"(_a_) In the fore part of the vessel or on or in front of the
funnel, where it can best be seen, and at a height above the gunwale of
not less than 9 feet, a bright white light constructed and fixed as
prescribed in article 2 (_a_) and of such a character as to be
visible at a distance of at least 2 miles.

"(_b_) Green and red side lights constructed and fixed as
prescribed in article 2 (_b_) and (_c_) and of such a
character as to be visible at a distance of at least 1 mile, or a
combined lantern showing a green light and a red light from right ahead
to 2 points abaft the beam on their respective sides. Such lanterns
shall be carried not less than 3 feet below the white light.

"Second. Small steamboats, such as are carried by seagoing vessels, may
carry the white light at a less height than 9 feet above the gunwale,
but it shall be carried above the combined lantern mentioned in
subdivision 1 (_b_).

"Third. Vessels under oars or sails of less than 20 tons shall have
ready at hand a lantern with a green glass on one side and a red glass
on the other, which on the approach of or to other vessels shall be
exhibited, in sufficient 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.

"Fourth. Rowing boats, whether under oars or sail, shall have ready at
hand a lantern showing a white light, which shall be temporarily
exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

"The vessels referred to in this article shall not be obliged to carry
the lights prescribed by article 4 (_a_) and article 11, last
paragraph."

That article 9 be hereby repealed.

That article 21 be amended to read as follows:

"ART. 21. Where by any of these rules one of two vessels is to keep out
of the way the other shall keep her course and speed.

"NOTE.--When in consequence of thick weather or other causes such vessel
finds herself so close that collision can not be avoided by the action
of the giving-way vessel alone, she also shall take such action as will
best aid to avert collision." (See articles 27 and 29.)

That article 31 be amended to read as follows:

"DISTRESS SIGNALS.

"ART. 31. When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance from
other vessels or from the shore, the following shall be the signals to
be used or displayed by her, either together or separately, namel