N.Y. Navigation Law § 41: Pilot rules

§ 41. Pilot rules. The following rules shall be observed on all

mechanically propelled vessels on the navigable waters of the state and

all tidewaters bordering on or lying within the boundaries of Nassau and

Suffolk counties: 1. Signals. The signals for passing, by the blowing

of the whistle, shall at all times be given by the master as defined in

this act.

(a) One distinct blast of the whistle shall mean: "I direct my course

to starboard"; except when two vessels are approaching each other at

right angles or obliquely, when it shall signify the intention of the

vessel which is to starboard of the other to hold course and speed.

(b) Two distinct blasts of the whistle shall mean: "I direct my course

to port."

(c) Three distinct blasts of the whistle shall mean: "My engines are

going at full speed astern."

(d) Four distinct blasts of the whistle shall mean: "I am in distress

and need your assistance."

(e) Five or more distinct blasts of the whistle shall constitute the

"danger signal."

(f) It shall be forbidden to use what has become technically known

among pilots as "cross-signals"; that is answering one whistle with two,

or two whistles with one.

(g) When a vessel is under way in a fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy

rain storm, it shall be the duty of the master to cause a long blast of

the whistle to be sounded at intervals not exceeding one minute. When

towing other vessels the long blast of the whistle shall be followed by

two short blasts. Such vessel shall proceed at a moderate speed and with

caution, having careful regard to the existing circumstances and

conditions.

(h) The master of a vessel, when at anchor during a fog, mist, falling

snow or heavy rain storm, shall, at intervals of not more than one

minute, ring a bell rapidly or sound other warning signals for about

five seconds.

2. Positions. (a) When vessels are approaching each other "head and

head," that is, end on or nearly so, it shall be the duty of each to

pass on the port side of the other, and either vessel shall give, as a

signal of her intention, one distinct blast on her whistle, which the

other vessel shall answer promptly with one similar blast of her

whistle.

(b) When vessels are approaching each other and the courses of such

vessels are so far to the starboard of each other as not to be

considered to be meeting head on or nearly so, either vessel shall

immediately give two distinct blasts of her whistle, which the other

shall answer promptly with two similar blasts of her whistle, and they

shall pass on the starboard side of each other.

(c) When vessels are approaching each other at "right angles or

obliquely" so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the

other on her own port side shall hold her course and speed, and shall so

signify with one distinct blast of her whistle; and the vessel which has

the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way of the

other by directing her course to starboard so as to cross the stern of

the other vessel, or, if necessary to do so, shall slacken her speed, or

stop or reverse.

(d) When vessels are running in the same direction and the vessel

which is astern shall desire to pass on the starboard side of the vessel

ahead, she shall give one distinct blast of her whistle as the signal of

such desire, and if the vessel ahead answers with one similar blast of

her whistle, she shall pass to the starboard; or if the vessel astern

shall desire to pass on the port side of the vessel ahead, she shall

give two distinct blasts of her whistle as a signal of such desire, and,

if the vessel ahead answers with two similar blasts of the whistle, she

shall pass to the port; but if the vessel ahead does not think it safe

for the vessel astern to pass at that point, she shall immediately

signify the same by giving five or more rapid blasts of her whistle (the

danger signal), and under no circumstances shall the vessel astern

attempt to pass the vessel ahead until such time as they have reached a

point where it can be safely done, when said vessel ahead shall signify

her willingness by blowing the proper signal, which shall be answered by

the vessel astern. Neither vessel shall in any case attempt to cross the

bow or to crowd upon the course of the other vessel.

(e) If when vessels are approaching each other head and head, that is,

end on or nearly so, (as per subdivision (a) and (b)) or crossing each

other's courses, (as per subdivision (c)), or desire to pass each other

(as per subdivision (d)), either vessel fails to understand the course

or intention of the other, from any cause, the vessel so in doubt shall

immediately signify the same by giving five or more rapid blasts of her

whistle, (the danger signal), and both vessels shall immediately slow

their speed, or stop or reverse, as required to avoid collision, until

proper signals have been given, answered and understood, or until the

vessels have passed each other.

(f) When a mechanically propelled vessel shall meet a sailing vessel

proceeding in such direction as to involve risk of collision, the

sailing vessel shall have the right of way. It shall be incumbent on the

master of the sailing vessel to keep a vigilant lookout and change her

course, if necessary, to avoid any danger.

(g) In narrow channels, every 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.

3. Aid in distress. It shall be the duty of every master or pilot of

any vessel to render such assistance as he can possibly give to any

other vessel coming under his observation and being in distress on

account of accident, collision or otherwise.

4. Construing rules. 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.

5. Application. The rules of this section shall apply to all vessels,

public and pleasure, propelled by machinery on the navigable waters of

the state and all tidewaters bordering on or lying within the boundaries

of Nassau and Suffolk counties.

6. Commissioner may modify. The commissioner is hereby authorized to

modify, change or expand the pilot rules as set forth in this section if

necessary to make them comply or be uniform with the provisions of the

federal navigation law, or of the navigation rules and regulations made

by the United States coast guard.

7. A violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a

violation punishable as set forth in section seventy-three-c of this

article.