Rules of the Road...

[Almas Only]

When messing with the big boys, I try to just get the heck out of the way. When I want to hang around, I figure out where we both are, with respect to navaids, each other, etc., so they will be able to figure out who is hailing, and who is being hailed (SOUTHBOUND TUG AT CHESAPEAKE MARKER 73, SOUTHBOUND TUG AT CHESAPEAKE 73, THIS IS PLEASURE VESSEL ALMA'S ONLY, 2 MILES DEAD AHEAD, OVER). Depending on the situation, this might invlove radar ranging. The more info you know in advance, and incorporate into your hail, the better your chances of a successful connection.

When contact is established, I'll usually ask what they want me to do (THEIR VESSEL NAME, ALMA'S ONLY, HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO PASS, OVER). They reply ALMA'S ONLY (or just as likely, CAPTAIN), THEIR VESSEL NAME, ONE WHISTLE, OVER or ALMA'S ONLY, PORT TO PORT, OVER) and I acknowledge VESSEL NAME, ALMA'S ONLY, ONE WHISTLE, WILCO, HAVE A GOOD DAY, OUT.

In tight situations on rivers, they might get much more specific: CAPTAIN, MOVE ABOUT 200 FEET TO YOUR PORT AND STOP WHILE I SWING WIDE TOWARD THE MARKER, AND THEN TUCK IN BEHIND ME AS I COME ALONGSIDE. These guys know exactly what they're doing, and where to place you so noone gets hurt. It's really neat to deal with them. The only problem is that there's a "diminishing returns" concept at work. The better they are, and the more usable information they send your way, the heavier their accent. Eventually, they're so good that you can hardly understand a word they say!

If the big boy is commercial, I trust that he knows the difference between ONE WHISTLE and TWO WHISTLES, and will acknowledge in kind. If it is a pleasure craft of any kind, I never rely on the skipper knowing the difference, because I've encountered enough who don't know a whistle from a drum, or, worse, have them switched. In that situation, my acknowledgment is always PORT TO PORT or STARBOARD TO STARBOARD, etc.

If you aren't sure about your whistles, don't ask the question HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO PASS: instead say WOULD YOU LIKE TO PASS PORT TO PORT, OR STARBOARD TO STARBOARD. That's usually enough to tell them that you don't want to play in the band, and they'll reply in kind, unless they're really trying to play with you.

So, in keeping with this thread, what do the Rules say about using whistles over the VHF? Aren't you supposed to just toot your horn?

[rogerbum]

[rogerbum]

You're out at night and you see the following lights on a boat in front of you - two yellow lights in a vertical line. These lights flash alternately every second and with equal light and dark duration. What's that boat doing and should you pass behind it?

[Larry H]

Roger,

Check the rule as it relates to a boat fishing with trolling lines:

[rogerbum]

Well - that's exactly why this is a good thread - so people like me can be educated.

[JamesTXSD]

[JamesTXSD]

[rogerbum]

After demonstrating my ignorance of what constitutes the official definition of a boat engaged in fishing, I am indeed going for a stump. I'll give you a hint -this comes from the "Annexes, Interpretative Rules, and other associated Navigation Regulations" section of the rules. I haven't seen it myself, but it's well within the realm of possibility out here.

[JamesTXSD]

Well, armed with that info...

Signals for purse seiners

Vessels engaged in fishing with purse seine gear may exhibit two yellow lights in a vertical line. These lights shall flash alternately every second and with equal light and occultation duration. These lights may be exhibited only when the vessel is hampered by its fishing gear.

Of course, I had to look up "purse seiners" to find out what that was!

Are you one of those professors who enjoys watching students squirm as he hands out finals?

[JamesTXSD]

Since I answered one, I'll ask... but this isn't intended to be a stump. As two boats approach each other, near head-on, the generally accepted procedure is for each to turn to starboard (unless there is some agreement otherwise - sound signals or radio). Absent of those signals, what shows your intent?

[Larry H]

Jim,

I have reviewed Rule 14 and there is no mention of signaling intent.

For the other vessel to know what you intend, you have to turn to your starboard side so the other vessel can see that you have turned.

[Larry H]

Roger,

Good question about the two alternating yellow lights!!

Jim,

I boat in the Northwest and have seen plenty of purse seiners in Canada and Alaska and I have never seen that light signal.

I note that the lights may be shown, but are not required.

[Larry H]

For those who are not playing this game, and might be wondering, "Where do they get this stuff?"

Here is the place: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rotr_online.htm

This site has lots of great info, and links. You can download your own copy of the rules, radio information and other great stuff, and it is the official USCG site.[/b]

[JamesTXSD]

The "intent" that I mentioned earlier is not specifically stated in the Rules. The training I received stated to make a turn with the bow that is noticeable - not 2 or 3º, but 20 or 30º so the other skipper can see that you are responding. I think the exact wording was "Show 'em your side."

While not a specific Rule, it makes the crossing situation intent more obvious.

Question: What is considered an "extremis" situation?

[Larry H]

Definition of extremis: (Google search)

in extremis ˌin ekˈstrāmēs; ikˈstrēmis term used to describe a situation of such exceptional urgency that immediate action must be taken to minimize imminent loss of life

A stand on vessel can be placed "in extremis" by the give way vessel's failure to maneuver as required by the Rules.

Or "to be between a rock and a hard place"

The stand on vessel then has to do whatever it can to avoid damage or loss of life, even if that action violates the Rules.

No new question on this post, as I still have an unanswered question on page 7.