 Rules of the Road at Sea by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Rules of the Road at Sea and in harbours, rivers, and inland waters except the Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters, as far east as Montreal by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, August 1895 Regulations for Preventing Collisions Compiled from the revised statutes of the United States the Treasury Department Circulars of the Commissioner of Navigation and from the General Rules and Regulations prescribed by the Board of Supervising Inspectors of Steam Vessels, 1895 or Insertion in Volumes of the United States Coast Pilot Atlantic Coast An Act in Regard to Collision at Sea Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that in every case of collision between two vessels it shall be the duty of the master or person in charge of each vessel, if and so far as he can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, crew, and passengers, if any to stay by the other vessel until he has ascertained that she has no need of further assistance and to render to the other vessel her master, crew, and passengers, if any such assistance as may be practicable and as may be necessary in order to save them from any danger caused by the collision and also to give the master or person in charge of the other vessel the name of his own vessel and her port of registry or the port or place to which she belongs and also the names of the ports and places from which and to which she is bound if he fails so to do and no reasonable cause for such failure is shown the collision shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be deemed to have been caused by his wrongful act, neglect, or default Section 2 that every master or person in charge of a United States vessel who fails without reasonable cause to render such assistance or give such information as aforesaid shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be liable to a penalty of $1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years and for the above sum the vessel shall be liable and may be seized and preceded against by process in any district court of the United States by any person one half such sum to be payable to the informer and the other half to the United States Section 3 that this act shall take effect at a time to be fixed by the president by proclamation issued for that purpose approved September 4th 1890 proclamation dated November 18th 1890 to take effect December 15th 1890 rules of the road at sea adopted by all important maritime nations the following act of Congress to adopt the revised international regulations for preventing collisions at sea was approved March 3rd 1885 some foreign governments have not adopted paragraphs A and C of article 10 in the form here given but these paragraphs apply only to fishing vessels and boats when in the sea off the coast of Europe lying north of Cape Finestere an act to adopt the revised international regulations for preventing collisions at sea be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled that the following revised international rules and regulations for preventing collisions at sea shall be followed in the navigation of all public and private vessels of the United States upon the high seas and in all coast waters of the United States except such as are otherwise provided for namely article 1 in the following rules every steamship which is under sail and not under steam is to be considered a sailing ship and every steamship which is under steam whether under sail or not is to be considered a ship under steam rules concerning lights article 2 the lights mentioned in the following articles numbered 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and no others shall be carried in all weathers from sunset to sunrise article 3 the ongoing steamship when underway shall carry a on or in front of the four mast at a height above the hull of not less than 20 feet and if the breadth of the ship exceeds 20 feet then at a height above the hull not less than such breadth a bright white light so constructed as to show a uniform and unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 20 points of the compass so fixed as to throw the light 10 points on each side of the ship namely from right ahead to two points abathe beam on either side of such a character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere at a distance of at least five miles be on the starboard side a green light so constructed as to show a uniform and unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 10 points of the compass so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abathe beam on the starboard side and of such a character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere at a distance of at least two miles see on the port side a red light so constructed as to show a uniform and unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 10 points of the compass so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abathe beam on the port side and of such a character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere at a distance of at least two miles d. the said green and red side lights shall be fitted with inboard screens projecting at least three feet forward from the light so as to prevent these lights from being seen across the bow a steamship when towing another ship shall in addition to her side lights carry two bright white lights in a vertical line one over the other not less than three feet apart so as to distinguish her from other steamships each of these lights shall be of the same construction and character and shall be carried in the same position as the white light which other steamships are required to carry article five a a ship whether a steamship or a sailing ship which from any accident is not under command shall at night carry in the same position as the white light which steamships are required to carry and if a steamship in place of that light three red lights in globular lanterns each not less than ten inches in diameter in a vertical line one over the other not less than three feet apart and of such a character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere at a distance of at least two miles and shall by day carry in a vertical line one over the other not less than three feet apart in front of but not lower than her four mast head three black balls or shapes each two feet in diameter be a ship whether a steamship or a sailing ship employed in laying or picking up a telegraph cable shall at night carry in the same position as the white light which steamships are required to carry and if a steamship in place of that light three lights in globular lanterns each not less than ten inches in diameter in a vertical line one over another not less than six feet apart the highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white and they shall be of such a character that the red lights shall be visible at the same distance as the white light by day she shall carry in a vertical line one over the other not less than six feet apart in front of but not lower than her four mast head three shapes not less than two feet in diameter of which the top and bottom shall be globular in shape and red in color and the middle one diamond in shape and white C. The ships referred to in this article when not making any way through the water shall not carry the side lights but when making way shall carry them D. The lights and shapes required to be shown by this article are to be taken by other ships as signals that the ship showing them is not under command and cannot therefore get out of the way the signals to be made by ships in distress and requiring assistance are contained in article twenty-seven article six a sailing ship under way or being towed shall carry the same lights as are provided by article three for a steamship under way the exception of the white light which she shall never carry article seven whenever as in the case of small vessels during bad weather the green and red side lights cannot be fixed these lights shall be kept on deck on their respective sides of the vessel ready for use and shall on the approach of or to other vessels be exhibited on their respective sides in sufficient time to prevent a collision in such a manner as to make them most visible and so that the green lights shall not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the starboard side to make the use of these portable lights more certain and easy the lanterns containing them shall each be painted outside with the color of the light they respectively contain and shall be provided with proper screens article eight a ship whether a steamship or a sailing ship when at anchor shall carry where it can best be seen but at a height not exceeding twenty feet above the hull a white light in a globular lantern of not less than eight inches in diameter and so constructed as to show a clear uniform and unbroken light visible all around the horizon at a distance of at least one mile article nine a pilot vessel when engaged on her station on pilotage duty shall not carry the lights required for other vessels but shall carry a white light at the mast head visible all around the horizon and shall also exhibit a flare-up light or flare-up lights at short intervals which shall never exceed fifteen minutes a pilot vessel when not engaged on her station on pilotage duty shall carry lights similar to those of other ships article ten open boats and fishing vessels of less than twenty tons net registered tonnage when underway and when not having their nets, trolls, dredges and lines in the water shall not be obliged to carry the colored side lights but every such boat and vessel shall in lieu thereof have ready at hand a lantern with a green glass on the one side and a red glass on the other side and on approaching to or being approached by another vessel such lantern shall be exhibited insufficient time to prevent collision so that the green light shall not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the starboard side the following portion of this article applies only to fishing vessels and boats when in the sea off the coast of Europe lying north of Cape Finnisterre A. All fishing vessels and fishing boats of twenty tons net registered tonnage or upward when underway and when not having their nets, trolls, dredges or lines in the water shall carry and show the same lights as other vessels underway B. All vessels when engaged in fishing with drift nets shall exhibit two white lights from any part of the vessel where they can best be seen such lights shall be placed so that the vertical distance between them shall be not less than six feet and not more than ten feet and so that the horizontal distance between them measured in a line with the keel of the vessel shall be not less than five feet and not more than ten feet the lower of these two lights shall be the more forward and both of them shall be of such a character and contained in lanterns of such construction as to show all round the horizon on a dark night with a clear atmosphere for a distance of not less than three miles C. All vessels when trawling, dredging or fishing with any kind of drag nets shall exhibit from some part of the vessel where they can be best seen two lights one of these lights shall be red and the other shall be white the red light shall be above the white light and shall be at a vertical distance from it of not less than six feet and not more than twelve feet and the horizontal distance between them if any shall not be more than ten feet these two lights shall be of such a character and contained in lanterns of such construction as to be visible all round the horizon on a dark night with a clear atmosphere the white light to a distance of not less than three miles and the red light of not less than two miles D. A vessel employed in line fishing with her lines out shall carry the same lights as a vessel when engaged in fishing with drift nets E. If a vessel when fishing with a trawl, dredge or any kind of drag net becomes stationary in consequence of her gear getting fast to a rock or other obstruction she shall show the light and make the fog signal for a vessel at anchor F. Fishing vessels and open boats may at any time use a flare-up in addition to the lights which they are by this article required to carry and show all flare-up lights exhibited by a vessel when trawling, dredging or fishing with any kind of drag net shall be shown at the after part of the vessel accepting that if the vessel is hanging by the stern to her trawl, dredge or drag net they shall be exhibited from the bow G. Every fishing vessel and every open boat when at anchor between sunset and sunrise shall exhibit a white light visible all round the horizon at a distance of at least one mile H. In a fog a drift net vessel attached to her nets and a vessel when trawling, dredging or fishing with any kind of drag net and a vessel employed in line fishing with her lines out shall at intervals of not more than two minutes make a blast with her fog horn and ring her bell alternately Article XI a ship which is being overtaken by another shall show from her stern to such last mentioned ship a white light or a flare-up light sound signals for fog and so forth Article XII a steamship shall be provided with a steam whistle or other efficient steam sound signals so placed that the sound may not be intercepted by any obstructions and with an efficient fog horn to be sounded by a bellows or other mechanical means and also with an efficient bell in all cases where the regulations require a bell to be used a drum will be substituted on board Turkish vessels a sailing ship shall be provided with a similar fog horn and bell in fog missed or falling snow whether by day or night the signals described in this article shall be used as follows that is to say A a steamship underway shall make with her steam whistle or other steam sound signal at intervals of not more than two minutes a prolonged blast B a sailing ship underway shall make with her fog horn at intervals of not more than two minutes when on the starboard tack when on blast when on the port tack two blasts in succession and when with the wind abaffed the beam three blasts in succession C a steamship and a sailing ship when not underway shall at intervals of not more than two minutes ring the bell to the ships to be moderate in fog and so forth article 13 every ship whether a sailing ship or a steamship shall in a fog missed or falling snow go at moderate speed steering and sailing rules article 14 when two sailing ships are approaching one another so is to involve risk of collision one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows namely A a ship which is running free shall keep out of the way of a ship which is close hauled B a ship which is close hauled on the port tack shall keep out of the way of a ship which is close hauled on the starboard tack C when both are running free with the wind on different sides the ship which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other D when both are running free with the wind on the same side the ship which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the ship which is to leeward E a ship which has the wind aft shall keep out of the way of the other ship article 15 if two ships under steam are meeting end on or nearly end on so is to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each may pass on the port side of the other this article only applies to cases where ships are meeting end on or nearly end on in such a manner as to involve risk of collision and does not apply to two ships which must if both keep on their respective courses pass clear of each other the only cases to which it does apply are when each of the two ships is end on or nearly end on to the other in other words to cases in which by day each ship sees the masts of the other in a line or nearly in a line with her own and by night to cases in which each ship is in such a position as to see both the side lights of the other it does not apply by day to cases in which a ship sees another ahead crossing her own course or by night to cases where the red light of one ship is opposed to the red light of the other or where the green light of one ship is opposed to the green light of the other or where a red light without a green light or a green light without a red light is seen ahead or where both green and red lights are seen anywhere but ahead 16. If two ships under steam are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the ship which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way of the other. 