john_morris_uk
Well-Known Member
Some people get their whatsits in a twist over some strange things. I am normally a placid and easy going sort of person, but I am getting more and more confused and annoyed about a variety of people's antics and postings...
To answer the original question.
The overtaking vessel has an obligation to keep clear until passed and clear. Like many rules and situations in IRPCS, the definitions of passed and clear are not given - for the very good reason that they depend on the circumstances, the nature and size of the vessels involved, and their ability to manoevre etc.
Nothing in the rules allows you to 'change your status' part way through any situation. In other words - once you are in a crossing situation, or an overtaking situation or whatever, you can't 'change rules' half way through.
There are a few examples of case law where 'close quarters' and 'speed' have been given a little more substance - usually after ships steaming at high speed in fog have collided so not always completely relevant to the average yachtsman.
The racing rules have no bearing on the situation and are a complete red herring.
To answer the original question.
The overtaking vessel has an obligation to keep clear until passed and clear. Like many rules and situations in IRPCS, the definitions of passed and clear are not given - for the very good reason that they depend on the circumstances, the nature and size of the vessels involved, and their ability to manoevre etc.
Nothing in the rules allows you to 'change your status' part way through any situation. In other words - once you are in a crossing situation, or an overtaking situation or whatever, you can't 'change rules' half way through.
There are a few examples of case law where 'close quarters' and 'speed' have been given a little more substance - usually after ships steaming at high speed in fog have collided so not always completely relevant to the average yachtsman.
The racing rules have no bearing on the situation and are a complete red herring.
