46 LAWS GOVERNING MARINE INSPECTION 



at night she would be unable to see either of that vessel's sideliarhts, 

 shall be deemed to be an overtaking vessel ; and no subsequent altera- 

 tion 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. 



(c) If the overtaking vessel cannot determine with certainty 

 whether she is forward of or abaft this direction from the other ves- 

 sel, she shall assume that she is an overtaking vessel and keep out of 

 the way. 



33 U.S.C. 1087 (Rule 25) 



(a) In a narrow channel every power-driven vessel when pro- 

 ceeding 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 chan- 

 nel where a vessel approaching from the other direction cannot be 

 seen, such power-driven vessel, when she shall have arrived within 

 one-half (Vo) mile of the bend, shall give a signal by one prolonged 

 blast on her whistle which signal shall be answered by a similar bfast 

 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. 



33 U.S.C. 1088 (Rule 26) 



All vessels not engaged in fishing, except vessels to which the pro- 

 visions of Rule 4 apply, shall, when under way, keep out of the way 

 of vessels engaged in fishing. This Rule shall not give to any vessel 

 engaged in fishing the right of obstructing a fairway used by vessels 

 other than fishing vessels. 



33 U.S.C. 1089 (Rule 27) 



In obeying and construing these Rules 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 the above Rules necessary in order to avoid immediate 

 danger. 



Part E. — Sound Signals for Vessels in Sight of One Another 



33 U.S.C. 1090 (Rule 28) 



(a) Wlien vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel 

 under way, in taking any course authorised or required by these Rules, 

 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". 