17. If two ships, one of which is a sailing ship, and the other a steamship, are proceeding in such directions as to involve risk of collision, the steamship shall keep out of the way of the sailing ship. 18. Every steamship, when approaching another ship so as to involve risk of collision, shall slacken her speed or stop and reverse if necessary. 19. In taking any course authorized or required by these regulations, a steamship under way may indicate that course to any other ship which she has in sight by the following signals on her steam whistle. Namely, one short blast to mean I am directing my course to starboard. Two short blasts to mean I am directing my course to port. Three short blasts to mean I am going full speed astern. The use of these signals is optional, but if they are used the course of the ship must be in accordance with the signal made. 20. Notwithstanding anything contained in any preceding article, every ship, whether a sailing ship or a steamship, overtaking any other, shall keep out of the way of the overtaken ship. 21. In narrow channels every steamship shall, when it is safe and practicable, keep to that side of the fairway or mid-channel, which lies on the starboard side of such ship. 22. Where by the above rules one of two ships are to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course. 23. In obeying and construing these rules, do regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and to any special circumstances which may render a departure from the above rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger. No ship under any circumstances to neglect proper precautions. 24. Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any ship or the owner or master or crew thereof from the consequences of any neglect to carry lights or signals, or of any neglect to keep a proper lookout, or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case. Reservation of rules for harbour and inland navigation. 25. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of a special rule duly made by local authority relative to the navigation of any harbour, river, or inland navigation. Special lights for squadrons and convoys. 26. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the government of any nation with respect to additional station and signal lights for two or more ships of war or for ships sailing under convoy. Article 27. When a ship is in distress and requires assistance from other ships or from the shore, the following shall be the signals to be used and displayed by her, either together or separately, that is to say, in the daytime. First, a gun fired at intervals of about one minute. Second, the international code signal of distress indicated by NC. Third, the distant signal consisting of a square flag having either above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball. At night, first, a gun fired at intervals of about a minute. Second, flames on the ship as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, and so forth. Third, rockets or shells throwing stars of any colour or description fired one at a time at short intervals. Section 2. That all laws and parts of laws inconsistent with the foregoing revised international rules and regulations for the navigation of all public and private vessels of the United States upon the high seas and in all coast waters of the United States are hereby repealed, except as to the navigation of such vessels within the harbours, lakes, and inland waters of the United States, and that this act shall take effect and be in force from and after the first day of September, Anno Domini, 1884. Approved, March 3, 1885. Rules and regulations for the government of pilots of steamers navigating harbours, rivers, and inland waters, except the Great Lakes, the Red River of the North, and rivers emptying into the Gulf of Mexico and their tributaries, when meeting or approaching each other, whether by day or night, and as soon as fully within sound of the steam whistle. Adopted by the Board of Supervising Inspectors, June 1871, amended January 1875, January 1881, 1882, 1893, and 1895. Rule one. When steamers are approaching each other, head and head, or nearly so, it shall be the duty of each steamer to pass to the right or port side of the other, and the pilot of either steamer may be first in determining to pursue this course, and thereupon shall give, as a signal of his intention, one short and distinct blast of his steam whistle, which the pilot of the other steamer shall answer promptly by a similar blast of his steam whistle, and thereupon such steamers shall pass to the right or port side of each other. But if the course of such steamers is so far on the starboard of each other as not to be considered by pilots as meeting head to head or nearly so, the pilots, so first deciding, shall immediately give two short and distinct blasts of his steam whistle, which the pilot of the other steamer shall answer promptly by two similar blasts of his steam whistle, and they shall pass to the left or on the starboard side of each other. In the night steamers will be considered as meeting head and head, so long as both the colored lights of each are in view of the other. Rule 2. When steamers are approaching each other in an oblique direction, as shown in diagram of the fourth situation, they shall pass to the right of each other, as if meeting head and head, or nearly so, and the signals by whistle shall be given and answered promptly as in that case specified. Rule 3. If when steamers are approaching each other, the pilot of either vessel fails to understand the course or intention of the other, whether from signals being given or answered erroneously or from other causes, the pilot so in doubt shall immediately signify the same by giving several short and rapid blasts of the steam whistle. And if the vessels shall have approached within half a mile of each other, both shall be immediately slowed to a speed barely sufficient for steerage way until the proper signals are given, answered, and understood, or until the vessels shall have passed each other. Whistles approaching each other from opposite directions are forbidden to use what has become technically known among pilots as cross signals, that is, answering one whistle with two, and answering two whistles with one. In all cases, and under all circumstances, a pilot receiving either of the whistle signals provided in the rules, which for any reason he deems injudicious to comply with, instead of answering it with a cross signal, must at once observe the provisions of this rule. Rule 4. When steamers are running in a fog or thick weather, it shall be the duty of the pilot to cause a long blast of the steam whistle to be sounded at intervals not exceeding one minute. Steamers, when drifting or at anchor, in the fairway of other vessels, in a fog or thick weather, shall ring their bells at intervals of not more than two minutes. Rule 5. Whenever a steamer is nearing a short bend or curve in the channel, where from the height of the banks or other cause a steamer approaching from the opposite direction cannot be seen for a distance of half a mile, the pilot of such steamer, when he shall have arrived within half a mile of such a curve or bend, shall give a signal by one long blast of the steam whistle, which signal shall be answered by a similar blast, given by the pilot of any approaching steamer that may be within hearing. Should such signal be so answered by a steamer upon the farther side of such bend, then the usual signals from meeting and passing shall immediately be given and answered. But if the first alarm signal of such pilot be not answered, he is to consider the channel clear, and govern himself accordingly. When boats are moved from their docks or berths, and other boats are liable to pass from any direction toward them, they