§ 1073. Ships of war, convoy vessels, fishing vessels, and seaplanes on water; naval and military military vessels and seaplanes of special construction (Rule 13). (a) Nothing in sections 1061 to 1094 of this title 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 ships of war, for vessels sailing under convoy, for fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet or for seaplanes on the water. (b) Whenever the Government concerned shall have determined that a naval or other military vessel or waterborne seaplane of special construction or purpose cannot comply fully with the provisions of any of sections 1061 to 1094 of this title with respect to the number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, without interfering with the military function of the vessel or seaplane, such vessel or seaplane shall comply with such other provisions in regard to the number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes as her Government shall have determined to be the closest possible compliance with such sections in respect of that vessel or seaplane. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 203.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. § 1074. Vessels proceeding under sail, when also propelled by machinery (Rule 14). A vessel proceeding under sail, when also being propelled by machinery, shall carry in the daytime forward, where it can best be seen, one black conical shape, point downwards, not less than 2 feet in diameter at its base. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 203.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SOUND SIGNALS AND CONDUCT IN $1075. General considerations of radar. 1. The possession of information obtained from radar does not relieve any vessel of the obligation of conforming strictly with sections 1061 to 1094 of this title and, in particular, the obligations contained in sections 1076 and 1077 of this title. 2. The Annex to the Rules contains recommendations intended to assist in the use of radar as an aid to avoiding collision in restricted visibility. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 203.) CODIFICATION (Pub. See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. § 1076. Sound signals (Rule 15). (a) Power-driven, and sailing vessels. A power-driven vessel of 40 feet or more in length shall be provided with an efficient whistle, 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 fog horn to be sounded by mechanical means, and also with an efficient bell. A sailing vessel of 40 feet or more in length shall be provided with a similar fog horn and bell. (b) Methods of sending. All signals prescribed in this section for vessels under way shall be given (i) by power-driven vessels on the whistle; (iii) by vessels towed on the whistle or fog horn. (c) Number and length of blasts and rings. In fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, or any other condition similarly restricting visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this section shall be used as follows (i) A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes a prolonged blast. (ii) A power-driven vessel under way, but stopped and making no way through the water, shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts, with an interval of about 1 second between them. (iii) A sailing vessel under way shall sound, at intervals of not more than 1 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. (iv) A vessel when at anchor shall at intervals of not more than 1 minute ring the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds. In vessels of more than 350 feet in length the bell shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel, and in addition there shall be sounded in the after part of the vessel, at intervals of not more than 1 minute for about 5 seconds, a going or other instrument, the tone and sounding of which cannot be confused with that of the bell. Every vessel at anchor may in addition, in accordance with section 1072 of this title, sound three blasts in succession, namely, one short, one prolonged, and one short blast, to give warning of her position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel. (v) A vessel when towing, a vessel engaged in laying or in picking up a submarine cable or navigation mark, and a vessel under way which is unable to get out of the way of an approaching vessel through being not under command or unable to manoeuvre as required by sections 1061 to 1094 of this title shall, instead of the signals prescribed in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of this subsection sound, at intervals of not more than 1 minute, three blasts in succession, namely, one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. (vi) A vessel towed, or, if more than one vessel is towed, only the last vessel of the tow, if manned, shall, at intervals of not more than 1 minute. sound four blasts in succession, namely, one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts. When practicable, this signal shall be made immediately after the signal made by the towing vessel. (vii) A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and, if required, the gong signal, prescribed in clause (iv) of this subsection and shall, in addition, give 3 separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after such rapid ringing of the bell. (viii) A vessel engaged in fishing when under way or at anchor shall at intervals of not more than 1 minute sound the signal prescribed in clause (v) of this subsection. A vessel when fishing with trolling lines and under way shall sound the signals prescribed in clauses (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subsection as may be appropriate. (ix) A vessel of less than 40 feet in length, a rowing boat, or a seaplane on the water, shall not be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals but if she does not, she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 1 minute. (x) A power-driven pilot-vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may, in addition to the signals prescribed in clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) of this subsection, sound an identity signal consisting of 4 short blasts. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 203.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 1075 of this title. § 1077. Speed in weather restricting visibility (Rule 16). (a) Every vessel, or seaplane when taxi-ing on the water, shall, in fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms or any other condition similarly restricting visibility, go at a moderate speed, having careful regard to the existing circumstances and conditions. (b) A power-driven vessel hearing, apparently forward of her beam, the fog-signal of a vessel the position of which is not ascertained, shall, go far as the circumstances of the case admit, stop her engines, and then navigate with caution until danger of collision is over. (c) A power-driven vessel which detects the presence of another vessel forward of her beam before hearing her fog signal or sighting her visually may take early and substantial action to avoid a close quarters situation but, if this cannot be avoided, she shall, so far as the circumstances of the case admit, stop her engines in proper time to avoid collision and then navigate with caution until danger of collision is over. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 205.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in sections 1075, 1094 of this title. STEERING AND SAILING RULES § 1078. General considerations. 1. In obeying and construing sections 1061 to 1094 of this title, any action taken should be positive, in ample time, and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship. 2. 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. 3. Mariners should bear in mind that seaplanes in the act of landing or taking off, or operating under adverse weather conditions, may be unable to change their intended action at the last moment. 4. Sections 1079 to 1086 of this title apply only to vessels in sight of one another. (Pub. L. 88–131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 205.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. § 1079. Sailing vessels approaching one another; windward side (Rule 17). (a) 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 (i) When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other. (ii) When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward. (b) For the purposes of this section the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 205.