The original intention of Captain R. F. Farwell, when he wrote the first edition of this book, was to provide mariners with legal knowledge pertaining to collision law. His belief was that this knowledge should not be exclusive to lawyers, but should form an important part of a mariner’s education. He endeavoured to produce a text which would be of use to both the student and practising navigator alike.

Over the last few years many statutory and regulatory changes have been made in the rules for the prevention of collision at sea. Frequent revision of authoritative texts therefore becomes necessary, and Commander F. E. Bassett and Commander R. A. Smith have incorporated the most recent changes into this sixth edition of Farwell’s Rules of the Nautical Road. This latest edition is a well presented volume with useful illustrations, good indexing and is reasonably priced.

Basically, the book is divided into two parts. The first chapter of Part 1 summarizes the changes in the American Inland Navigational Rules. These changes were necessary because of the many different local rules which existed in various areas of the United States and created confusion for navigators. The new inland rules conform more closely to the International Regulations, thus clarifying the position for those who trade both in international and inland waters. It is important to note that the Inland Rules do not yet apply to the Great Lakes because ratification is still awaited from the Canadian Government.

The other nine chapters of Part 1 consist of a comparison between the new Inland Rules and the International Regulations. The text is well laid out with the rules presented in a side-by-side format. The reader is thus able to establish quickly the differences between the regulations. At the end of each chapter there are notes which highlight the most significant points, and enlarge on other items of interest regarding the area covered in that section. Throughout this part of the book, the extensive use of illustrations serve to clarify the application of the regulations. They are particularly useful for students as they clearly show, not only the lights of the ships, but also the vessels’ aspect.