shall give the same signal as in the case of boats meeting at a bend. But immediately after clearing their berths, so as to be fully in sight, they shall be governed by rule one. RULE SIX The signals by the blowing of the steam whistle shall be given and answered by pilots in compliance with these rules, not only when meeting head and head or nearly so, but at all times when passing or meeting at a distance within half a mile of each other, and whether passing to starboard or port. RULE SEVEN When two steamers are approaching the narrows known as Hell Gate on the East River at New York, side by side or nearly so, running in the same direction, the steamer on the right or starboard hand of the other when approaching from the west, when they shall have arrived abreast of the north end of Blackwells Island, shall have the right of way, and the steamer on the left or port side shall check her way and drop a stern. In like case, when two steamers are approaching from the east and are abreast of Negro Point, the steamer on the right or starboard hand of the other shall have the right of way, and shall proceed on her course without interference, and the steamer on the port side of the other shall keep at a safe distance a stern, not less than three lengths, until both steamers have passed through the difficult channel. RULE EIGHT When steamers are running in the same direction, and the pilot of a steamer, which is a stern, shall desire to pass on the right or starboard hand of the steamer ahead, he shall give one short blast of the steam whistle as a signal of such desire and intention, and shall put his helm to port, or if he shall desire to pass on the left or port side of the steamer ahead, he shall give two short blasts of the steam whistle as a signal of such desire and intention, and shall put his helm to starboard, and the pilot of the steamer ahead shall answer by the same signals, or if he does not think it safe for the steamer a stern to attempt to pass at that point, he shall immediately signify the same by giving several short and rapid blasts of the steam whistle, and under no circumstances shall the steamer a stern attempt to pass the steamer ahead, until such time as they have reached a point where it can be safely done, when said steamer ahead shall signify her willingness by blowing the proper signals. The boat ahead shall in no case attempt to cross the bow, or crowd upon the course of the passing steamer. Every vessel coming up with another vessel from any direction more than two points abaffed her beam, that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel which she is overtaking, and at night she would be unable to see either of that vessel's side lights, shall be deemed to be an overtaking vessel, and no subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these rules, or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear. RULE 9 All double-ended ferry boats on lakes and seaboard shall carry a central range of clear bright white lights showing all around the horizon placed at equal altitudes forward and aft, also such side lights as specified in Section 4233 Revised Statutes, Rule 3, Paragraphs B and C. Several inspectors in districts having ferry boats shall, whenever the safety of navigation may require, designate for each line of such boats a certain light white or coloured which shall show all around the horizon to designate and distinguish such lines from each other, each light shall be carried on a flagstaff amid ship fifteen feet above the white range lights. The line dividing jurisdiction between pilot rules on western rivers and harbours, rivers and inland waters at New Orleans shall be the lower limits of that city. RULE 10 On the inland rivers, bays, sounds and harbours of the United States, except on the waters of the Hudson River and its tributaries from Troy to Sandy Hook, the waters of the East River and Long Island Sound and the waters entering thereon and to the Atlantic Ocean, to and including Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island and tributaries and Lake Champlain, barges and canal boats towing a stern of steam vessels when towing singly or what is known as tandem towing shall each carry a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side. When two or more boats are abreast the coloured lights shall be carried at the outer sides of the boughs of the outside boats. Barges or canal boats towing alongside a steam vessel shall, if the deck houses or cargo of the barge or canal boat, be so high above water as to obscure the side lights of the towing steamer when being towed on the starboard side of the steamer, carry a green light upon the starboard side and when towed on the port side of the steamer, a red light on the port side of the barge or canal boat and if there is more than one barge or canal boat abreast the coloured lights shall be displayed from the outer side of the outside barges or canal boats. Barges and canal boats when being towed by steam vessels on the waters of the Hudson River and its tributaries from Troy to Sandy Hook, the East River and Long Island Sound and the waters entering thereon and to the Atlantic Ocean to and including Narragansett Bay Road Island and tributaries and Lake Champlain shall carry lights as follows. Barges and canal boats being towed a stern of steam vessels when towing singly or what is known as tandem towing shall each carry a white light on the bow and a white light on the stern. Barges and canal boats when towed at a hauser to or more abreast when in one tier shall carry a white light on the bow and a white light on the stern of each of the outside boats. When in more than one tier each of the outside boats shall carry a white light on its bow and the outside boats in the last tier shall each carry in addition a white light on the outer after part of the stern. Barges or canal boats towed alongside a steam vessel if on the starboard side of said steam vessel shall display a white light on her own starboard bow and if on the port side of said steam vessel shall display a white light on her own port bow and if there is more than one barge or canal boat alongside the white lights shall be displayed from the outboard side of the outside barge or canal boat. When barges or canal boats are massed in tiers and towed at a hauser as is usual on the Hudson River there shall be carried on the forward port side of the port boat of each tier a white light and on the forward starboard side of the starboard boat in each tier a white light and on the after port side of the port boat in the stern tier a white light and on the after starboard side of the starboard boat in the stern tier a white light. The white lights for barges and canal boats referred to in the preceding rules shall be carried at least ten feet and not more than thirty feet above the stem or extreme forward end of the vessel above the deck rail of the vessel on single decked vessels and on the upper deck of double or three decked barges or canal boats and shall be of such a character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere at a distance of at least five miles. The colored side lights referred to in the foregoing rules must be fitted with inboard screens so as to prevent them from being seen across the bow and of such a character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere at a distance of at least two miles and so constructed as to show a uniform and unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass and so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points above the beam on either side. The minimum size of glass globes used shall not be less than six inches in diameter and five and one half inches high in the clear. Any barge or canal boat in tow of a steam vessel when the last boat of a tow and not required by these rules to carry a light on the stern except upon rivers whose waters flow into the Gulf of Mexico on being overtaken by another vessel shall show from her stern to such last mentioned vessel a flare-up light or in lieu thereof a white light fixed and carried in a lantern which shall be so constructed fitted and screened that it shall throw