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 relative to the navigation of
any harbor, river, or inland waters.

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, namely:

In the daytime--

First. A gun fired at intervals of about a minute.

Second. The international code signal of distress, indicated by N.C.

Third. The distance signal, consisting of a square flag, having either
above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.

Fourth. Rockets or shells as prescribed below for use at night.

Fifth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

At night--

First. A gun fired at intervals of about a minute.

Second. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel,
etc.).

Third. Rockets or shells bursting in the air with a loud report and
throwing stars of any color or description, fired one at a time at short
intervals.

Fourth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

SEC. 2. That all laws or parts of laws inconsistent