To the Editor of the Nautical Standard.

Sir,-

Is it not absurd to compel our steamships to carry three lights of different colours, without defining any particular object, when one light, of a different colour, can be made to demonstrate all that is necessary to warn vessels and prevent collisions? and can there be anything more unjust than compelling us, under the penalty of �20 or �40 a night, to carry these lights; -and our being liable to the penalty, even should the light go, out by accident?

The three lights ordered by the Admiralty convey no meaning, and what is still more stupid, sailing vessels are not required to carry any light whatever ; and, therefore, on a dark night, may become a trap for steamers to fall foul of. In fact, under the present system, collisions will increase.

I am glad to see you have taken the matter up, for we captains of steam-ships know that we shall be much bothered to keep three lights constantly going, and besides the great expense, we risk being fined. Had the Admiralty adopted Mr. Rettie's signal, of showing a single lamp of a particular colour at the lookout station, we should at once show our true course to vessels coming upon us, and thus would be prevented a recurrence of those cases which we almost daily see in the papers, under the " Law Reports, " especially that of the Birkenhead and the schooner, where the former was most unjustly cast in heavy damages.

I am convinced were a new trial of this case granted, the verdict would be different ; for, a jury would be made to understand the absurdity of sailing vessels not being compelled to carry any light, and that a plain light gives no warning to a steamer, which can only be effected by the coloured light on Mr. Rettie's plan.

I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
Captain of a Steam-ship.

SG & SGTL ; Vol 5 ; pages 311-2.

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