On 23 Oct 2005 17:48:19 -0700, "Carl" wrote:
I agree that I want to see him early and your radar detector idea might
work. Still, if a 600 ft ship is approaching at 22 knots, I don't want
to be the only guy trying to get out of the way.

Ok, forgive my being a bit persistent but: not having this enhanced
reflector (btw: I was always clearly visible using a cheap passive
one, mounted correctly) doesn't mean you'll be the only guy trying to
get out of the way.

After sighting by eyes or radar (or,thanks to your post,my new 50usd
radardetector) I'll turn on my marine-pc and my 250usd ais-receiver.

I'll be able to see the 600ft ship's course and speed and when needed
I'll hail this ship by it's right name on vhf70 or call it by dsc
using it's unique mmsi-number. After identyfying myself and my
position we'll discuss and verify the probably one and only right way
to avoid any risk of a collision-course.

Here in the Netherlands the government is contemplating making ais
mandatory (also for 300t vessels and indeed also for yachts) cause
freigthers increasingly tend to use ais as sole informationsource over
radar. This is imo a good development. Ais will work 100% when
everybody, everywhere uses it. One might expect these rules will find
their way into supernational legislation.

Just my 2 cts.
Len
S/v Present