254 NICHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE

The illustration shows the Scheimuly Pistol Kocket Apparatus,
The line is in the box, flaked in a special manner to ensure free running
The line is attached to the rocket, the rocket fits on to the barrel of
the pistol and is ejected from the muzzle by means of a cartridge, and
immediately thereafter the rocket begins to function as a rocket
proper carrying the line with it.

F;g 2.—The Schermuly Pistol Rocket Apparatus
Attention has been called by the Board of Trade to the danger of
attempting to establish communication, by means of a rocket line-
throwing apparatus, with an oil tanker, should that vessel be carrying
petrol spirit, or other highly inflammable liquid and be leaking; petrol
spirit rises to the surface of water. In such cases the assisting vessel
should lie to windward of the tanker and the communication should be
established from the ship 'requiring assistance. Before firing a rocket
to such a vessel it should be ascertained whether it is safe to do so.