New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-04-12
Observance of RULES of
the Road" Is Essen.
tial to Safety.
BLAST SYSTEM IS
NOT COMPLICATED
Commodore Mahnken illustrates
Its Use in Imaginary Trip
Up the Hudson.

BY Rear Commodore Edward l.. Nahnt.,
In these days OF power squadron ex.
amnations and safety first a thorough
knowledge OF road rules is absoluter
essential not only for the safety OF or
passengers. but 10 enable each motor boa,
owner to thoroughly enjoy the sport TO
the utmost.
Hundreds OF people who take trhs
across the ferries hear the various pilot.
exchanging signals. To them the blasts
are as far beyond comprehension as =
foreign language. but 10 the man az IN.
wheel each blast has its own special mes.
sage 10 convey.
To obtain a clear and concise idea Of
the rules OF the road. let us imagine a
trip up the Hudson. We slip our moor.
ings and get under way Coming down
the river We observe another vessel an.
preaching head on. IL is our duty 10 PASS
on the port COR lefD side of her. and We
signify our intention by giving one short
blast of the whistle. We should promptly
receive a similar blast in return. which
means that the captain understands our
intention. and both vessels will pass on
the port side OF eacn Other.
1t may be that our course lies far 10
the starboard Gighu side OF the ap-
preaching vessel, and we intend to pass
on that side, in which case We give two
short blasts of the whistle. and should
receive like number In return, where.
upon the vessels pass 10 the stsrboard
side OF each other.
We reach long winding channel. and
owing to the height OF the banks along
shore. cannot see an approaching vessel
Having arrived within half a mile Of TINS
channel IL becomes necessary 10 sound
one long blast of the whistle. which a
vessel approaching from the opposite d.
rection. ii within hearing distance should
return; whereupon the signals for pass.
ing. as above stated. should be given and
answered. II, however. we hear no an
swering whistle we assume that our
course is clear and proceed accordingly
Having cleared the channel, we find our
boat Overlooking another. Being the
faster boat. our natural desire is 70 pass
but 10 do so the rules of the road must
be observed. IL is our intention to pass
10 the starboard righD side. Giving one
short blast OF the whistle. We wait to
receiving il. We know the coast is clear
for US 10 so proceed.
Should We wish to pass to the port
defD side We give notice by two snort
blasts OF the whistle and await a like
signal in return. II we do not receive
such signal IL is our duty TO remain
astern: for the master OF the LEADING
vessel might deem II dangerous for US
to pass. i'm which instance he would
notify us by sending forth four short
blasts OF the whistle.
II then becomes incumbent upon us 20
hold astern until all danger is past, when
the leading vessel should give us the reg
ular signals for passing.
In our further passage up the river. Nc
observe a sailing vessel; in this instance
we give absolute right of way. changing
our course If necessary, reducing our
speed or stopping or reversing If W.
reverse we must give three short blasts
of our whistle. which is the pilot signal
that the engine is going full speed astern
Concluding, ! might add just few
brief notes \ short blast is from t"c
10 four seconds duration; long blast u
from six to eight seconds Never use
cross signals, which means answering one
blast with two, or vice versa. Should
YOU not understand a signal given, do mol
hesitate 10 give the danger signal Al
signals should be given within half a
mile of the other vessel. and must he
answered with the same signal