If you saw this at sea, what would you do?

[tim_ber]

Here is a link to a small video I hope.

http://s1322.beta.photobucket.com/user/tim_ber/media/rotate_zpsdf3618b7.mp4.html

It is a rotating blue light, diameter varies from 3 foot to 5 foot and speed of rotation varies.

When seen for real, it is not as 'jumpy'

Question is, to deep blue sailors and coastal sailors etc, what would you do upon seeing it?

Let us assume no answer to a vhf call either. Serious question.

Cheers

 

[Danny Jo]

Alter course to get away from it as quickly as possible, turn off nav lights, radar and SeaMe, report to Coastguard, and when internet connection available, report to http://www.ufowatch.com/report/. OK, so I'm not serious about the last, but my major concern would be that the light was being generated by someone with less than honourable intentions.

 

[AMCD300]

I would certainly consider that it might be a call for help...

 

[Coaster]

If you want a serious response, rather than flippant comments and jokes, you'll have to give a lot more detail.

What is the context? Exactly where are you? How far away does the light appear to be?

For all I know it might be a fairground ride.

 

[sarabande]

I'd start trying to work out the speed of the alternating current which is producing the light. And the distance away, from a (? known) diameter of the originating source).


Then I'd post it on a friendly forum.

 

[Salty John]

It looks like a unicyclist with blue LEDs on his wheel.

 

[Frankie-H]

I would assume that it was probably a fishing boat. They have some weird and wonderful lights. How far off shore are you? Alter course immediately and see if it follows you.

 

[prv]

Hmm - it's not a laser flare, is it?

Pete

 

[VicS]

Its Searush's new under water lights reflecting off his wind genny.

 

[Sans Bateau]

A catherine wheel?

 

[tim_ber]

I have no more detail.

But if one was looking towards land, I would hope one would be able to see it was at sea level and not get it mixed up with background clutter. But a circular blue thing is odd anyway.

If I was solo and deep blue and depending upon location (known to be safe e.g.) then my reaction would be different.

Full crew, I'd probably radio / sat phone and investigate.

Seriously wondering what other more experienced sailors think.

 

[tim_ber]

Hmm - it's not a laser flare, is it?

Pete

Ha ha - no.
That would have to be red or green (and my red are great) and I have heard tell that US coast guard SAR choppers have been told to turn around if they see green lasers.

 

[david_bagshaw]

Tell the kid on the fore deck to stop pissing about!

 

[prv]

Hmm - it's not a laser flare, is it?

Ha ha - no.

Fair enough. I thought perhaps you were doing a little experiment to prove or disprove the fact that nobody knows an odd-looking flashing light is supposed to be a distress signal.

Pete

 

[tim_ber]

QUOTE FROM SALTY JOHN
"It looks like a unicyclist with blue LEDs on his wheel. "

Yes, but I know you have done some serious sailing (as well as selling serious good kit - love the Metz), so what would you do if you saw this weird thing mid-atlantic.

I can't think what I'd do - it is doing my head in running through the scenarios - hence the question others more experienced.

 

[tcm]

I'm fairly experienced. The context is important. I have other instruments and it's not showing on AIS or Radar? One thing if it's in the Solent, another if (say) south of the Canaries.

Several cases of boats trying to attract others using flashing lights and once closer the investigator becomes involuntary saviour. Not me. I have had weirdy lights pointed out to me e.g. in Biscay (orange flaming stuff) but meh, unconvinced, and this skippers job is to look after this boat, THAT skipper has to look after THAT boat, etc.

 

[laffinskip]

I would think ---a mobo playing silly buggers.

 

[tim_ber]

I'm fairly experienced. The context is important. I have other instruments and it's not showing on AIS or Radar? One thing if it's in the Solent, another if (say) south of the Canaries.

Several cases of boats trying to attract others using flashing lights and once closer the investigator becomes involuntary saviour. Not me. I have had weirdy lights pointed out to me e.g. in Biscay (orange flaming stuff) but meh, unconvinced, and this skippers job is to look after this boat, THAT skipper has to look after THAT boat, etc.

Just had to go and tow a neighbour up the road - thank goodness for diff lock and winter tyres - back now.

Right, all that makes sense, thanks.

Yes it should have a radar signature I guess (I don't have radar and know little). If the sea was rough, would a small craft show up on radar with the background clutter?

Assume the boat hasn't got AIS - great tool and I love it, but not everyone has it yet.

I of course have not had the scarey incidents that you and others have had, so your answers are most noteworthy thanks.

How about this scenario then...

Near France, so no nasty people (are there?), out of shipping lanes, say 5 miles from France. F8 green nav light and this weird circle - what would an experienced yachtsman do then - still no response via VHF though.

PS - this has come about / been on my mind since the strobe white at masthead thread - I will go and try to find the link in after I post this and add it as an edit.

EDIT - Well as usual, I can't find the thread I wanted - just found a lod of others about masthead strobes (which was quite useful):
http://www.ybw.com/forums/search.php?searchid=19299

Cheers

 

[Coaster]

Either you're trying to pull our legs or you should be able to answer these questions.

Here is a link to a small video I hope...

Did you take and post the video?

...diameter varies from 3 foot to 5 foot...

If you know the diameter you must be able to judge how far away the light is.

Question is, to deep blue sailors and coastal sailors etc, what would you do upon seeing it?

Let us assume no answer to a vhf call either. Serious question.

Cheers

Without sensible input from the OP I'm forced to think 'cheers' relates to alcohol consumption...

 

[tim_ber]

Either you're trying to pull our legs or you should be able to answer these questions.

Why should I?

If you know the diameter you must be able to judge how far away the light is.

IF you say so - that's beyond me.

Without sensible input from the OP I'm forced to think 'cheers' relates to alcohol consumption...

Give me an idea of what more I can input? This is an hypothetical question seeking answers from experienced yachtsmen - are you one?

I can't drink alcohol anymore (not because I was ever AA) just not allowed to for past health reasons. And I wouldn't be towing a chap up the road if I was drunk now, would I?