I become increasingly convinced, that you are either a lawyer or
politician

Donal wrote:
Joe has told us that he uses his VHF, in fog, as his "hearing" lookout.

No he didn't, and I can't conceive how you arrived at that conclusion.

He is stupid enough to believe that he complies with Rule 5 of the CollRegs
which state:-
=====================================
"Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and
hearing as
well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances
and
conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk
of
collision."
=====================================
What do the experts say about the use of a VHF in fog?

Guess what, they say that Joe is a menace! Here's a link!

http://www.seamanship.co.uk/M_Notice...ion/pdf/MGN167
.pdf

"Although the use of VHF radio may be justified on occasion in collision
avoidance, the
provisions of the Collision Regulations should remain uppermost, as
misunderstandings
can arise even where the language of communication is not a problem."

I have to believe that this statement is out of context. Voice (VHF) is
an acceptable alternative to sound signals for "passing situations" in
the waters that Joe is discussing. I would not be surprised that this is
becoming acceptable, world wide.

And Joe's incompetence is further demonstrated by this little snippet:-

"There have been a significant number of
collisions where subsequent investigation has
found that at some stage before impact, one or
both parties were using VHF radio in an
attempt to avoid collision. The use of VHF
radio in these circumstances is not always
helpful and may even prove to be dangerous."

So, Joe's use of the VHF is "dangerous"!

No, but like everything, it's limitations must be addressed.

The UK's Marine & Coastguard Agency obviously think that Joe represents a
Clear and Imminent threat to American sailors.

Perhaps Jeff, Joe, or otn, can produce a link which shows that the US
Coastguard thinks that Joe's behaviour is legal???

Read the Inland Rules for the US (Rule 34 h )


otn