ColRegs

[TheBoatman]

[ QUOTE ]
The 90 degree thingy is so that you spend as short a time as possible within the TSS.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually its not!

The "90 deg thingy" is so that you present a side on aspect to other vessels using the scheme so that they know your are crossing. With your definition the quickest way to cross is to allow for any tidal flow which may mean you are not presenting your vessel at 90 degs!
Your course "steered" should be 90 degs to the TSS - that is NOT track over the ground!!!

 

[TheBoatman]

tt65
Whilst there is no definition of "impede" in the regs you can certainly look at what impede means in a dictionary.

Obstruct
Hinder
Hamper
Slow down
Delay
Hold back
Emcumber

Which to me means that when crossing a TSS you should not cause a vessel using the TSS to change course or slow down!

I'm sure that the forums advice is to basically stay WELL out of the way of other "larger" vessels using the TSS.
AND to make your intentions good and early. After all different vessels need different actions on your part i.e. small coaster with good vis 400 yards ahead is totally different from a large container ship with good vis 1.5 nm ahead.

I've always found the following to hold me in good stead.

1. Use Mk 1 eyeball to check for possible collision course.
2. Check size of vessel and accommodate accordingly.
3. When you see the 1st vessel, check the one (possibly two) behind because they are the guys thats going to give me probs.
4. Check your track line before you leave so that you know which is the best way for you to turn should you encounter a vessel (to give you best advantage) I.e. do I turn up tide or down to take me closer to my destination.
5. Finally some of these guys can put up serious wash and you don't know what level of competancy the bridge crew have (unfortunatly) so stay clear at all times.
Peter.

 

[MedMan]

Have a look here for an article on the subject.

 

[bedouin]

I suggest you check ColRegs Rule 8(f). That gives a complete definition of the meaning of the word "impede" in the context of Colregs. The article you quote contradicts that rule - I suppose it is up to you which you care to believe /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif