208 NICHOLAS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
Slacken Speed, Stop or Reverse.
ART. 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.
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Overtaking Vessel.
ART. 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, 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 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 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.
Keep to Starboard Side of Fairway.
ART. 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.
^ Sailing Vessels and Fishing Boats.
ART. 26.—Sailing vessels under way shall keep out of the way of
sailing vessels or boats fishing with nets, or lines, or trawls. This
Rule shall not give to any vessel or boat engaged in fishing the right
of obstructing a fair-way used by vessels other than fishing-vessels or
boats.
Avoiding Immediate Danger.
ART. 27.—In obeying and construing these Rules due regard shall
be had to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to any special
circumstances which may render a departure from the above Rules
necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.