The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-06-19
SEA LIGHTS AND SIGNALS.
New Rules of the Road Adopted by
the Marine Conference.

the marine Conference.
From the New York Times.
Right in the midst of their summer cruis-
ing seafaring men will have 20 make
| changes in the number and arrangement
of lights carried. The new rules of the
road so into effect on July l. and a careful
perusal of them is necessary to prevent
confusion, particularly in thick and foggy
weather.
The interna tionai marine conference
that met almost eight years ago found
that it was very necessary to be as con-
sentative as possible in regard to the ex-
listing rules concerning lights. They had
to keep in mind the fact that these rules
had been nearly dorty years in force, that
they were firmly impressed on the mind
of every seaman, and It had become sec
ond nature to follow them unquesuouing-
~. Every change, therefore, has had to
be considered most seriously before its
adoption, and only where absolutely nee
essary has an old rule been given ln. Were
it otherwise, a change might lead to con
fusion, which would beget serious danger
to life and property at sea.
While the usual red ana green lights are
still continued, as well as the bright white
light at the masthead for steamers, in all
weathers from sunset to sunrise, a steam
vessel underway may now carry an addi-
tioaal light similar in construction to the
customary bright. white light These
two lights are to be so placed in line with
the vessels keel that one shall be at least
fifteen feet higher than the other, and in
such position with reference TO each other
that the lower light shall be forward of
the upper one, the vertical distance be-
tween these lights being less than the hor-
izontal distance. These range lights have
been adopted in various parts OF the world
for a number of years, and we find the
principle well carried out on board many of
our ferryboats.
The smallest change in the heading of
an approaching vessel can readily be de-
tected by the closing in or the opening
out of the two white lights and there is
thereby additional immunity from COLI
sion.
A steam vessel when towing another
vessel, is, in addition TO her side lights,
to carry two bright white lights in YER
teal line. one over the other, not less
than six feet apart, and when towing more
than one vessel is TO carry an additional
bright white light six feet above or below
such lights, if the length of the two,
measuring from the stern of the towing
vessel to the stern Of the last vessel tow
ed, exceeds 600 feet
Each of these additional lights Is to be
of the same construction and character,
and is to be carried in the same position
as the ordinary white light, excepting the
additional light, which is TO be carried al
hight Of not less than fourteen feet
above the hull.
Such steam vessels are allowed to carry
a small white light abaft the smokestack
or aftermast for the vessel lowed to steer
by but such light is not to be visible for
ward of the beam.
A vessel which, from any accident is not
under command, is to carry a the same
hight as the ordinary masthead light.
where they can best be seen, and II a
steamer, in lieu Of that light, two red
lights. in a vertical line, one over the
other, not less than six feet apart. and of
such a character as to be visible all
around the horizon at a distance of at
least two miles and shall by day carry
in vertical line, one over the other, not
less than six feet apart where they can
best be seen, two black balls or shapes,
each of two feet In diameter
A vessel employed in laying or in pick
| ing up a telegraph cable is to carry in the
same position as the ordinary white light,
and If a steam Vessed, in lieu of that light
three lights is a vertical line. one over
the other, and less than six feet higher.
The highest and lowest of these lights are
to be red, and the middle one white, and
they are to be of such character as to be
visible all around the horizon at a dis
lance of at least two miles. BY day, she Is
to carry, in a vertical line, one over the
other, not less than six feet apart, where
they can best be seen. three shapes. not
less than two feet in diameter, Of which
the highest and lowest are to be globular
in shape and red in color, and the middle
one diamond in shape and white
Vessels finding themselves in the above
situations, when not making way, are not
to carry the red and green side lights,
but when making way are to carry them.
The lights and shapes referred to are to
Ha feslra lar OIL
is not under command and cannot, there
FORE get out Of the way. These signals
are not to be understood al signals of
vessels in distress and requiring assist
ance
Steam vessels of less than forty tons
and vessels under oars or sails of less
than twenty tons gross tonnage, and row.
ing boats. when under way. shall not be
required TO carry the usual running lights,
but If they do carry them, they are to be
provided with the following lights:
First-Steam vessels of less than forty
tons shall carry:
(a) IN the fore part Of the vessel, or on.
or in front Of. the funnel, where Il can
best be seen, and at a hight above the
gunwale If not less than nine feet bright
white light of the usual construction and
OF such a character as to be visible at a
distance OF two miles.
CD Green and red side lights OF the
usual construction, with the visibility of
one mile or a combined lantern showing
a green light and a red light from right
ahead to two points abaft che beam on
their respective sides. Such lanterns to
be not less than three feet below the white
light
Second-Small steamboats,, such as are
carried by seagoing vessels, are 20 carry
the white light at a less hight than nine
feet above the gunwale but above the
combined colored lantern.
Third-Vessels under oars or sails Of
less than twenty tons are to have ready
at hand lantern with a green glass on
one side and a red glass on the other.
which. on the approach Of or 10 other YES
sells IS to be exhibited Ia sufficient time
az A