Crossing the channel for the first time

[jerrytug]

Dover CG often put out messages about yachts crossing: these are generally just for information to shipping and do not imply there has been a serious failure to observe the rules. Occasionally they are a bit sarky about minor transgressions (as are Dover Port Control), but only very rarely follow up on this.

Yes, and a good reason to let them know you are crossing, which further implies a good reason to get on CG66.

I must admit, when almost over the TSS, I say to myself, 'right that was definitely the last ship which could possibly present risk of collision', then ease my track a bit towards my destination.

 

[Athene V30]

then ease my track a bit towards my destination.

No never ;-) but leeway has an odd effect after a few hours.

 

[KellysEye]

> There is no TSS between the Solent and France, for instance, so you can steer how you want as long as you comply with colregs.

The east and west shipping lanes are directly in line with each other for the obvious reason that ships going east or west can maintain their course and separation. Thus I would recommend the crossing should be at 90 degrees because that's what ships expect to see, even if there is no shipping lane.

 

[capnsensible]

> There is no TSS between the Solent and France, for instance, so you can steer how you want as long as you comply with colregs.

The east and west shipping lanes are directly in line with each other for the obvious reason that ships going east or west can maintain their course and separation. Thus I would recommend the crossing should be at 90 degrees because that's what ships expect to see, even if there is no shipping lane.

Vessels expect other vessels to comply with IRPCS and not make things up.

 

[Twister_Ken]

> There is no TSS between the Solent and France, for instance, so you can steer how you want as long as you comply with colregs.

The east and west shipping lanes are directly in line with each other for the obvious reason that ships going east or west can maintain their course and separation. Thus I would recommend the crossing should be at 90 degrees because that's what ships expect to see, even if there is no shipping lane.

For years I've crossed on whatever course I'm steering - mostly more or less at right angles because that's the way I'm going, but at some very different angles if I'm beating. Never been a problem. And in accordance with colregs.

Get out there with the RORC or JOG, with a headwind, and there'll be yachts all over the shop. The commercial traffic has enough searoom to miss, and so far they always have.

 

[prv]

crossing should be at 90 degrees because that's what ships expect to see, even if there is no shipping lane.

If there is no separation scheme, why would they expect that?

Pete

 

[AndrewB]

Yes, and a good reason to let them know you are crossing, which further implies a good reason to get on CG66.

In the several hundred times I've done this crossing, we've never informed CG ahead unless there has been something unusual. Obviously, escorting cross-channel swimmers, you let them know. Also if we are doing a club race that crosses the TSS. Once or twice, when I've been really unsure what a ship is playing at, I've asked CG to advise.

But no harm in letting them know if it helps you feel more secure.

 

[jerrytug]

But no harm in letting them know if it helps you feel more secure.

Thanks for putting my mind at rest.

 

[AndrewB]

Touche!