an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 12 points of the compass namely for six points from right aft on each side of the vessel so as to be visible at a distance of at least one mile. These rules for lights on barges and canal boats shall take effect at sundown May 1st 1894 and the lights provided therein shall thereafter be carried from sunset to sunrise at all times when being navigated provided that nothing in these rules shall be construed as compelling barges or canal boats in tow of steam vessels passing through any waters en route or directly to or from a port where lights for barges or canal boats are different from those of the waters where on such vessels are usually employed to change their lights from those required on the waters from which their trip begins or terminates but should such vessels engage in local employment on waters requiring different lights from those where they are customarily employed they shall comply with the local rules where employed decision of the secretary of the treasury number 3838 dated January 8 1879 note this refers to rule 7 on page 8 and note when towing the law will be complied with by having an additional light aft two or three feet below the proper after light also showing around the horizon and from a flagstaff of sufficient height put anywhere abaff the pilot house lights so displayed on towing vessels without masks are considered the equivalents of the two mast head lights required by rule 4 section 4 2 3 3 revised statutes end of rules of the road at sea by the US coast and geodetic survey recording by Maria Casper selected patterns from the art of bobbin lace by Louisa and Rosa tabs this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Devora Allen Genoese lace edge we will begin with the simplest of all bobbin laces namely Genoese and as the style of this lace does not offer much scope and variety of design we will after mastering this effective and useful little pattern pass on to the more elaborate varieties you will require six pairs of bobbins for this design filled with number one thread and tied together in pairs as described on page seven and a packet of medium lace pins stick three pins in the dots indicated in the pattern hang two pairs of bobbins on the right hand pin and make a cloth stitch which is done as follows with four bobbins for greater clearness we will number these bobbins one two three four counting from the right cross number three bobbin over number two number one over number two number three over number four and number three over number two assuming of course that the bobbins change their number as they move that is the pair nearest the right hand being always number one and so on after this stitch is worked leave the right hand pair of bobbins hang a new pair on the next pin and work a cloth stitch with the left hand pair and the new pair and so on until the whole six pairs are worked two pairs on each pin now make a picot as follows twist the outer pair of bobbins three times to the left put a pin under this thread giving the pin an extra twist round the thread before pinning down make a cloth stitch with the two outside pairs repeating the four movements exactly the same as before now twist each of these two pairs twice to the left asterisk leave the outside or left hand pair and work a cloth stitch with the inner pair and the next and so on until all except the last pair are worked and before making this stitch twist each of the two last pairs twice to the left stick a pin in front of both pairs of bobbins making a cloth stitch at the back of the pin twist both pairs twice again leave the outer or right hand pair and work across with the inner pair as before until all except the last stitch is worked see that both pairs are twisted twice before working this stitch then twist the outer pair only three times for the picot pin down as before make a second cloth stitch and twist each pair twice again to the left and repeat from asterisk and so on until you arrive at the first strand a which you must throw out as follows remembering that the picots only occur on the outline of the lace and that the braid is worked both edges alike in the parts where the picots cease after completing the row at point A stick a pin in the opposite end of the strand B twist your outer pair of bobbins nearest the strand eight times hang this twisted thread round the pin and back again making a cloth stitch with this pair and the next stick another pin in between these two pairs of bobbins and work another cloth stitch round the pin twist each pair twice to the left and proceed as before throwing out strands see in the same manner these strands must be taken up into the lace at the other side to do this when you arrive at the pin on which the strand was made take out the pin and insert a crochet hook through the strand pull the thread of the nearest bobbin through this strand until a large loop is formed and pass the second bobbin through this loop pull tight make a cloth stitch put the pin back again make another cloth stitch round the pin twist each pair of bobbins twice and proceed with the ordinary braid as before connecting every row now on this side of the braid which comes close to that already worked by taking out the pin and drawing the thread of your nearest bobbin through the edge of the braid as for the strand note the pins should be placed quite close together on the inner side of all curves and the outer pins regulated to come as nearly opposite the inner pins as possible when you have worked the length of your pattern or as far as you conveniently can on your cushion leave all your working bobbins taking the precaution to keep these in place by stretching a wide piece of elastic tightly over the bobbins securing it to the cushion with large pins and put in your fillings and strands with four separate bobbins tied together in pairs as previously described and work as follows take out the pin at one insert a crochet hook where the pin has been and draw the thread of one pair of bobbins through the edge of the braid into a large loop put one of the bobbins through this loop and pull tight insert another pair in the same place in the same manner and work plate stitch which is done as follows cross number three bobbin over number two one over two three over four three over two one over two three over four and so on until you arrive at two where you take out the nearest pin and connect to the lace as described before continue the plate stitch to three connect again to the lace and work across to four then to five and six seven and eight when you arrive at eight tie each pair of bobbins together in four tight knots reversing the tie each time and cut off close the strands in space M are worked in the same way the little picots that occur at intervals in all the plate stitch strands being formed by simply twisting a pin round the thread of the nearest bobbin and pinning it down whenever you arrive at a dot which indicates a picot the spider webs that connect the bows together are also worked with two pairs of bobbins each pair after being connected to the lace one pair at J and a pair at K are twisted until they reach the middle then hung over two pins one at each corner of the little square three bobbins are held in the left hand the fourth bobbin being used as a shuttle weaving over and under the other threads until a square center is formed a pin is stuck in each of the lower corners and a pair of bobbins hung over each pin the threads are then twisted up to the opposite side of the lace H and I where they are connected tied together and cut off although when once the knack is acquired these effective little spider webs are very quickly and easily made it requires a certain amount of practice to obtain this neck and beginners must not be discouraged if at first they cannot get them perfect the next step after completing the fillings and strands is to take out all the pins from the lace and remove it from the pattern fitting the part you are working carefully on the beginning of the pattern at the top of the cushion secure with a few pins straighten out your working bobbins which will have become