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. §1080. Power-driven vessels meeting end on; definition (Rule 18). (a) When two power-driven vessels are meeting end on, or nearly end on, so as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter her course to starboard, so that each may pass on the port side of the other. This section only applies to cases where vessels are meeting end on, or nearly end on, in such a manner as to involve risk of collision, and does not apply to two vessels which must, if both keep on their respective course, pass clear of each other. The only cases to which it does apply are when each of two vessels is end on, or nearly end on, to the other; 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. (b) For the purposes of this section and sections 1081 to 1091 of this title inclusive, except section 1082(c) and section 1090 of this title, a seaplane on the water shall be deemed to be a vessel, and the expression "power-driven vessel" shall be construed accordingly. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 205.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. §1081. Power-driven vessels crossing (Rule 19). When two power-driven 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. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 206.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 1080 of this title. §1082. Vessels or seaplanes meeting (Rule 20). (a) When a power-driven vessel and a sailing vessel are proceeding in such directions as to involve risk of collision, except as provided for in sections 1086 and 1088 of this title, the power-driven vessel shall keep out of the way of the sailing vessel. (b) This section shall not give to a sailing vessel the right to hamper, in a narrow channel, the safe passage of a power-driven vessel which can navigate only inside such channel. (c) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with sections 1061 to 1094 of this title. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 206.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 1080 of this title. § 1083. Vessels having right of way; duty in aiding to avert collision (Rule 21). Where by any of sections 1061 to 1094 of this title one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed. When, from any cause, the latter 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 sections 1089 and 1091 of this title). (Pub. L. 88131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 206.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 1080 of this title. § 1084. Positive action to keep out of way; crossing ahead of vessel having right of way (Rule 22). Every vessel which is directed by sections 1061 to 1094 of this title to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take positive early action to comply with this obligation, and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 206.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 1080 of this title. § 1085. Duty to slacken speed, stop or reverse (Rule 23). Every power-driven vessel which is directed by sections 1061 to 1094 of this title to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, on approaching her, if necessary, slacken her speed or stop or reverse. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 206.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 1080 of this title. § 1086. Overtaking vessel to keep out of way (Rule 24). (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 1061 to 1094 of this title, every vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the overtaken vessel. (b) Every vessel coming up with another vessel from any direction more than 2211⁄2 degrees (2 points) abaft her beam, i.e., 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 sidelights, 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 sections 1061 to 1094 of this title, or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear. (c) If the overtaking vessel cannot determine with certainty whether she is forward of or abaft this direction from the other vessel, she shall assume that she is an overtaking vessel and keep out of the way. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 206.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 1080 of this title. § 1087. Power-driven vessels in narrow channels; nearing bends therein (Rule 25). (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 mid-channel 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 65 feet in length shall not hamper the safe passage of a vessel which can navigate only inside such channel. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 207.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 1080 of this title. § 1088. Right of way of fishing vessels; obstruction of fairways (Rule 26). All vessels not engaged in fishing, except vessels to which the provisions of section 1064 of this title apply, shall, when under way, keep out of the way of vessels engaged in fishing. This section shall not give to any vessel engaged in fishing the right of obstructing a fairway used by vessels other than fishing vessels. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 207.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 1080 of this title. § 1089. Special circumstances requiring departure from rules to avoid immediate danger (Rule 27). In obeying and construing sections 1061 to 1094 of this title due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the craft involved, which may render a departure from such sections necessary in order to avoid immediate danger. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 207.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in sections 1080, 1090 of this title. SOUND SIGNALS FOR VESSELS IN SIGHT OF ONE ANOTHER § 1090. Sound signals indicating course (Rule 28). (a) Meaning of blasts. When vessels are in sight of one another, a powerdriven vessel under way, in taking any course authorised or required by sections 1061 to 1094 of this title, 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) Doubt as to action of other vessel. Whenever a power-driven vessel which, under sections 1061 to 1094 of this title, 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 sections 1089 and 1091 of this title or any other provision of sections 1061 to 1094 of this title, or of her duty to indicate any action taken under sections 1061 to 1094 of this title by giving the appropriate sound signals laid down in this section. (c) Simultaneous operation of whistle and visual signals. Any whistle signal mentioned in this section may be further indicated by a visual signal consisting § 1091. Usual additional precautions required generally (Rule 29). Nothing in sections 1061 to 1094 of this title 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 look-out, 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. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 208.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in sections 1080, 1090 of this title. §1092. Reservation of rules for harbours and inland navigation (Rule 30). Nothing in sections 1061 to 1094 of this title shall interfere with the operation of a special rule duly made by local authority relative to the navigation of any harbour, river, lake, or inland water, including a reserved seaplane area. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 208.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. §1093. Distress signals (Rule 31). (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 fogsignalling 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. (viii) Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, &c.). (ix) A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light. (x) A smoke signal giving off a volume of orange-coloured 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 twelve 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. (Pub. L. 88-131, § 4, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 208.) CODIFICATION See Historical Note under section 1053 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Sept. 1, 1965, see Proc. No. 3632, Dec. 29, 1964, 29 F.R. 19167, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title. ANNEX TO RULES § 1094. Other general considerations. Assumptions to be avoided. (1) Assumptions made on scanty information may be dangerous and should be avoided. Radar navigation; moderate speed; limitations of radar. (2) A vessel navigating with the aid of radar in restricted visibility must, in compliance with section 1077(a) of this title, 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 recognised that small vessels, small icebergs and similar floating objects may not be detected by radar. Radar indications of one or more vessels in |