Signalling and Safety at Sea. 



35 



if confusion is to be avoided, 

 emission of the aerial sound 

 could not create confusion 



Authorities and rules framed according to the results 

 of experience so obtained, dictating to the mariner when and 

 under what conditions one or the other method is best 

 employed. 



The problem presented when three vessels are in the area 

 of audition requires careful consideration and would involve 

 special Board of Trade regulations. Generally we must 

 suppose the entry of a third ship, C, into the area occupied 

 by A and B and while the latter were exchanging signals. 

 It would seem reasonable for C, under these circumstances, 

 to have to keep out till A and B are clear of one another. 

 A <rain, while C is waiting for the decision between A and B, 

 she must be restricted as to wireless and submarine signals 



She might be restricted to the 

 signals now in vogue. These 

 with the other signals. And 

 when, finally, she enters on an exchange of signals with the 

 other ships, it should be a rule that each vessel emits her 

 distinguishing signal in conjunction with her other signals, 

 so as to avoid confusion as to the origin of the signals. 



If such general rules were observed there does not seem 

 to be any serious difficulty in conducting the signalling 

 between all three vessels. After exchanging courses and speeds 

 C sends out " bearing ; ' signals and A reports thus : " C bears 

 from A . . . y and B reports : " bears from B . . . ." 

 The Officer on C now finds, using two Predictors, that he 

 is clear of A but not certainly of B. This is also known 

 on A and B. C makes sure of this by saying " C is clear 

 of A," and A replies " A is clear of 0." The signals are 

 now restricted to C and B. After this all proceeds as before. 

 When the time for giving way arrives the ship which is 

 giving way takes account of the position of A. The latter is 

 probably quite clear, but whether she is or not her position 

 would be sufficiently known to B or C to avoid risk attending 

 alteration of course or speed. 



The congress of more than three vessels must be rare. 

 The difficulties involved can only be met by clear and definite 

 rules framed by experienced seamen. 



One thing stands out clearly from our review of available 

 methods : Modern improvements in signalling may be utilized 

 to reduce the risks of collision enormously, no matter what 

 the circumstances. Future developments of wireless tele- 

 phony may even further simplify the sending and receipt of 

 signals. A vessel's distinguishing signal may be her own 

 name dictated from the phonograph. In fog and thick 

 -weather she proceeds over th~ ocean calling her own name at 



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