THE REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING* COLLISIONS AT SEA 209
Sound Signals for Vessels in Sight of one Another.
ART. 28.—The words "short blast" used in this Article shall mean a
blast of about 1 second's duration.
When vessels are in sight of one another, a steam vessel under
way, in taking any course authorised or required by these Rules, shall
indicate that course by the following signals on her whistle or siren,
viz :—
One short blast to mean* "I am directing my course to
starboard."
Two short blasts to mean, "I am directing my course to
port "
Three short blasts to mean, *4My engines are going full speed
astern."
'No Vessel under any Circumstances to Neglect Proper Precautions.
»
ART. 29.—Nothing in these Eules shall exonerate any vessel, or
the owner, or 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.
Reservation of Rules for Harbours and Inland Navigation.
ART. 30.—Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation
of a special rule, duly made by local authority, relative to the navigation
of any harbour, river, or inland waters.
Distress Signals.*
ART. 31.—When a vessel 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, viz.:—
Note.—The use of any of the above signals, except forthe purpose of indicating
that a vessel is in distress, and the use of any signals which may be confused
with any of the above signals, is prohibited:
* If a master of a vessel uses or displays, or causes or permits any person
under his authority to use or display, any of those signals of distress, except
in the case of a vessel being in distress, he shall be liable to pay compensation
for any labour undertaken, risk incurred, or loss sustained in consequence of
that signal having been supposed to be a signal of distress, and that com-
pensation may without prejudice to any other remedy, be recovered in the
same manner in which salvage is recoverable, (Merchant Shipping Act,
1894, section 434 (2).)