BELLS, WHISTLES ANlf FOG HOBNS 255
BELLS, WHISTLES AND FOG HORNS,
Bells.—All steain and sailing vessels must be provided with an
efficient bell. The bell should be hung clear of all obstructions, and
not less than 12 inches in diameter at the mouth, except in the case
of small vessels under 150 feet in length working in rivers, estuaries
or inland lakes, when a bell of not less than 8 inches in diameter may
be accepted.
Steam Whistles.—All steam vessels and all vessel? propelled by
machinery on the high seas and in all waters connected therewith
navigable by sea-going vessels are required to be provided with an
efficient whistle or siren, sounded by steam or some substitute for
steam, and so placed that the sound may uofc be intercepted by any
obstruction. The whistle should be at least 8 feet above the deck
forward of the foremost funnel and well clear of, and above, deckhouses,
ventilators, etc.
Ordinary "organ whistles" should be not less than 30 inches high
and 5 inches in diameter, and "harmony whistles," "bell chime" steam
whistles and whistles or sirens of other approved types should be of
proportionate dimensions
A whistle or siren is not to be regarded as efficient unless it is audible
for at least 2 miles in a still condition of the atmosphere.
Whistle pipes should be so arranged that a full supply of dry steam
will at all times be immediately available when the vessel is under
way, and to ensure this it should not be possible for water to lodge
in the pipes.
The pipes should not, as a rule, except in small vessels under 150
feet in length, be less than 2 inches outside diameter. All pipes should
be lagged.
The whistles of all new vessels should be tried, and unless a full
clear sounding blast is immediately produced they should not be passed.
Whistles on Motor Ships,—Vessels fitted with electric or oil motor
engines, whether auxiliary or otherwise, for propelling purposes are
steam vessels within the meaning of the Collision Kegulations, and
should therefore be provided with an efficient whistle or siren sounded
by steam, or some substitute for steam. Compressed air may be used.
Small motor vessels, coasting or making short sea voyages, must
carry an efficient mechanical or electric horn of a type capable of
producing the sound signals required by the Collision Regulations,
and, if fixed, must be so placed that the sound from it will not be unduly
obstructed, and will carry a distance of at least 2 miles.