Rule 8 (b) is one of the most overlooked in my experience. I practice
it religiously and find it makes radio calls usually unnecessary. The
communication is instantaneous, graphic, and directly related to the
situation. No time is wasted trying to figure out which boat is
which, waiting for the frequency to clear, or negotiating what to do.
It isn't sufficient in all circumstances but keeps radio frequencies
clear for situations that require them.

--

Roger Long



"Sailaway" wrote in message
...
KLC Lewis wrote
Course changes should be made by the stand-on
skipper at sufficient distance that there will be no risk of
collision as soon as the stand-on skipper decides that the give-way
vessel is
NOT going to change course. Yes, the give-way skipper is wrong not
to
change course. But insisting on "right of way" is even wronger.

Sal's Dad wrote:
My understanding of the situation is that it was Roger's OBLIGATION
to
maintain his course and speed. Not to use (or even own!) a radio,
not to have a working autopilot, not to do ANYTHING else, until
collision appeared imminent. THEN he is obligated to take evasive
action, as he did.

Just to clarify the above remarks:
The rules governing these situations, Like several of the rules,
allow different actions under certain circumstances.
(the following from Charlie Wing's study guide)
Part B, RULE 17
Action by Stand-on Vessel:
The stand-on vessel is required to maintain course and speed.
If the give-way vessel does not take early and obvious action, then
the stand-on vessel *may* take action to avoid collision, except for
altering course to port for a give-way vessel on her port. If the
situation deteriorates to the point where collision cannot be
avoided by action of the give-way vessel alone, then the stand-on
vessel *must* take action, including altering course to port if that
is judged safest.

(Notice how the above rules do not take into account any special
circumstances like, for instance, if the stand-on vessel cannot
change course to starboard due to close rocks she is passing, but
cannot change to port where the give-way vessel is approaching. This
is where the following rules come in.)

(Notice how the following rules don't mention anything about a
stand-on or give-way vessel. That means it is *everyone's*
responsibility to avoid collision, no matter who is 'right' or
'wrong'.)

RULE 6
Safe Speed
A vessel is required to limit her speed so that she can avoid
collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the
prevailing circumstances and conditions.
RULE 8
Action to avoid collision
(a) If you must take action to avoid collision, the action must be
substantial and early enough to indicate clearly to the other vessel
you are taking action.
(b) Changes of course and/or speed should be large enough to be
obvious to the other vessel.
(c) Change of course is often preferable to change of speed, unless
it will result in another bad situation.
(d) The action must result in passing at a safe distance.
(e)If necessary, a vessel shall (must) slow or stop in order to
avoid collision.