies on the starboard side of such vessel.

In narrow channels a steam vessel of less than sixty-five feet in length shall not hamper the safe passage of a vessel which can navigate only inside that channel. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 101; Nov. 5, 1966, Pub. L. 89-764, § 2, 80 Stat. 1313.)

AMENDMENTS

1966-Pub. L. 89-764 inserted sentence providing that in narrow channels a steam vessel of less than sixty-five feet in length shall not hamper the safe passage of a vessel which can navigate only inside that channel.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1966 AMENDMENT

Amendment of section by Pub. L. 89-764 effective as of the ninetieth day after Nov. 5, 1966, see section 7 of Pub. L. 89-764, set out as a note under section 205 of this title.

CROSS REFERENCES

Similar rule, international rules for navigation at sea, see section 1087 of this title.

§ 211. Right-of-way of fishing vessels or boats; obstruction of fairway (article 26).

Sailing vessels under way shall keep out of the way of sailing vessels or boats fishing with nets, or

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1089 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 292 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 350 of this title.

§ 213. Signal of full speed of engines astern (article 28).

When vessels are in sight of one another a steam vessel under way whose engines are going at full speed astern shall indicate that fact by three short blasts on the whistle. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 102.)

International rules for navigation at sea, see section 1091 of this title.

Navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, see section 293 of this title.

Navigation rules for Red River of the North and rivers emptying into Gulf of Mexico and tributaries, see section 351 of this title.

§ 222. Lights on war and Coast Guard vessels; exhibition suspended (article 30).

The exhibition of any light on board of a vessel of war of the United States or a Coast Guard vessel may be suspended whenever, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Navy, the commander in chief of a squadron, or the commander of a vessel acting singly, the special character of the service may require it. (June 7, 1897, ch. 4, § 1, 30 Stat. 102; Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §§ 1, 20, 63 Stat. 496, 561.)