Crossing deep water routes

[Koeketiene]

I sail single handed & could not keep going below to operate AIS or radar
If i did i would not be able to use the best systems---common sense & eyeball
So far i have only had a few problems with fog & there is no way i would go below to fiddle with electrics in those conditions

The problem with common sense these days is that it's all but common.

The mistake there is mounting them below.
Pete

Mount it by the helm and there's a real chance your helmsman goes into 'Playstation mode'. Totally engrossed by the little screens and equally oblivious of what's going on around him.
Seen it happen many times.

 

[Conachair]

I sail single handed & could not keep going below to operate AIS or radar
If i did i would not be able to use the best systems---common sense & eyeball
So far i have only had a few problems with fog & there is no way i would go below to fiddle with electrics in those conditions

Without trying to spark off the AIS arguments any further, I really do think it's worth having another look at. I sail solo as well with AIS down below, a 10 second look at the screen (mine's a nasa standalone) will tell you straight away which of the big boys you need to pay attention to or if you can relax for a while. Not necessary to keep going down below but if you do want some exact info on how close something is going to get then that info will be available. For the cost of a mid market sailing jacket. Worth it for a more relaxing time aboard (IMHO)

 

[wotayottie]

Like Salty John says.
The IMO Ships Routing Guide states
For ships which have to cross the deep-water route, attention is drawn to Rule 18(d)(i) of the 1972 Collision Regulations. Mariners are, however reminded that, when risk of collision is deemed to exist, the 1972 Collision Rules fully apply, and in particular, the rules of Part B, section II and III, are of specific relevance in the crossing situation

But lets be clear what that means. Rule 18(d) (1) says "Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28".

Impeding does not mean that you suddenly lose the "stand on " status you have under colregs. So if you are crossing under sail, the power vessel coming up the deep water channel can avoid you by an alteration of speed or by taking to one side of the channel, you should maintain your course, he will adjust accordingly and you have not impeded. On the other hand if you maintaining your course causes him to go outside the safe channel or attempt a crash stop or your course blocks the safe channel for him, then you have impeded him.

For a deep water channel there is no requirement to "cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles " as there is for traffic seperation schemes under rule 10 . Even with a traffic seperation scheme it is heading rather than course and there is the word practicable in there. So if you have no engine and the best heading you can do is 40 degrees under sail then that is OK. Not desireable but within the regs.

Personally I agree with the poster and would be inclined to motor across at right angles to the channel. Shortest exposure to something very large and rusty. But whatever you do, the best thing is to stick to colregs because that gives your actions predictatbility for the watch on the big vessel. Do what they expect you to do and dont run around like a frightened rabbit.

 

[AliM]

And one final bit of advice...

Time your crossing so you get the tide with you for the last 10 miles into Den Helder - the Schlupengat (sp?). The tide runs very fast there, and the last thing you want is an adverse tide just as the end is in sight after a long crossing.

Go into the marina on the right just after the ferry berth, which used to be owned by the Dutch navy, and borrow bikes to get into the town. If you get stuck there by weather, the naval museum is worth a visit.

 

[Daydream believer]

And one final bit of advice...

Time your crossing so you get the tide with you for the last 10 miles into Den Helder - the Schlupengat (sp?). The tide runs very fast there, and the last thing you want is an adverse tide just as the end is in sight after a long crossing.

Go into the marina on the right just after the ferry berth, which used to be owned by the Dutch navy, and borrow bikes to get into the town. If you get stuck there by weather, the naval museum is worth a visit.

I am going to depart at high tide & use it to get away from the estuary. Timing to arrive at a set time is not so easy on a sailing boat after 165 miles so a departure using the tide is more sensible

Any tips on what marina is appreciated but getting bikes for casual visits would be a hassle. Why do you suggest this marina please?

 

[sailorman]

I am going to depart at high tide & use it to get away from the estuary. Timing to arrive at a set time is not so easy on a sailing boat after 165 miles so a departure using the tide is more sensible

Any tips on what marina is appreciated but getting bikes for casual visits would be a hassle. Why do you suggest this marina please?

Den Helder has the Services marina on the Stbd hand entering the Hbr or lock-in to the North Holland Canal & use the "other ranks" club.
i would recommend the island of Texel (Oudechild) as a preference.

 

[EdWingfield]

I am off to Den Helder from Bradwell Later in the year & noticed that the shipping lanes change to deep water routes & my track would be diagonal across them if i made no allowance.

I've crossed the deep water route from more north that you intend. No traffic. Had there been traffic I would've given way immediately.

Dog tired I tried to enter Den Helder from N. I couldn't figure out the lights, I retreated and went in through the main S entrance after dawn and was mighty grateful to use the marina 1st right.