2. The International Code signal of distress indicated by N.C.
3. The distant signal, consisting of a square flag, having either above or below it a ball, or anything resembling a ball.
At night—
1. A gun fired at intervals of about a minute.
2. Flames on the ship (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.).
3. Rockets or shells, throwing stars of any colour or description, fired one at a time at short intervals.
The flags of the International Code of signals should be carried on every cruising yacht, they will often be found of service. For a small yacht, flags 2 feet by 1½ will suffice. These, together with the Code Signal Book, will cost a little over two pounds. The book explains the use of the flags, which is easily acquired.
While we are dealing with the Board of Trade Regulations, it may be well to remind the amateur skipper that should he call at any foreign port, he is bound under a heavy penalty to report himself to the Customs Officers at the first British port he enters on his return home; and that if, after sailing from some foreign port, he is ascending the Thames, he must bring up opposite the Customs landing-stage at Gravesend, that the authorities may clear him, and until he has obtained his clearance he must fly the national ensign by day and carry a light under his bowsprit by night.
The yachtsman will occasionally require the services of a pilot or local fisherman to show him the way into some difficult harbour, and it is probable that he will be considerably confused by the steering directions given to him by his guide, and put the helm to port when he should have put it to starboard or vice versâ. And this is not to be wondered at; for even professionals are often puzzled by the somewhat uncertain signification of the terms now in use.
First as to the orders most frequently given at sea—“Port!” and “Starboard!” Surely there can be no vagueness about their meaning; but every sailor will tell you that there is a vagueness, and one that is no doubt responsible for many accidents.