Radar reflectors

[Crunluath]

I like to think I am a responsible yottie so whilst the mast is down I really ought to consider a radar reflector...or not.
I read all the PBO, Sailing Today features but I am still no wiser. Has anyone any experience of big ship radars? Am I better of keeping the sails up and shining my big torch on them? I used this technique in the Kettegat donkeys years ago and it worked but does anyone actually look outside the bridge on big ships today?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[charles_reed]

Absolutely they do.

Don't underestimate the competence of the professional seaman.

I had an incident in the Smalls TSS, which resulted in my being very much not under command and, when I warned a N-bound container vessel of my predicament, a very disgusted German voice informed me he'd had me on the plot for "ze last 20 miles".

I always used to check my reflection using the Ouessant control radar - usually he had picked me up by the time I was into his zone and within vhf range.

The people you have to watch out for are the Arabs and Chinese, no deck or radar watch on the other hand the N Europeans are considerate and professional.

I've had a number of conversations, especially on night-passages, with bored watchkeepers

The comparative tests

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[beneteau_305_553]

In poor visability they wont see you, and you wont be able to see them.
I suggest a traditional reflector on the backstay or cross trees and give them a chance to see you. Without one, a yacht is like a stealth bomber and cannot be seen.


<hr width=100% size=1>Richard

 

[bedouin]

So now all we need to know is how ot identify the nationality of the crew on that ship on the horizon

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ccscott49]

No! Just assume as I always have, that they have not seen you and act accordingly, easier for you to move than them! Forget the collision regs, when it comes to container/big ships doing 25 knots in the channel, always give way and just stay out of their way! They may have to take avoiding action for another ship which you cannot see, miles away and to manouver to avoid you may put them on a collision course with something else. It`s a knock on effect, which often we are totally oblivious of. At 25 knots, things happen very quickly! If you do make a course correction, in accordance with regs, even if it means reversing your course, make a big one! One that cannot be mistaken. Believe me its safer in the long run.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Talbot]

New SOLAS regs calls for a radar reflector without speciying minimum performance. I dont like having a big reflector up unless necessary due to windage so I have a reasionably effective slimline reflector (with lots of Rt angle reflectors in the case) mounted permanently to satisfy the regulations. I also have a proper rain catcher style reflector to hoist in bad conditions, and my boat has a much larger above water profile than most sailing yachts so the effective Radar Echoing Area that I present is IMHO adequate.

However, I am also a charter member of the "treat the others as if they were dummies" club

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[bedouin]

I actually disagree with that - I would say stick to Colregs but don't assume he has seen you.

Usually the correct course of action for the give way vessel is to alter course and or speed to pass astern of you. Now as stand on vessel, any action you take is likely to counteract the action taken by the give way vessel. That is dangerous.

In the smaller more manoeuverable vessel you would normally leave it much later to take avoiding action than the bigger vessel so there is plenty of time for you to avoid them.

Also I am not a fan of the idea of "reversing course" for similar reasons. My "panic" actions would be to turn onto a parallel course (same direction) as the ship.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ccscott49]

We will have to agree to disagree.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[charles_reed]

Binocs are great - if you can't make out the ensign they're far enough away to be no problem.
Besides English is the international tongue


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Bergman]

I have reservations about this too.

Think it depends on situation. Close inshore I tend to follow your theory, but offshore hold on where I am stand on vessel.

My reasoning is that inshore there are more constraints (depth, other traffic etc.)on a large vessel which I may not be aware of. Offshore a large vessel will normally make a small change of course early in a situation. This is not usually visible to the helmsman of a yacht. Thus it is very possible that a change of course and/or speed could re-create a collision situation that the large vessel had previously avoided. From there to dodging into each other is a small step.

My experience is that large vessels will make small course changes but are reluctant to slow down, dunno if this is general or just my impression.

Always struck me that Col Regs do not talk abou "right of way" but about give way and stand on. Which seems to me to put as much onus on stand on vessel to stand on as it does to give way vessel to give way. Be interesting to know if there is any case law on this.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[bob_tyler]

"The people you have to watch out for are the Arabs and Chinese, no deck or radar watch"

Really Charles. Because your statement is true, you only need some PC idiot to read this and you will be reported to Trevor Philips and his mates and thrown into jug. You have maligned TWO races, millions more than Kilroy and look what is happening to him. Kim, immediate action please!!!

I wouldn't be surprised if this mob bring back hanging for you, or perhaps at least keel-hauling!!!!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[peterb]

On a boat called Bedouin that should be easy!

<hr width=100% size=1>