GL: Whistles-coming upon a Tow

[Dave Legrow]

Just when this was starting to die down, someone confuses
the issue.  There is no "take" on this.  The law is very
specific.

1.  You are correct in that you should be asking which side
to pass.  Always!  

2.  If you wish to overtake me - you must ask permission
first and ask which side. Always!

3.  If we agree that you are going to overtake me on two
whistles, you better be overtaking me on MY port side (your
starboard) or you may be left in the mud.  (Rule 34C)  As
someone else noted - the wording of the rules may confuse
some that are just learning.  Just remember that one
whistle essentially means that the other vessel will be on
your port side, and that two whistles means that the other
vessel will be on your starboard side.  

Remember - rivers and the ICW are governed by inland rules.
 You should know them and have a copy of them on board -
they only cost about $14.  If you cause an accident because
you don't know them you are financially liable and may be
also dead.  That will ruin my day as well as yours.

Also remember Rule 9(b):

 A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing
vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can
safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

Finally, I will always talk to you if you ask.  If you are
not sure - ask again.  I may not have time to chit-chat,
but I do not want to hit you!  On the other hand - if I
have the time, I may ask you about your boat, where you are
going, etc. Just remember to call me on ch. 13, not 16.

Have a safe trip.

Dave Legrow
T'III (when I'm not working on the water)






___________________________________________________________
Whistles-coming upon a Tow 

Seems like lots of ambiguity on this topic. My take(see
John Gills web site
article,also):
Upon sighting a tow,  you should ask what HIS passing or
overtaking
preference is,and upon hearing the somewhat mangled
"seeyaondaone" He is
saying ,that when you pass or overtake HIM, HE wants to see
you on HIS port
side,therefore you steer whichever way puts you passing him
on his port
side. Obviously the way you steer to accomplish this is
different if you are
passing his front or overtaking. "onthetwo" means the
opposite,ie. when you
pass him, either way, he expects to see you on his
starboard side.

-- 
Tom  and Gerry Clare
  SeaKnight
www.TomClare.com <http://www.tomclare.com/>
www.sk2007blogspot.com





 
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