ubject: Stump the motor boat Captains
From: "Simple Simon"


This is ANOTHER fine mess you gotten yourself into "Ollie"


It doesn't say it per se. However, it IS exclusionary.

Manueverng signals in the Rules are always prefaced
with the words 'when vessels are in sight' or some
version of those words. It follows that the signals
do not apply and should not be sounded when vessels
are NOT in sight or in or an area of restricted visibility
where such signals may be confusing to those vessels
not in sight of each other. This is only common sense
but if you need a Rule to make you happy here it is.

How could a single one short blast be confusing? The guy obviously sees the
other guy or wouldn't be using the signal.

Sorry, Neal, you've stepped in it again. As soon as you have visual contact
with another vessel, you are free to, and obligated to, use normal passing
signals.
Your main concern, is the most immediate danger to your safety, and if that
means you can see the guy, you can use the signals for that guy. If the other
guy can't see you, he still must work under the restricted visibility and
assume nothing.

Does this create the possibility of some amateur such as yourself getting
confused? Yes, and in fact it would open up the possibility of someone even
with experience to be confused, which is why that until he sees you he still
has to act according to the rules for restricted visibility.

RULE 35
Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day
or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used
as follows:

Then it goes on to delineate the various signals and to
whom they apply. It follows that any and all signals
not described shall not be used 'in or near' areas
of restricted visibility just as any and all signals that
may confused may not be use in in-sight situations.

wrong

Sound and Light Signals
RULE 36
Signals to Attract Attention

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel,
any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot
be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these
Rules, (snipped rest about light signals

Therefore if a maneuvering signal might be confused as
a fog signal it may not be used 'in or near' areas of
restricted visibility.

wrong

S.Simon - a Captain who's right 0.000 991% of the time..... on a good day.

Shen