a little entangled in the process and proceed doily in point deflander we will now attempt the next easiest branch of bobbin lace commonly known as point deflander this fascinating lace is comparatively very easy of execution and admits of much more variety of design we should suggest the doily on page 21 for the first attempt then the collar on page 28 or the lace edge on page 32 and lastly the more elaborate motifs on page 36 half ready eight pairs of bobbins filled with number two thread each pair tied together and wound up to within three inches apart as described on page seven you will also require one bobbin filled with bruise cord the cord outline being one of the characteristics of this lace and a packet of medium lace pins to begin stick three pins in the ring of one of the flowers as indicated by the black dots and hang on eight pairs of bobbins one pair only at a time work cloth stitch right across commencing from the inner side of the ring stick a pin on the outer edge of the ring in front of the two last pairs just worked twist each pair twice to the left now make a knot in your outline cord and pin it down about one inch away pass this cord through the second or inner pair of bobbins over one bobbin under the next and leave it between this and the outside pair now work cloth stitch across with this same pair of bobbins until all except the last pair are worked twist this pair twice also the working pair twice to the left stick a pin in front of these four bobbins and make a cloth stitch at the back of the pin which will now be on the inner side of the ring twist each pair twice again and return with the inner pair working cloth stitch right across until you arrive at the cord pass this through your working pair twist this pair twice stick a pin in front and make a cloth stitch with this and the outside pair at the back of the pin twist both pairs twice work across with the inner pair the same as last row repeating the directions given row for row to connect the ring together at the finish take out the inner starting pin insert a fine crochet hook and draw the thread of the nearest bobbin through the opening put the next bobbin right through the loop just formed and pull tight work to the middle of ring and repeat also at the outer edge so that the ring is connected together in all three places now work half stitch right across the petal to do this first cross every pair of bobbins once to the left this being done take up the first two pairs and asterisk cross the two inner bobbins once to the right cross each of these two pairs once to the left again drop the outer pair take up the next pair and repeat from asterisk work all except the last pair and before doing this cross the working pair once to the left pass the cord through these cross threads now stick a pin at the top of the petal and with the two outer pairs of bobbins work a cloth stitch round this pin leave the outer pair pass the cord through the inner pair and work back in half stitch connect when you arrive at the ring of the flower make a cloth stitch after the connection to hold it firm and then work half stitch across until all except the last pair is worked pass the cord through the last pair but one previously crossed to the left twist both these outside pairs twice at the back of the pin stick a pin in front of these bobbins and make a cloth stitch twist each pair twice again drop the outer pair pass the cord through the inner pair and work half stitch right across including the last pair remembering to connect again to the ring make a cloth stitch and repeat these last two rows until all the six petals are worked threading the cord down to the ring and back again at the division of each stitch these petals are connected together at the finish the same as the ring working this last row in cloth stitch to hold the connections firm the stalk of the leaves is worked exactly the same as the circle of the flower the leaves are also worked in cloth stitch with the same open edge and cord all around the outside of the leaf but to form the vein work across to the dots up the middle of the leaf with plain cloth stitch up to the very last pair after this pair is worked stick a pin in the vein take the outer pair of bobbins round this pin and twist this pair only twice before working back this is done every row until the top of the vein is reached then work around the other side of the leaf connecting the vein in the middle as follows after the top of the vein is reached continue to work the same stitch around the tip of the leaf but without any pins or twistings on the inner side until you arrive opposite the top pin in the vein take this pin out and connect with the crochet hooks as described in the flower remembering now to twist the outer pair of bobbins once before and once after these connections to match the double twistings on the opposite side work around the second and third sections of the leaf in the same manner when the bobbins must be fastened off to do this take the whole of the bobbins in the left hand except one with this one bobbin tie the others together in a tight buttonhole stitch about six of these stitches are sufficient to make the fastening very secure now cut off the bobbins quite close and wind up in pairs as previously described if the little extra precaution is taken at the finish of sewing these fastenings neatly down on the wrong side the lace will never give way in cleaning as is so often the case for the small half stitch circles around the doily two cords are used one on each side the bobbins containing these cords are tied together and wound up like the others and when commencing these circles the pair of cord bobbins should be hung around the commencing pins after the others have all been worked on these circles are worked in half stitch with the usual open edge but at each division the cords are crossed as follows after putting in your pin at this point and twice twisting the two outer pairs of bobbins before passing your cord through the inner pair as usual thread this cord over and under all the other bobbins until it reaches the opposite cord leave it and bring this opposite cord back in the same manner now pass it through the pair of bobbins you were about to work with and proceed as usual after connecting the circles together at the finish the bobbins must be fastened off and cut close as for the leaf then wound up in pairs ready for the inner circle of braid around the doily this is worked exactly the same as the ring in the flower using one cord only on the outer edge of the braid remember in working this lace to connect all parts of the design that come close to each other by simply inserting the crochet hook and drawing the nearest working bobbin through as described before collar in point deflander this pretty little collar might be attempted first instead of the doily if preferred work the flowers leaves etc the same as the doily also the connecting strands and the small woven spider webs in the center of the flowers for the large spider webs however that connect the flowers and leaves you will require six pairs of bobbins two pairs for each of the three strands at the top of the web work these three strands as usual in plate stitch with a pico in the middle of each when the third strand is finished stick a pin at the corner of the solid square nearest this strand and work a cloth stitch around the pin drop the outer pair of bobbins and work another cloth stitch taking up the nearest pair of bobbins from the next strand repeat with the next pair and so on until you have worked a row of cloth stitches right across stick a pin in the opposite corner to the first pin and work a cloth stitch round this pin work cloth stitch across repeat for about six rows or until the little square is large enough then work the two outer pairs each side in plate stitch and also the two middle pairs until they reach their destination where connect tie firmly together and cut off close apply trimming and flander's point this handsome lace five inches deep is suitable for a great many purposes and can be worked in fine or coarse thread accordingly the specimen illustrated is worked