T&T: Watch the Birdie, Now Say Cheese

[Peter Bennett]

Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 5:00:25 PM, Ron wrote:

<snip>
RR> As a child, I was taught to steer for a sailboat's stern. I now apply that
RR> to any vessel when doing so will not place my vessel in danger.

If you are the stand-on vessel, DO NOT steer to pass behind the other
vessel - Rule 17(a)(i) says: "Where one of two vessels is to
keep out of the way the other shall keep her course and speed."

Also, Rule 17(c) says: "A power-driven vessel which takes action in a
crossing situation in accordance with subparagraph (a)(ii)[you think
the give-way vessel isn't going to give way] of this Rule to avoid
collision with another power-driven vessel shall, if the circumstances
of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own
port side.

Note the "not alter to port for a vessel to port" - If I am the
give-way vessel approaching you on your port bow, I will turn to pass
behind you.  If you also turn to pass behind me, we will have a bow-on
collision.

It is not safe to simply try to keep out of everyone else's way, as
doing so may prevent a give-way vessel from keeping clear of you.
(Ron, I'm sure you know this, but your post could be mis-read by the
inexperienced.)

RR> There are
RR> just not enough people on the water who know the rules. In some states,
RR> there is no longer a rule to give way to cars to your right (left over from
RR> the days when seafaring was a significant part of our culture.) Now, you
RR> must give way to emergency vehicles, otherwise, no one has the right-of-way.

RR> Ron Rogers 



-- 
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI    Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Ennos 31 "Honeycomb"
GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter 
Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver.powersquadron.ca