200428 Hypothetical Scenario

Hypothetical Scenario
MARS Report 200428

This is a hypothetical situation which could form a discussion topic for MARS. The scenario is a ship/yacht collision happening in the Bristol Channel in dense fog. The ship is inward bound at 18 knots with an operational radar (I believe the speed does not contravene the collision regulations, though it may not be prudent). The yacht is crossing the Bristol Channel under sail and becomes becalmed as the wind drops and a collision occurs. The yacht has no engine and is sounding fog horn as required. No VHF (not required). No radar (not required). Indeed no Radar Reflector, although that would seem to be foolish. However I also believe that it would not be required.

The target is missed on the ships radar due to clutter. It seems to me that the yacht is behaving quite properly and is quite unable to do anything other than sound her fog horn which of course she must do to comply with the regulations. The imaginary collision is outside narrow channels, estuaries and traffic separation schemes.

Readers' Feedback

You would think that today the kind of scenario you outlined in the June 04 edition of MARS would be out of the question. Sadly not.

About thirty years ago I was second mate of a reefer ship berthed in Vigo when most of the crew of a Trans-Atlantic yacht asked to come aboard, almost frog-marching a young comrade up to our wheelhouse and asking him to explain how the OOW of a cargo vessel was expected to see a (small) yacht, in a swell, wind waves or rain, radar clutter and spray, night-time and dull white sails, GRP hull and alloy mast. In addition to all the masts, jumbo, cranes and perhaps containers or deck cargo and resulting blind spots (I dare not mention air conditioned wheelhouses!). He was being chastised for not keeping a better watch and for getting too close to a "big ship". They were right of course, and later as a yachtsman myself, crossing the English Channel at night, in drizzle, I can tell you I was glad I had taken onboard that message in Vigo.

I am sure that the combined forces of the MCGA, Surveyors and the RYA do what they can, but common sense,... if it is no longer a readily available commodity, must surely be replaced by Law. Who would finance a State Marina Control! How might better controls be carried out? A hand held VHF, a radar Reflector, a weather forecast, keeping out of obvious shipping routes and certainly separation lanes and away from important navigational marks/waypoints likely to be used by ships, and one I like..., when it is foggy make for shallower water, (if they can read tide tables - being the Bristol Channel.). Double up watches and listen! Use lights and sound signals. Cheap stuff really. Then spare the Marina Bar bill and save up for a radar and GPS.!! Basic stuff, wow! but are we all there even yet!