in number two thread commence with the flower nearest the long curved stem arranging that you finish with the petal nearest to the stem continue to work the stem without cutting off the bobbins but fasten on an extra cord here as the stem is worked with a cord each side this extra cord must be cut off on arriving at the leaf which is also continued out of the stem with the same bobbins but you will find it necessary to put on two extra pairs of bobbins for the leaf to do this work a few rows until you come to where the leaf slightly widens and hang an extra pair of bobbins on the outer pin of the last row before passing your cord make a cloth stitch with this new pair and the working pair pass the cord twist twice pin as usual and the next time you arrive at this outer edge of the leaf hang on another pair in the same manner taking care to now lift the previous pair off the pin and pull up tight the working of the pretty reso filling in the circles formed by the stem is described on page 53 motifs and point the flander lovers knot butterfly fan and conventional rows these dainty little motifs form pretty ornaments for hats blouses etc or set quite close together they make a handsome border for collars and various articles arranged as fancy dictates to work the lovers knot follow the direction given in the italian insertion except the two cords are used one each side begin at the extreme point and work all the whole bow in one piece fasten off neatly and cut close tie the bobbins in pairs again and work the little center in half stitch for the butterfly work the body first commencing where it joins the top wing work all around this and continue the upper wings without leaving off first one wing then the other now continue the lower wing which is worked one half in cloth stitch with a vein up the middle as the leaf described in the doily and the opposite side in half stitch connecting each row to the vein as you proceed for the fan motif work the flower first finishing at the pedal nearest the braid on the left hand and continue to work this braid all round continuing the little open space between the fan and the ribbon by wrapping all the other bobbins with the two outside bobbins tying them tight and connecting this tying pair to the edge of the flower repeat this three times straighten out the bobbins and proceed to work the ribbon the flower motif should be commenced on the inside ring close to the stem work this and join together continue round the whole of the seven pedals working the three middle pedals in half stitch also down the stem then wrap and tie your bobbins together connecting each tie until you reach the small scroll on the left hand side of the stem continue to work this scroll and when finished fasten the bobbins off neatly cut close tie up in pairs connect each pair to the stem and work the little scroll opposite after this second scroll is worked the bobbins must be again cut off and tied up in pairs ready for the leaf the open pedals of the flower are filled in with the little woven spider webs and the middle of the ring with plated filling full directions for working the rows filling in the lover's knot butterfly and fan motifs also an illustrated diagram showing all working details will be found on pages 57 and 60 gi pure deflender we come now to one of the handsomest gi pure laces in existence gi pure deflender a lace that is comparatively very little known or taught in england although at the same time one of the most fascinating laces to manufacture on account of the variety of beautiful stitches or fillings introduced in this lace the rich heavy cord outline in this gi pure deflender differs also from the dentel de bruise in the respect that it appears on the right side of the lace only and has therefore a different movement as the little lace vest offers such opportunity for learning a great variety of fillings and makes such a wonderful piece of adornment i should suggest starting on this by the way the little collar band is worked on a separate pattern and attached to the vest later have ready six pairs of bobbins filled with number three thread and one bobbin with gi pure cord also a packet of fine lace pins work the narrow braid first all around the vest commencing at the top on two pins work the ordinary braid with the straight open edge on the inside and open edge with picots on the outer side using the gi pure cord as follows thread the cord through the other bobbins into position and on working from right to left pass this cord through the last pair of bobbins but one exactly the same as in the dentel de bruise but on the return row that is from left to right simply work over the cord instead of passing it through the bobbins as usual repeat this all through you will notice that two cords are used on all the scrolls one each side and one cord for the flowers and leaves the flowers being worked exactly the same as in the dentel de bruise except that every alternate petal is half stitch the cord is carried down to the ring of the flower and back again at the division of each petal in the same manner as in the dentel de bruise the large leaves are also worked exactly the same whilst the smaller leaves are worked in plain cloth stitch like the braid with the open edge each side but no vein down the middle eight pairs of bobbins are required for the larger flowers and leaves six pairs being sufficient for the smaller flowers and leaves whilst 10 pairs are necessary for the large scrolls besides the two cords the fillings are put in separately at the finish and comprise risso, festoon, spider, honeycomb, and plate stitches note a certain amount of skill is necessary to keep the form of the design in making lace and particularly is this noticeable around the curves of the scrolls commence these on three pins placing the first pin at the bend on the inner line where the scroll curves completely round place the next pin in the center of this little round curve and the last pin between the two other pins hang on your bobbins a pair at a time and work cloth stitch right across commencing at the inner pin thread the cord tied together on a pair of bobbins through the other bobbins over one and under another leaving it hanging each side in between the two last pairs and work across every row to the middle of the scroll using one cord only on the outer open edge of braid where the pins are placed and working plain cloth stitch on the inside without any open edge or pins continue this all round when you reach the top however you should begin to connect the two inner sides together continue to do this every row until you get quite round the curve and arrive opposite to the first pin then take in the other cord and work open edge each side for the straight portion of the scroll and if it finishes in another round curve as is often the case then work this curve also in a circle as at the commencement yoke in ghee pure deflander this handsome yoke is worked in similar style to the vest and the detailed instructions given for the ladder will apply to this yoke in the main perhaps it would be as well to explain however that the large ornamental leaves at the outside points of the design are worked in three sections the middle or inner section being worked as an ordinary bruise leaf in cloth stitch with seven pairs of bobbins and one ghee pure cord throwing out the vein of the leaf over a pin each time as previously described the extreme outer section is next worked adding an extra pair of bobbins as also an extra cord the space between these two sections being filled in last with half stitch connecting every row on each side to the parts already worked the same braid border is worked around the smaller leaves whilst the handsome double reso filling is described on page 60 the medallions are also worked in three sections the inner and outer braid being worked first and the middle space last this is done in half stitch connecting each row to this worked braid as previously described the little circles around the neck of the yoke are worked in cloth stitch with two cords one each side crossing these cords as described on page 25 at the division of each circle the