"Wayne.B" wrote

difficult to hear. For these and other reasons, almost all approach
situations between larger vessels are being negotiated on channel 13
these days.

I've observed, listened to, and participated in many of those
exchanges over the last thirty years. They are almost always back up
and confirmation of actions already being taken on the basis of the
rules situation.

I've never heard a conversation along the lines of, "Big white yacht,
you aren't really going to just continue on that course like I wasn't
even here, are you?" I can't remember a radio exchange where someone
had to ask for the rules to be observed.

If I was in the pilothouse of a powerboat, tweaking the autopilot, and
holding my coffee mug in the other hand, I would make a lot of radio
calls. It looks different when you are alone in a boat in conditions
that make two hands on the wheel nice but one is on the main sheet
ready for instant easing.

--

Roger Long