Piers
Well-Known Member
Sound signals exist for altering course to stbd, port, engines going astern, etc, etc, but what if you use bow and stern thrusters to go sideways?
Dare I ask a COLREG qn?
- Thread starter Piers
- Start date
chrishscorp
Well-Known Member
If needed, i would expect the same sound signals
Piers
Well-Known Member
...but if you aren't altering course and you're only using thrusters, what signals are relevant?
Badvisor
N/A
If you're using bow and stern thrusters such that the vessel is now moving sideways then you've just redefined what is fore and aft in the same way as a bidirectional ferry.
So no sound signals, but you should display a red light towards the pointy end, a green light towards the blunt end, a stern light towards what had been the port and a steaming light towards what had been the starboard (but is now a very blunt bow)
So no sound signals, but you should display a red light towards the pointy end, a green light towards the blunt end, a stern light towards what had been the port and a steaming light towards what had been the starboard (but is now a very blunt bow)
Badvisor
N/A
(the above is assuming you're transiting towards what had been your starboard)
john_morris_uk
Well-Known Member
This is the way I see things.
The signals are supposed to help others know what you’re doing and about to do. If you’re stopped dead in the water there are only a couple of reasons I can think of why you’d want to go sideways in open waters. The ship might be surveying or drilling or doing some sort of underwater operations. In these instances there are other signals (eg RAM) that would apply.
If the ship is stopped and coming alongside a pier or jetty it’s usually pretty obvious. In my experience ships who wish to indicate they’re moving in these circumstances use ‘One long blast’ (Here I come sounding one.) to remind other water users they’re moving/about to move. If a small boat were to look as though it was about to go the wrong side and get between the ship and the pier I imagine they’d use five short blasts.
All IMHO etc.
Soco2
Well-Known Member
The previous reply is correct, by moving with side thrusters you Are changing course (course is Not heading)
so the same signals apply. ??
Badvisor
N/A
Ok, there's two situations - the point at which the change of course is made, in which case a sound signal would fit the rules. Once sideways navigation has been established then my previous answer applies.
But really? In a small boat I'm struggling to see when it would be appropriate. Close quarters marina work does not call for hoots and whistles unless there's a real risk of collision. I usually find hand signals suffice.
But really? In a small boat I'm struggling to see when it would be appropriate. Close quarters marina work does not call for hoots and whistles unless there's a real risk of collision. I usually find hand signals suffice.
Piers
Well-Known Member
The original question was spawned as a thought in the shower. Thanks so much for the replies. Maybe I'll stop having showers...
Soco2
Well-Known Member
moving sideways with thrusters is only really going to happen in a marina.
rules are simple, going astern/port/stb use your horn to inform someone of your actions to prevent collision IF Needed.
Soco2
Well-Known Member
Sounds like a good plan.
jointventureII
Well-Known Member
I've seen this in the entrance to St Tropez where the superyachts are alongside the wall (port side when entering) - there is so much small boat traffic that you occasionally hear one / 2 short blasts when a boat is leaving their alongside berth.
Engines against each other and bow thruster or bow & stern thruster at the same time and they lift away from the quay.
Of course, in reality many of the smaller boats (often hired for the day) have no idea what it means and assume it's telling them to get out of the way, cueing much panic and some interesting manuoveres!
Engines against each other and bow thruster or bow & stern thruster at the same time and they lift away from the quay.
Of course, in reality many of the smaller boats (often hired for the day) have no idea what it means and assume it's telling them to get out of the way, cueing much panic and some interesting manuoveres!
Irish Rover
Well-Known Member
Thinking about horns in the shower emm ?.
Gary Fox
N/A
I saw a ship about 2000 ton stop and do a U-turn to starboard onto a wharf, where he tied up port side to. Definitely using a thruster.
(The gravel and aggregates dock at the S. end of Cowes).
He gave one short blast, for A/C to starboard, it didn't seem odd at the time.
If it catches on for manouvering in marinas, life will be hell !
(The gravel and aggregates dock at the S. end of Cowes).
He gave one short blast, for A/C to starboard, it didn't seem odd at the time.
If it catches on for manouvering in marinas, life will be hell !
BruceK
Well-Known Member
Roy will be reading this with delight now he has 720 degree thrusters fore, aft and everywhere else and wanting to make sure everybody knows he has. Keep feeding him ideas, his manoeuvres setting anchor are a delight to watch. It's like he's conducting an orchestra rather than the admiral. Fair doos she's good at conducting too.
Tanqueray
Well-Known Member
When manoeuvring vessels in the bathtub standard Colregs would apply. Within a shower however, it could be argued that you are operating in a non-displacement mode and should therefore wear an all-round yellow flashing shower cap.
Piers
Well-Known Member
Brilliant!
Sneds
Well-Known Member
Great question and love the idea of a yellow flashing shower cap!
