Crossing Shipping Lanes (again)

[Heckler]

Clearly the vessels that use busy shipping lanes like the Straits of Gibraltar dont have a copy of that. VHF radio can often have a continual stream of conversations between vessels avoiding a risk of collision by talking to each other.

"Ok to pass stbd to stbd or I intend to do stb to stbd" is a common call. Or like the tramp steamer in the east bound to my stbd as we headed for Ceuta, I had him on Ais then I noticed he was pointing at us so I gave him a holler on the VHF, no answer, Syd the ex Gib Port pilot was just astern of me in his Rival. we both slowed down! I said to Syd afterwards what was that about? Oh probably gone for a pee he said!
So all you stand onners carry on standing on, me I watch them, call them if any doubt and if no answer slow down or turn 180!

 

[westhinder]

Clearly the vessels that use busy shipping lanes like the Straits of Gibraltar dont have a copy of that. VHF radio can often have a continual stream of conversations between vessels avoiding a risk of collision by talking to each other.

Very true.
I would call it good seamanship: using all available means to avoid confusion and dangerous situations. Some people seem to act as if flags and the Aldis lamp were still the most advanced means of communication.
If you want to experience the next level in communication in order to prevent collisions, you should sail to the centre of Rotterdam. Then you have to travel 15 miles or so up the Nieuwe Waterweg under the guidance of the various sectors of the VTS. Some of these traffic controllers emit a naar-continuous stream of instructions, detailing which ships are travelling upstream or downstream and which are coming from the docks either side. There are literally dozens of them at any time. You had better report to VTS and comply with their instructions or you would be a floating obstruction and a danger to yourself and the other users of the waterway. Fascinating and satisfying at the same time to be able to be part of it without being a burden on the professionals.

 

[LadyInBed]

The MCA, in MGN 324, venture to differ.

It does say "not always helpful and may prove to be dangerous." So it does imply that there are occasions when it is helpful.
Asking if you have been seen and the ships intension isn't issuing any intension or instructions on my part, just a request for information​.