T&T: Horn signals for passing

[Ken Bloomfield]

 Kevin,
If you read my post, I indicated that my comments referred to a situation
that did not dictate a whistle pass.  The section you reference refers to
the situation where "A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or
fairway where other vessels may be obscured ----", and if you note, that
is not what I referenced.  I am not, and did not say that there is no
situation in International Rules that does not require a response, but
rather I referred to a specific example.  My comment still stands correct
I believe, as I specifically referenced the situation where it was a
clear easy pass or overtake.  There are a lot of boaters that like to
impress the heck out of their passengers with their "salty know-how" and
radio skills, and want a commercial vessel to respond in a situation that
does not demand it.  Just annoying to the commercial and he will likely
ignore you.

When I took my Captains license, this topic was discussed thoroughly, and
while it may well be counterintuitive, it is factual.  Go look at
http://tinyurl.com/qxsu75 and you will see the clear distinction in Rule
34 (a).
All the best,
Ken.

KevinR wrote:

    -----Original Message-----
    ........  However,
    strictly speaking, in many (perhaps most) situations (i.e. not a narrow
    channel, etc.) there is no requirement for a response to a whistle
    signal in International Waters.  Only in Inland Waters of the US is a
    response required in all cases.  

  Hi Ken,
  
  The International rules do require a response from the overtaken vessels. If
  you look at the wording of International Rule 34 (c)ii shown below, they use
  the word "shall" instead of "may", indicating that the response signal is
  required.
  
  Of course on so many of our boats, especially when driving from the fly
  bridge, it is easier to just turn around, look at the guy, and give the
  proper hand signal (and that usually doesn't include a raised single digit)!
  :-)
  
  Cheers,
  Kevin

    (ii) the vessel about to be overtaken when acting in accordance
    with Rule 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement by the following
    signal on her whistle: