COLLISIONS AT SEA DURING FOG. 



295 



that the late disastrous collisions would not have 

 occurred. The mere indication of the presence or 

 approach of these several ships would have sufficed to 

 have averted the danger. 



But more than this might very readily be done. 

 The lights at present used are of very little service in 



* * 



indicating the position in which a ship lies. A red 

 light shows that her port side would be in view were 

 it day, but not how that side is presented. It may be 

 the broadside which is towards another vessel, or she 

 may be lying with her bows only so far turned to 

 starboard from being directly end on that the slightest 

 possible change in her course or bearing will bring the 

 green starboard light into view. (Precisely such a 

 change happened just before the ' Cimbria ' was run 

 down.) Now there is absolutely no reason whatever 

 (save the expense required for some eight or nine 

 instead of two or three lamps ') why this uncertainty 

 should exist. Supposing only side lights can be used, 

 instead of such central lights as might, perhaps, be 

 hidden by sails or rigging, then what is to prevent 

 such an arrangement as the following from being used 

 along the port and starboard sides of every ship 

 especially of every steamship ? 



1 It may be objected that the use of three lights instead of one 

 light on each side would be confusing ; but matters might very readily 

 be so arranged that the three side lights would practically be regarded 

 as one. Indeed, they ought to be so close together that, at the distance 

 at which a ship's side lights are usually seen, they would appear as a 

 single light of triple strength ; a little nearer they would show a tri- 

 angular form ; and, when within the distance at which there is any 

 danger of collision, they would be separately visible. 



