93023 Hampered Vessel

Restricted in Ability to Manoeuvre
- Mid Atlantic Ridge. Wind SxE 30/35 knots. Rough sea + swell.
- Report No. 93023.

Own vessel engaged in scientific research, stationary with scientific package over starboard side in about 3100m of water. A small transponder fish was also deployed. All relevant lights and daylight signals displayed for a vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre. Package was being hauled for recovery with about 400m out.

Target vessel was tracked on radar from usual distance and giving calculated CPA of less than 1nm. Target vessel was sighted visually at 1115 about 4 points on port bow at distance of 8.5nm and compass bearings indicated a steady bearing. Master was called at this time. Course and speed of target calculated to be 3000T and 13 knots.

Securité message broadcast at 1124 on VHF Channel 16 announcing own ship's position, nature of work and requesting wide berth with instruction to pass to windward. No response or contact was made by other vessel. Scientific package and transponder fish were recovered by 1128.

At 1130 with target vessel at distance of 5nm, own vessel's scientific doors were battened down and engines put to half ahead to clear position, give more sea room and allow target vessel to pass well clear astern. Rough sea and swell did not make this any easier. Target vessel eventually passed at 1.3nm astern with no detected alteration of course whatsoever. Target vessel appeared to be a medium sized gas carrier.

Own vessel came to the following conclusions about this incident:

Master of own ship was called in ample time by OOW.
Actions by own vessel in accordance with Rule 17 averted a close quarter situation.
Distance at which own ship decided to act meant it was unlikely that the necessary sound signal would have been heard
It would appear that target vessel was in contravention of following parts of COLREGS

Rule 5 - Lookout, although this is assumed.
Rule 7 - Assessment of risk of collision.
Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision.
Rule 18 - Responsibilities between vessels.
The reporter's vessel decided to take avoiding action at a very early stage in the proceedings. It must be realised, however, that this vessel was a special case and was not able to manoeuvre in the normal manner. If the target vessel had responded to the VHF call by the reporter, it would not have been necessary for the reporter to suspend operations and steam out of the way.