How did you get on with last week’s question?
What are you going to do? In its simplest form think traffic lights - red stop green go. When looking at a vessel imagine what lights you would see at night. If you would see a green light you are the stand on vessel - proceed with caution. If you would see a red light, you are the give way vessel, you need to keep out of the way by making an alteration that is substantial and easily seen by the other vessel.
What COLREGS apply? In addition to the obvious rules 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6
Rule 7 risk of collision
Rule 8 action to avoid collision
Rule 13 overtaking vessel
Rule 15 crossing situation
Rule 16 Action by Give way vessel
Rule 17 action by Stand on vessel
Rule 34 (d) sound signals for unsure of your intentions
What is safe speed?
Rule 6 Explains safe speed;
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account:
(a). By all vessels:
(i). the state of visibility;
(ii). the traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels;
(iii). the manoeuvrability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
(iv). at night the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter of her own lights;
(v). the state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;
(vi). the draught in relation to the available depth of water.
(b). Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:
(i). the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment;
(ii). any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
(iii). the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference;
(iv). the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;
(v). the number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar;
(vi). the more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity.
Tell me all the things you are going to do before you execute a turn (if you are going to).
If you said - all round look, check for closing vessels especially from the direction you intend to turn, and assess the situation - are you turning into trouble? Warn your crew what you are about to do. Ask yourself is it safe to proceed? If the answer is no what do you need to do to make it safe. If the answer is yes, make it so.
Is there such a thing as a give way vessel?
I have been in earshot of many a heated debate by mariners who think they know better than each other, describing in detail, why there is no rule that says a vessel is a give way vessel. Whilst they may be aware of the rules, I sometimes find myself wondering if they have read them!
In a word - Yes, rule 16 says specifically as a heading - Action by give-way vessel. Enough said.
What COLREGS apply to the Gigs?
The only regulation in COLREGS that applies to vessels under oars is rule 25 d (ii) states.… A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this Rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
This is the only reference in COLREGS to vessels under oars. That said, it would be incumbent upon you to consider rule 8 (i) A vessel which, by any of these Rules, is required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea-room for the safe passage of the other vessel.and its wider implications.
Because vessels under oars fall under the same rule as sailing vessels, you should treat them as sailing vessels under the vessel hierarchy.
The what is the mystery vessel and flag - is it doing the right thing?
It is flying the Alpha flag so is a vessel carrying out diving operations. Whilst a material flag is easy to stow, rule 27 e (ii) says…… a rigid replica of the International Code flag “A” not less than 1 metre in height. Measures shall be taken to ensure its all-round visibility.