| Index |
Colonial Secretary's Office, His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to approve of the following regulations made by the Victoria Steam Navigation Board, in accordance with the provisions of the Act of Council, 16 Victoria, No. 25, section 29, to take effect from and after the first day of September, 1855. By his Excellency's command, ----------------- Regulations respecting the Lights to be exhibited by Steam and Sailing Vessels, and Signals to be made during thick and foggy weather. The Victoria Steam Navigation Board, in compliance with section 29 of the "Victoria Steam Navigation Act," and with the approval of his Excellency the Governor, have determined that from and after the first day of September, 1855, the following regulations will be strictly observed on board all steam and sailing vessels coming within the provisions of the said Act of the Lieutenant-Governor and Legislative Council, 16 Victoria, No. 26. Sea Going Steam Vessels All sea-going steam vessels, whether propelled by paddles or screws, shall, within all seas, gulfs, channels, straits, bays, creeks, roads, roadsteads, harbours, havens, ports, and rivers within the colony of Victoria, and, under all circumstances, between sunset and sunrise, exhibit lights of such description, and in such manner as is hereinafter mentioned, viz. : When Under Steam. A bright white light at the foremast head. A green light on the starboard side. A red light on the port side. 1st Masthead Light.- The masthead light is to be visible at a distance of at least five (5) miles in a dark night, with a clear atmosphere, and the lantern is to be so constructed as to show a uniform and unbroken light over an arc of the a horizon of twenty points of the compass, being ten points on each side of the ship, viz., from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on either side. 2nd Starboard Bow Light.- The green light on the starboard side is to be visible at a distance of at least two (2) miles in a dark night with a clear atmosphere ; and the lantern is to be so constructed as to show a uniform and unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass, viz. from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on the starboard side. 3rd Port Bow Light.- The red light on the port side is likewise to be fitted so as to throw its light the same distance on that side. 4th. The side lights are moreover to be fitted with screens, on the inboard side, of at least three feet long, to prevent the lights from being seen across the bow. At Anchor., When at anchor - a common bright light. River Steam Vessels Masthead Light - Bowsprit Light.- River steam vessels, while steaming underweigh between sunset and sunrise, shall exhibit two lights, viz.- One bright plain light at the foremast head, to be visible all round the horizon at a distance of at least two miles in a clear dark night, and one deep red light hung outside the stem under the bowsprit. Height ff Mast- River steam vessels plying without masts shall exhibit the upper light from a pole to be placed amidships before the paddle boxes, the light not to be less than twelve feet from the deck. Light at Anchor.- When at anchor - a common bright light, visible all round the horizon. Fog Signals for Steam Vessels Bell And Steam Whistle,- The master of any steam vessel while steaming underweigh during thick or foggy weather shall, in addition to the lights already provided to be carried, cause a bell to be rang or a steam whistle to be sounded every minute, and whenever a steam vessel while underweigh shall be within any harbour or river within the colony of Victoria between the hours of sunset and sunrise, he shall cause the above signals to be made by ringing the bell or sounding the whistle, and shall continue the same until the vessel shill have arrived at her wharf or anchorage. Lights For Sailing Vessels. When Under Sail.- The Victoria Steam Navigation Board also hereby require that all sailing vessels, when under sail or being towed, approaching or being approached by any other vessel, shall be bound to show between sunset and sunrise, a constant bright light in such a position as can be best seen by such vessel or vessels, and in sufficient time to avoid collision. At Anchor.- All sailing vessels at anchor in roadsteads or fairways shall also be bound to exhibit, between sunset and sunrise, a constant bright light at the mast head, except within harbours or other places where regulations for other lights for vessels are legally established. The lantern to be used when at anchor, by steam vessels and sailing vessels is to be so constructed as to show a clear good light all round the horizon. The Board also directs that the 30th section of the Act of the Lieutenant-Governor and Legislative Council, 16 Victoria. No. 25, having reference to vessels passing each other, be published for general information. Vessels Passing Each Other.- Whenever any vessel proceeding in one direction meets a vessel proceeding in another direction, and the master or other person having charge of either such vessel perceives that if both vessels continue their respective courses they will pass so near as to involve any risk of a collision, be shall put the helm of his vessel to port so as to pass on the port side of the other vessel, due regard being had to the tide and to the position of each vessel with respect to the dangers of the channel, and as regards sailing vessels to the keeping of each vessel under command ; and the master of any steam vessel navigating any river or narrow channel, shall keep, as far as practicable, to that side of the fairway or mid-channel thereof which lies on the starboard side of such vessel ; and if the master or other person having charge of any steam vessel neglect to observe these regulations, or one of them, he shall for every such offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds. The regulations formed by the Board on this subject, and dated the 14th day of June, 1853s are hereby revoked. Colonial Lights.- A copy of the correspondence between the Admiralty, the Board of Trade, and the Colonial Office, respecting colonial lights has been laid before Parliament on the motion of Mr. Cardwell. It results from a letter, dated the 28th of February, 1855, Signed by Mr. Merrivale, on the part of Mr. (then) Secretary Herbert, that if it were desired to proceed immediately with the bill proposed for the purpose of levying tolls for colonist lights, it was advisable to introduce a clause declaring that no levy of tolls under the Act should take place in any colony, unless and until the local Legislature shall have addressed the Governor for the purpose.-Age. SG & SGTL Vol 12 ; Page 235 ; 15 Oct 1855 ^ back to top ^ |
