king 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.

As by day the overtaking vessel can not always know with certainty
whether she is forward of or abaft this direction from the other vessel,
she should if in doubt assume that she is an overtaking vessel and keep
out of the way.

ART. 25. In narrow channels every steam vessel 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 vessel.

ART. 26. Sailing vessels under way shall keep out of the way of sailing
vessels or boats fishing with nets or lines or trawls. This rule shall
not give to any vessel or boat engaged in fishing the right of
obstructing a fairway used by vessels other than fishing vessels or
boats.

ART. 27. In obeying and construing these rules due regard shall be had
to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special
circumstances which may render a departure from the above rules
necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.

SOUND SIGNALS FOR VESSELS IN SIGHT OF ONE ANOTHER.

ART. 28. The words "short blast" used in this article shall mean a blast
of about one second's duration.

When vessels are in sight of one another, a steam vessel under way in
taking any course authorized or required by these rules shall indicate
that course by the following signals on her whistle or siren, 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, "My engines are going at full speed astern."

NO VESSEL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TO NEGLECT PROPER PRECAUTIONS.

ART. 29. Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel 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 HARBORS AND INLAND NAVIGATION.

ART. 30. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of a
special rule duly made by local authority