Scott Vernon wrote:
You are sailing DDW wing on wing on a course of 220* m. making 4.5kts.
You spot a large ship behind you and determine after a few sightings
that it's on the same course and throwing a large bow wave. What
action should you take, if any?




Prudence requires that you get out of the way. If you're in a channel
you probably are required to, by rule 9 or 10. In any case, make sure
that your maneuver is dramatic enough to be recognized by the other
vessel.

A year ago I was frustrated when a tug with a barge on a long wire
altered course for me, as required by the rules. I, however, was quite
willing to go behind him but was waiting for a minute to get a bit
closer. We were still a few miles apart when he changed course, which
probably cost him more fuel than I use in a year.

"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
A year ago I was frustrated when a tug with a barge on a long wire altered
course for me, as required by the rules. I, however, was quite willing to
go behind him but was waiting for a minute to get a bit closer. We were
still a few miles apart when he changed course, which probably cost him
more fuel than I use in a year.

Why didn't you just hail him on VHF and confirm ??......

When in Halifax Harbour and faced with large ship traffic I simply inform
Halifax Radio of my course and speed and request they inform traffic and
forward me any course changes required so as not to impede large vessel
traffic. Works like a charm and keeps me out of harm's way.

When not in the traffic lanes I generally place a hail with my course and
speed if I see a large vessel approaching. If I don't get a reply I make a
radical course change and repeat the hail with the new info. I'm not going
to ever contest right of way with a much larger vessel... it's not safe and
not polite. These guys are working.... I'm kickin' back and sailing.

CM

Overproof wrote:
"Jeff Morris" wrote in message

A year ago I was frustrated when a tug with a barge on a long wire altered
course for me, as required by the rules. I, however, was quite willing to
go behind him but was waiting for a minute to get a bit closer. We were
still a few miles apart when he changed course, which probably cost him
more fuel than I use in a year.


Why didn't you just hail him on VHF and confirm ??......

I often do hail commercial vessels. In this case we were still quite a
distance off - I was rather surprised they altered course so soon.

"Overproof" wrote

Why didn't you just hail him on VHF and confirm ??......


That's what I did, and they thanked me for not making them alter
course, which led me believe they were getting ready to.


SV

Jeff Morris wrote:
..

A year ago I was frustrated when a tug with a barge on a long wire
altered course for me, as required by the rules. I, however, was quite
willing to go behind him but was waiting for a minute to get a bit
closer. We were still a few miles apart when he changed course, which
probably cost him more fuel than I use in a year.

In open ocean conditions, a well run larger vessel will tend to alter
course sooner, rather than later (between 2-5 mi.) reason being that in
most cases they can make a smaller course change for the same results.

otn