"otnmbrd" wrote in message
link.net...


The CollRegs *do* advocate a constant visual lookout. Joe thinks it is a
waste of time. Jeff isn't sure what he thinks. I wonder what JohnE
thinks?

....EG As are we. We are just splitting that lookout between visual
out the window or just plain outside, and radar. Not all boats/ ships
can work effectively/realistically/ safely under a "purest" guidelines
for the rules.


otn


The thought of being near ANY vessel thrashing around at 20Knts + in fog
scares me to death! Coastal or offshore, but the truth of the matter is that
this happens all the time and not many crashes occur (aside from the goon
who hit our local beach on the plane a couple of years ago) so a lot of folk
must be able to use radar effectivly, or just lucky. I have never noticed
ships slowing in the English channel or elsewhere just 'cause of a little
grey stuff.

As I have VERY limited experience using radar I am not the best to judge of
its use but my preference is composite. Time on the screen and time in the
open. Eyes given a chance to adjust and refocus as well as the mind. I also
like silent periods, sound from other sources, though echoing I find can and
does help with locating vessels and marks. This is based on sailing and
motorsailing on small (under 80ft vessels, most under 40ft). May be flawed
but it's my penny worth.

JohnE