T&T: Whistle Here, Whistle There.

[Mike Maurice]

Some thoughts on whistle signals.

If I recall correctly, in Canadian waters the US Inland Rules do not
apply. Although they do have some significant modifications to the
ColRegs. If you come to the PNW say, Puget Sound or any of the "so
called inland waters" near Seattle, they are in fact under the ColRegs,
that includes Lake Washington. In other words, except in ares of the US
Inland Waters and possibly a few other places in the world where similar
local rules apply, whistle signals(ColRegs) are used to signal action.
Whereas under US Inland Rules such signals are ones of INTENT.

In any event, such signals should be given in time that they can be
understood and acted upon, rather than not. And, that if not understood
they must be treated as immediate cause for preventive measures to be
taken.

One of the reasons for using whistle signals is that such signals are
understood by sailors regardless of other language barriers; a good
reason for using them rather than the radio, especially where the radio
may not be understood.

On that note, US regs require that channel 13 must be monitored and
responded to by all vessels over 100 tons,  and some others, when in any
US waters. This means within 12 miles of the coast, etc. That someone
who can speak and understand English must be handling this radio.

In case anyone has forgotten, these maneuvering whistle signals are not
authorized when vessels are not in sight of each other, such as in fog
or heavy rain/snow, fog signals must be used. And, the radio is only
authorized in lieu of the whistle signals so long as the radio
communications are understood and agreed upon. If not understood or
agreed then the whistle signals must be exchanged.

There is a temptation to use the radio for all situations. Keep in mind
that there have been "radio assisted collisions", just as there have
been radar assisted collisions. That in such cases the courts will take
a dim view of any failure to follow the rules.

In summary, the whistle signals have priority over radio, but the radio
can be used in lieu of, if careful attention is paid to it's timely use
and in accordance with the regulations. There can be no better use of
any of these aids than that they be used in a TIMELY manner, which means
well before danger can not be avoided. The failure to act in a timely
manner is a common fault of recreational boaters, but it is often the
underlying factor in collisions involving professionals.

Regards,
Mike
_____________________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)