Ok Sorry I was very busey yesterday! Back on track! I wish there was a web page I could just copy and past this stuff here!
When a Departure From Rules is Allowable
As the Rules of the Road are written to prevent collision rather than to cause it, it follows that situations might develop of such a nature that, if the rules were complied with, a collision would be inevitable. This has led Congress to adopt the following rules to prevent collisions, which become effective when special circumstances warrant:
"In obeying and construing these rules, due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any speacial circumstances which may render a departure from the rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger." Also the following rules: "When, in consequence of thick weather or other causes, the vessel which has the right of way finds herself so close that a collision cannot be avoided by the action of the givving way vessel alone, she also shall take such action as will best aid to avert collision."
Both Vessels May Be Responsible
By the above two rules, to a greater or lesser degree, the responsibility for an accident is up to the masters of both boats. If for any reason an accident cannot be prevented by one of the two boats, namely the which is supposed to give way, then the other boat must do all in her power to prevent a collision. In the case of motor boats which are, or at least should be, able to stop within almost their own length as well as to maneuver redily ther is little to relieve them of some of the responsibility for an accident, especially when a comercial or vessel of large size is the other party to the situation.
The Danger Zone
The area around one's boat located clockwise from dead ahead to two points abaft the starboard beam might well be called the Danger Zone. It is this area which should give the skipper the greatest concern. Other boats located in this Danger Zone which are approaching the course of your boat have the right of way over your boat. Consequently your boat must keep clear of boats in the Danger Zone.
Boats located outside of your Danger Zonewhich are approaching your course must give way to you. You have th right of way over all such boats.
The fact that the Danger Zone is located in the area from dead ahead to two points abaft the starboard beam is an excellent reason to locate the steering wheel on the starboard side of one's boat instead of on the port side if the wheel has to be located on one side or the other. With the steering being done where the best and an unobstructed veiw of the Danger Zone can be obtained, it works out for the greatese safety. Should the steering wheel be located to port, whrer would be danger that deck obstructions, persons on deck, etc., would hide, to a greater or lesser extent, this important Danger Zone.
At night boats in your Danger Zone shou you their red side light-the danger sign for you to give way. Boats outside the Danger Zone show their Green side light-the clera signal to you that they must give way.
Meeting Oblequely or Crossing
If the courses of two motor vessels are such that the two are approaching each other at right angles or obliquely, so as to involve risk of collision (other than overtaking) the motor Vessel which has the other on her own port side shall be the privilaged/Stand on vessel and shall hold her course and speed. The motor vessel which has the other on her own starboard side is the burdened/give way vessel and shall keep out of the way of the other vessel, using whatever means are necessary to do so. They exchange one short blast of the horn. Though the priveliged/stand on vessel should blow first, either may.
Visual Signal
An amendment to the pilot rules for boats operating on Wester rivers requires that, after January 1, 1945, horn sigals must be further indacated by a visual signal such as an amber colored light light visable one mile all around the horizon. The light must operate simultaneously and in conjunction with the Horn, and be visable duriong the same period as the horn blast.
This rule does not apply to Class A and Class 1 motor boats. Class 2 and Class 3 motor boats are also exemt from this regulation if not engaged in trade or commerce.
Had you faulkers going for a second didn't I