Colregs, RYA taking a common sense approach ??

davierobb

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After all the Colregs discussions, regarding altering course to port and hence crossing ahead of oncoming vessels, it now looks like the RYA is taking a common sense approach to the problem.

Quote by James Stevens RYA Training Manager and taken from this July’s PBO.
“... henceforth yachts must take every step to avoid ships, even if this meant not following the Colregs”

Given James’s involvement in the Ouzo enquiry, has anyone changed their views on altering course to port?

For the record, I’ve never seen any problem with this so long as its done <u>well</u> in advance and <u>long</u> before any danger of collision exists.
 
G

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That is clear then. "long before any danger of collision exists" but colregs only apply if "are crossing so as to involve risk of collision"

So, are saying that you should avoid causing Colregs come into action by safe handling of your boat. I am all for that. As I have said I am NOT a put up the sail and charge right through type. As I have said before, the blunt end of a ship is far more interesting to talk about anyway.

However, colregs only starts at the "risk of collision". In this sad case the Colregs "stand on" rules never applied because neither of the requirements "in sight of one another" or "in or near an area of restricted visibility" was true.

This was due entirely to a ship manoeuvring into a yachts waters that had up until the last 3 minutes had been perfectly safe.

How about a challenge. Get a simulator and I will set up 4 actual situations and see if a nominated RYA instructor can survive all 4 by their actions alone. I will be fair and limit the ship to only 2 course changes in 5 miles. Any takers?

I think the RYA should make it clear that the loss of Ouzo crew was solely due to the ship not seeing the yacht and in no way a reflection on the track taken by the Ouzo crew.

Yes it is scary. Yes, it is not reassuring. But it is the reality that occurs when the main sailing body does not support its own trained people. They trained them, then seem to blame them.

However, I would give my support back to the RYA if they made a statement that strongly encouraged/required yachts NOT to invoke the Colregs rules if possible, but that they recognise the absolute dependence on the Colregs and the ship lookouts to avoid the loss of life during ship course changes and complex multi ship situations.

As for encouraging yachts to take non-approved course changes when in close proximity to ships is just going to annoy all the decent bridge crews. Since they have to abide by the regulations, but are now faced with a yacht that is unpredictable.
 

Marsupial

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Heartily agree, my comfort zone is about 1 mile unless I am being overtaken so I don't get near enough to annoy bridge crews! In general I make a definite and large course change and hold the new course until they have passed.

I take the view that my boat is invisible to ships.
 

fireball

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Whilst I agree with the "avoid the situation in the first place" approach, I must say that it does take 2 vessels to have a collision and the responsibility to avoid that collision lies with the skipper of both vessels.

When I read the report on the Ouzo I don't believe it actually laid "blame" or "full responsibility" for a collision/close quarters situation that PROBABLY resulted in the death of 3 sailors on the PoB (or the Ouzo).

The best way for one vessel to avoid a collision is to have a good idea as to what to expect the other one to do. The moment you add more options is exactly the time when the risk of collision will escalate.
 

Birdseye

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James may well take a commonsense approach to colregs but its a bit like my commonsense approach to speed limits - works fine until I get to court.

Colregs are law. The RYA cant give you absolution.
 
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