24:6 XICHOLL&'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
end and a Red b"T" on the inner end But should the channels to right
and leit be of equal importance then the Topniark will be a Eed &phere
on the outer end and a Red St George's Cross on the inner end
Special marks and colourings to distinguish mid channels, isolated
dangers and landfall marks are as described previously.
Buoys and Beacons
Wrecks have occurred through undue reliance on buoys and floating
beacons always being maintained in their exact position
They should be regarded^ simply as aids to navigation and not as
infallible marks, especially when placed m exposed positions.
The lights shown by gas buoys cannot be implicitly relied on as,
if occulting, the apparatus may get out of order, or the light may be
altogether extinguished.
WRECK MARKING SIGNALS.
To be passed on the manner's starboard hand when going in the
direction of the flood stream.
By Day.—Three green balls (3) vertical at the yardarm, 6 feet
apart, the lowest to be at least 9 feet above the hull.
By Night.—Three green lights (3) in place of the balls.
In Fog.—Three strokes (3) on a deep toned bell every 30 seconds.
Wreck Buoy.—Green conical giving 3 green flashes every 10 or 15
seconds if lighted. The chart abbreviation would be, Con. Gn. Fl (3)
ev. 15 sec.
To be passed on the manner's port hand.
By Day.—Two green balls (2) vertical at the yardarm, 6 feet apart,
the lower one to be at least 15 feet above the hull.
By Night.—Two green lights (2) in place of the balls.
In Fog.—Two strokes (2) on a deep toned bell every 30 seconds.
Wreck Buoy.—A green can buoy giving two green flashes every 10
seconds if lighted. Chart abbreviation, Can Gn. Fl. (2) ev. 10 sec,
To be passed on either side.
By Day.—Two green balls (2) vertical at each yardarm, 6 feet apart,
the Itorizontal distance between them from 15 to 25 feet.
By Night.—Four green lights (4) in place of the £ balls.