ornamental line underneath the circles is worked in stem stitch with five pairs of bobbins and one cord bobbin as follows work the cord on the outer edge of the stem where also place the pins making the usual open edge on this side by twice twisting the two outer pairs of bobbins before and after your last stitch but on the inner side of the stem no pins are used and the twists must be omitted bolero in gi pure deflander this handsome bolero which by the way is worked in number two thread and a heavy gi pure cord needs after the vest and yoke very little explanation the very effective diamond filling described on page 59 shows here to great advantage and the reso filling page 53 is worked in the middle of the flowers the round little open holes in the petals of some of flowers etc are worked as described in the Flemish van dyke collar page 134 this bolero is a remarkably pretty shape forming a pointed collar at the back and is very quickly worked ornamental lace stitches number one reso this reso stitch forms a handsome background to a great many different kinds of lace and is worked as follows connect one pair of bobbins at a number one diagram and two pairs at B C D E and F also one pair at G twist the A pair twice to the left also the nearest B pair make a cloth stitch with these two pairs stick a pin on the cross between these bobbins and make another cloth stitch round this pin twisting each pair once to the left before making the stitch drop these two pairs and repeat with the next two namely the unworked B pair and the nearest C pair continue until all the bobbins are worked connect at the end of the row and return in the same manner noting that if the space you are filling increases in width an extra pair of bobbins must be added at the end of each row whilst if it decreases a pair must be cut off each time this of course refers to all fillings number two honeycomb this very pretty filling is worked in plate stitch described on page 17 connect two pairs of bobbins at A number two diagram plate to B on the top line making a picot in the middle place a pin at B and work a cloth stitch round it plate to C on the lower line and repeat plate to point D and back again to C work a second cloth stitch round the pin at C plate from C to E on the top line then from E to F on the lower line now plate from F to G and back again to F working a second cloth stitch round the pin at F plate to H on the top line and H to I on the lower line connect at point I to the lace and return on the remaining lines back to A drawing the pins out at all the lettered points on this return row as you arrive at them namely H F E C and B and connecting through the plate here with the working bobbins continue the plate to J connect again here and work this row exactly the same as the last number three festoon this stitch though remarkably easy is most graceful and effective and is worked as follows connect five pairs of bobbins at A and work cloth stitch across to the lower line of the scallop twisting the two last pairs twice before making the last stitch add a picot by twisting the outer pair three times pin down make another cloth stitch twist each pair twice again and return with plain cloth stitch to the top of the row omitting the twists and not placing any pins here work back again to the outer edge of the scallop where repeat the open edge and picot number four spider web stitch one of the most popular fillings is the spider web partly from its adaptability to all sized spaces and partly from its bold distinctive appearance which seems to supply a character and effect to all these laces connect two pairs of bobbins at A same at B C D E and F plate A bobbins across to the corner of the nearest little square and leave them making a picot in the middle of the strand as you plate do the same with B and leave them at the opposite corner of the same little square to avoid the bobbins becoming entangled here simply hang them over a pin at each corner repeat the directions just given with C and D bobbins for the next web and E and F for the last web on this row now return to A and B bobbins remove the pins over which the bobbins are hanging and work cloth stitch with all four pairs of bobbins from left to right stick the pin back in again in the right hand corner work a cloth stitch round the pin and right across to the left hand corner place another pin here and repeat continue to work cloth stitch placing pins at the end of each row as closely together as possible until the whole square is worked plate the strands across to the lower row and leave them hanging whilst you work C and D also E and F on the next row you will require two more pairs of bobbins connecting on at the first web to work with A bobbins B and C will work together in this row as D and E whilst F will be connected to the lace and brought down at the back of the lace for the third row number five lead filling the next is the famous honniton lead filling one of the most difficult but at the same time one of the richest stitches in lace making and the result is certainly well worth the time spent in acquiring the necessary knack and skill to accomplish this stitch successfully commence at the top of the space with two pairs of bobbins at A twist each pair twice to the left and weave with the outer right hand bobbin over and under the other three bobbins until you nearly reach the cross now drop these bobbins hang two pairs on at B and weave as with A bobbins until you arrive at the same cross now take the nearest pairs of A and B bobbins twist each pair of bobbins twice to the left work a cloth stitch place a pin in the upper dot and work another cloth stitch round the pin twist both pairs of bobbins twice work a cloth stitch place a pin in the right hand dot and work another cloth stitch round this pin now do the same with A bobbins placing the pin in the left hand dot and lastly twist the two nearest pairs of A and B and work a cloth stitch round a pin in the lower dot hang two more pairs of bobbins at B and two at C and repeat number six diamond stitch this is a bold handsome filling for large spaces connect five pairs of bobbins at A work cloth stitch across from left to right stick a pin on the right hand line work a cloth stitch round the pin cloth stitch across placing a pin on the left hand line where also work a stitch round this pin repeat until you reach B where connect wrap and tie your bobbins together and continue them at the back of the lace which is the side you are working on see illustration until you reach C connect here and work across to D repeat the connection here also at E and work across to F then from G to H here the bobbins must be fastened off cut close and five fresh pairs connected at I work to J connect again and again at K working across to L and so on until all the lines are worked next fill in all the diamond spaces with the woven spiders described on page 17 number seven double reso this extremely elaborate stitch is really not so complicated to work as it appears and is very uncommon commence as for ordinary reso and follow the directions given for this stitch until you arrive at the first of the double parallel lines connect an extra pair of bobbins here and work cloth stitch right across with these taking in each of the hanging bobbins in turn and twisting the working pair twice each time in between connect at the end of the row and return in exactly the same manner bringing this extra pair of bobbins down at the end of the row to the next double line and leave them ready until you have worked the reso in between number eight rows filling this very lacy stitch is worked in a similar manner to the lead filling except the bars are plated instead of woven and consequently it is very much easier of execution connect two pairs of bobbins at E and work plate stitch to the middle of the strand twist each of the outside threads around a separate pin and pin down to form a small picot each side continue the plate until the cross is almost reached now hang two pairs of bobbins at B and do the same working the cross with all four pairs placing a pin in each dot as in the lead filling end of selected patterns