T&T: AIS, Gotcha-Monitoring VHF 16

[L H]

Kevin, Dave, Mike, Listees,

 Mike was operating a 50 ft boat, less that the 20
meters required to participate in VTS. Mikes boat was not participating in 
VTS.  (per an off list email from Mike)

Dave said,  " However, acting as a professional, you should
have known that in a VTS area, you do not need to monitor
channel 16, if you are monitoring the VTS frequency."

Kevin's reference shows that a vessel which is both 'participating in VTS 
and
subject to the 'Bridge to Bridge Act'' is not required to monitor 16'.  This
is not the same as a boat, less than 20M, not participating in VTS, which is
monitoring the VTS channel.

My conclusion is that a vessel less than 20 meters, not participating in VTS 
but in a VTS area,  IS required to monitor VHF 16.

Regards,

Larry H