216 NICHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
3 Where, by the Rules, one of two vessels is required to keep out of the
way, what is the other required to do?
To keep her course and speed. (Art. 21.)
4 Is there any qualification or exception to this?
Yes. The note attached to Article 21 says that when, in con-
sequence of thick weather or other causes, two vessels are so close that
collision cannot be avoided by the action of the giving-way vessel
alone, the other shall take such action as will best aid in averting a
collision; also
Article 27 says due regard must be had to all dangers of navigation
and collision, and to any special circumstances which may render a
departure from the Rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger;
also
Article 29 says, nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vesse^ or
the owner, or master, or crew thereof, from the consequences arising
from the neglect of any precaution required by the ordinary practice
of seamen or the special circumstances of the case.
5 Suppose a vessel is approaching you so as to involve risk of collision,
and that it is your duty to "keep out of the way,'9 do the
Regulations specify what action you must take?
No It is left to myself to decide what action must be taken to
avoid collision, but the Rules state that if circumstances admit I must
avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel (Art. 22); also, if I am in a steamer
I must if necessary slacken speed, or stop, or reverse. (Art. 23.)
Note that there is one exception in this case When two steam vessels
are meeting end on, or nearly end on, so as to involve risk of collision, each
shall alter her course to starboard, so that each may pass on the port side of
the other. (Art. 18.)
6. Are sailing vessels under way required to keep out of the way of sailing
vessels and boats engaged in fishing?
Yes. They must keep out of the way of sailing vessels or boats
fishing with nets or lines or trawls. (Art. 26.*)
7. When one vessel is overtaking another, which is required to keep out
of the way?
The overtaking vessel. (Art. 24.)
* Note that this Article does not require sailing vessels .to keep clear of
steam fishing vessels. They are, however, hampered by their trawl and unable
to manoeuvre in the same way as ordinary steamers. It is the ordinary practice -
of seamen for sailing vessels to keep out of their way. They should, therefore,
always do so. (Article 29,)