Channel Crossing and AIS

[Dockhead]

Wrong, they have to give way. I avoid tss were possible as you have to cross at 90deg

They know the rules, trouble is the small change they make, makes sailors nervous

It's true that they have to give way even in a TSS, but you are obligated to "not impede" them. So if you make them give way, you've violated your own obligations.

In TSS it's best to maneuver early to make it very clear that they will not be impeded, and should proceed.

It's a dance, and the TSS crossing situation is tricky, because potentially there are two "boys". You should be sure to be the "boy" first (and you're obligated to).

 

[dslittle]

why do you monitor vessels 20 mls away

It is nice to know that the ship that you can't see yet is NOT going to hit you...

 

[sailorman]

It is nice to know that the ship that you can't see yet is NOT going to hit you...

BUT the CPA could be well under a mile :disgust:

 

[shaunksb]

It's true that they have to give way even in a TSS, but you are obligated to "not impede" them. So if you make them give way, you've violated your own obligations.

In TSS it's best to maneuver early...

.

What?

I think we're in danger of over complicating things here.

________________________

 

[richardbrennan]

Thank you all for your contributions. If there is a consensus, it would appear to be to switch the alarms off as you will see the ships in any case. However, I was really trying to address the situation when the visibility is poor. I know only an idiot would set off expecting fog, but last time I went over, after delaying for two days as there was fog in the forecast, we suddenly found ourselves in thick fog half way across the first shipping lane.

I only had radar then and had a very close encounter with what, judging from its wash, was a very large ship that came out of nowhere and must have been doing in excess of 20 knots despite the conditions; only a very sharp 90 degree turn to starboard appeared to save the day. Whether the ship picked us up on radar I'll never know, but the incident prompted a quick prayer of thanks to Raymarine and the investment in the AIS transceiver.

Incidentally, I have a friend whose son is a deck officer on one of the large cruise liners. He tells me that it is possible to switch out Class B transmissions from the AIS set, but that it is company policy not to do so.