Back to Basics

Yes we always learn something

I can t agree with nr 2 unless someone can show which rule supports the statement.

Rule 17 specifically states not turning to port but in a crossing situation, not overtaking
 
The situation you describe happens all the time. I cant imagine the chaos if everyone was calling when it is unnecessary. Around here that situation would be over before radio communication could be established.
 
That s why i mentioned " the real World".. But dont forget all vessels operate under the same set of rules and you can bet 1000' tankers will make that VHF call!
 
Not to be overly critical, but since this site is dedicated to Boater Education, the proper terms should be used in these type questions. There are only three (3) types of vessel encounters--head on, overtaking and crossing.

Passing is what some of my friends had to do back in the 60's to get a taxi or into a lunch counter.

If your vessel is in an overtaking situation you are obligated by the rules to sound a proposed passing signal, which the vessel being overtaken must sound a response in a agreement or objection to. There is no tonnage, length or service exception to this requirement in the rules. So always sound the signal, even if the other guy is clueless. If there is a collision, you will not be faulted for making the signal, the vessel that did not comply with the rules will be faulted.
 
The question arises as to what is meant by overtaking. In an open waterway how close do I have to be passing another boat to be considered overtaking? and why wouldn’t I be considered operating in an unsafe manner if I did pass close to another vessel when I had plenty of open water to use instead?
 
under the inland rules, the ROR states that you must sound signals (or make VHF arragments) within a 1/2 NM. Under international rules, no distances is specified.

when I have room, i usually try to stay 1/2 mile away when overtaking or crossing. Most dont' bother though and will over overtake you 100' away...
 
There is no clear definition of when an overtaking situation begins. I have heard the phrase "when the necessity for precaution begins" used or if you can (or should be able) to see the stern light of the vessel ahead. The rules say when the vessel astern is "coming up with" the vessel ahead. Other rules can come into play depending on the exact circumstances, so simple, black/white interpretations of the rules can be misleading or in some cases wrong.
 
I agree I try to stay off the usual route by 1/2 mile or so since everyone is running GPS routs they are right on the track, might as well be on a freewy. I remember when folks would alter course well in advance of getting close to another. The idea was to let the other guy clearly see your intentions well in advance. That idea seems to have gone into the history books.
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

Yes we always learn something

I can t agree with nr 2 unless someone can show which rule supports the statement.

Rule 17 specifically states not turning to port but in a crossing situation, not overtaking

Click to expand...


At first pass, I missed the open water part - I had in mind proceeding along a channel where the overtaken vessel -should- already be as far to the side of the channel that lies on her own starboard side as is practical, so taking them on two would be the logical thing to do.

Wide open water, I'm onboard with preventing a situation where either vessel need be concerned, and early communications if you're going to see the other vessel close aboard. A half mile CPA is easily attainable in open water, and a good comfortable minimum to boot.

The tools most nav packages have available now are incredible for getting an incredible read on traffic. Now that I've had to accept the fact I'll never plot TD's again, I've tried to embrace the current (well, current by my employer - at least 10 years ago by most others) technology. The MARPA function on smaller RADaRs nowadays is incredibly cool, especially in heavy fog with a tow on - two or three button presses and a quick flick of the trackball and you've got a c/s vector on a target, CPA, TCPA, course, speed. Tag multiple targets with c/s vectors, and you've essentially got a miniaturized ARPA display. Maybe that's why they call it that...
 
Correct me if I'm wrong (like I really need to ask THAT), but why would you choose "2 & 4" or just 2? I was under the impression that it was acceptable to overtake a vessel from either his port or starboard, and that one was no preferred over the other, so why would you say that 2 is correct and not 1 as well?
 
I agree with frayed. You may pass on either side. And one short blast on your horn if you are leaving him on your port side , two short blasts if you are leaving him on your starboard side.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

The question arises as to what is meant by overtaking. In an open waterway how close do I have to be passing another boat to be considered overtaking? and why wouldn’t I be considered operating in an unsafe manner if I did pass close to another vessel when I had plenty of open water to use instead?

Click to expand...


That would all be determined in a court of law after you some how managed to F-up a simple and straight forward open water pass like the one you described. :-)

Quite frankly in that situation, I would give the slower vessel a wide berth and pass on which ever side I was more comfortable with. But more than likely his starboard side because in a trawler type that is most likely the side the operator would be sitting on.

"The situation you describe happens all the time. I cant imagine the chaos if everyone was calling when it is unnecessary. Around here that situation would be over before radio communication could be established."

+1
 
What the poll lacked in answers was the "sound signals" as Pascal described and overtake on signaled side.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top