Am I on the wrong planet? - Rules & Regs

[sjohn_gibson]

I have just read the recent post on Signal Charts.

'....Apparently the law requires us - in addition to creating a passage plan and carry a radar reflector, we are now required to carry SIGNAL CHARTS...'

I completed my RYA yachtmaster 20+ years ago and like to think I have keep abreast of boating issues, but after reading this post I am obviously out of touch.

Where can I find about this and other regs? Who police them?

I have been under the impression that yachting as the last bastion of freedom. The rules of the road and local bye laws being the only regulations. In addition, I thought the RYA was protecting this freedom - hence no mandatory driving licence for leisure boats.

For my own safety I choose to comply with most of this stuff. It is the legal status that I am questioning.


If this lot is a legal requirement for leisure boating, then my bastion has fallen and I need to move on to another planet.


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[Cornishman]

This requirement comes from the new Safety of Life at Sea Regs which have come from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
While aimed primarily at ships they do affect all vessels. The RYA has published a note to all shore based establishment tutors which gives further details.
In their defence and answering part of your question they say in the note "...the RYA works closely with the MCA to agree a sub set of these rules that it is appropriate for pleasure craft."

Have a look at www.rya.org.uk/cruising and look in FAQs.

It is all part of the infamous SOLAS Chapter V. For a copy of the life saving signals leaflet go to www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/leaflets/index.htm

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[duncan]

I would ask Chris Robb which law he is referring to in his post rather than start a new thread...........

I would agree that it is getting somewhat confusing when 'new regulations' get introduced; although I was not aware of anything other than Solas V, and didn't think this was in there at all.<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/leaflets/Solas.pdf>http://www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/leaflets/Solas.pdf</A>

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[duncan]

there's me not being able to put SIGNAL CHARTS and life saving signals together........doh as Homer would say!

the above post should now read in line with Cornishman's and the link now is where they are; not where they're not!

and yes (Vyv Cox) they are in the almanac.



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[Cornishman]

I would like to add to my post above that RYA Cruising Manager Steve Johnson explains why we should comply with all the regulations listed in SOLAS Chapter V in an article in the Autumn edition of the RYA Magazine - pages 14 & 15.
Hope this helps.

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[vyv_cox]

Don't drag me into it. Mine are on a plastic encapsulated sheet provided by my sailing club. The Reed's almanac version is text only but NWVYC version is graphical. No easier to understand their logic, though.

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[LadyInBed]

This is the one you should have: <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/leaflets/Signals.pdf> Signals </A>

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[MainlySteam]

<<<This is the one you should have: Signals >>>

Interesting pamphlet - apparantly radio is not part of signals anymore?

I would have thought that for pleasure vessels there were only two visual signals required P-ss Off (ie I am not in need of assistance) and Come and Get Me. If the rescuing vessel or plane displays them then it means "I am P-ssing Off" or "I (or someone else) am Coming to Rescue You". Finger and other improvised signs acceptable.

Those only assuming the radio is not working or unavailable.

Anything else is a breeding ground for confusion for the average person out for a sail ie "Did he really waggle his wings", "Does he really want us to head thataway or is he just going home", etc, etc.

All looks good fun, well ordered boy scoutish and, even better, work creating to bureaucrats though. Perhaps a better idea would have been to foster radio ownership on pleasure boats by making them licence fee free (as has been done in a number of countries for VHF only equipped vessels) and cheaper by allowing lesser spec radios to be sold?

John

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[LadyInBed]

Can you imagine it, crib sheet in left hand, right arm making appropriate V signals. What a load of b*!!*x.
Rescue services are self-contained, and we are just the package that they are out to collect!


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[sjohn_gibson]

Thanks to all who replied - I found your advice useful and I am now trawling through the MCA web site.

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[MainlySteam]

I particularly like the laying out on deck (or otherwise signalling) the "I am proceeding in this direction" arrow. I wonder if the case would ever arise where you laid it out athwartships or in any other direction than where one was already heading or was about to head anyway. Seems to me that was copied directly from the on land rescue signals without much thought to its relevance at sea.

I also assume that with the "Safe to Land"/"Dangerous to Land" arm waving signals there are going to be strategically placed people all around the coast knowing and providing the appropriate signals to assist with landings. Might be useful for those with riparian rights not wanting trespassers though.

John

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[VicS]

Re: Trawling thru\' the MCA web site

You dont have to trawl through the MCA website, I've done that. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/leaflets/Signals.pdf> This is the link you want </A>

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