THE "RULE OF THE ROAD" AT SEA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 282, 28 November 1931, Page 12 (Supplement)

THE "RULE OF THE ROAD" AT SEA.

The "rule of the road" at sea is somewhat intricate, especially for sailing £hips. It may be summed up for them by saying that the ship in the most favoured position with regard to the wind has to keep out of the way of the other. If two steamships arc meeting end on, or nearly end on, so as to involve the risk of collision, each shall alter her course to starboard —shall keep to the right. Steamships have always to keep out of the way of sailing ships. All vessels have to carry at night a green light on the starboard and a red light on the port side of the ship. Steamers are distinguished by a white light, hung about 20ft high, in front of the foremast. The following lines by Gray, which are' committed to memory by most seamen, show clearly what steamers have to do in different circumstances,: — TWO STEAMSHIPS MEETING. "Meeting steamships do not dread When you see 'three' lights ahead Port your helm and show your 'red.' TWO STEAMSHIPS PASSING. 'Green' to 'green,' or 'red' to 'red,' Perfect safety, go ahead. TWO STEAMERS CROSSING. If to "starboard red' appear, , 'Tis your duty to keep clear. Tcf act as judgment says is proper— To 'port,' or 'starboard, back,' or 'stopher'; put when upon your port is seen A steamer's 'starboard' light of 'green.' There's not so much for you to do, For "'green' to 'port' keeps clear of you. GENERAL CAUTION. Both in safety and in doubt Always keep a good look out; Jn danger, with no room to turn, ' 'Ease her! Stop her!! Go astern!!!'"