wrote:
When he crossed and went on a collision course with my boat I had about
5-10 seconds to turn away or he would have mowed me down.


Hmm, yes, that is a bit too close for comfort; I'd say he broke the
rules. In fact that's a bit too close even if he had signalled his
intentions first.


Shortwave Sportfishing wrote:
Don't say there isn't a law - he clearly was in the wrong - we're not
suggesting anything other wise. We were just arguing some fine points
in the Collision Regulations that govern how these incidents are
investigated and in the assigning of blame.

You cannot directly place your vessel in direct harm to you or others
by abrupt changes of direction or speed.

Clearly, he either didn't see you, or he abused his status as the
larger vessel.

Or he's just a flaming bonehead. They're out there.


Fortunately, you did the right thing.

By the way, in this case, Rule 15, Crossing Situation applied to this
as I understand you which clearly places the burden on him.

If they were in a narrow channel, would it be a crossing situation? I
was thinking that the other boat could have just signalled a starboard
side (two whistle) pass... and of course, given a lot more sea room to
the oncoming vessel...

DSK