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-----Original Message-----
From: Earl R. Hinz wrote:
Dolph, Jim, et al --
Aren't these arguments a bit difficult to implement in view
of the fact
most cruising boats--trawlers and sail--are handled by two
person crews?
It would seem to me that a complete anti-collision
philosophy
must be composed of an alert three person crew, a radar, an
inactive radar
reflector and a radar-response transponder.
Earl
Arild adds:
For years the much publicized single handed races have
been the topic of discussion since by their very nature they violate the
IMO regulations for watch standing at sea.
As yet no one has actually been charged, and the races
continue to take place.
That implies a certain tacit acceptance that small
recreational craft cannot comply totally with the letter of the law.
Prudence as to when and where it is possible to catnap while under
way still seems to be the best bet.
While crews of three or more is desirable from a safety
perspective, it simply isn't always possible.
Someone elese mentioned "shipping lanes".
While the probability of encountering commercial traffic is greater when
near the direct great circle routes connecting major seaports; the reality
of today's shipping business means that you are likely to find ships
redirected at any point along their original track to another port which
could be anywhere.
There is a reporting system in place whereby participating commercial
shipping reports the vessel position each day.
Someone on the commercial list once plotted these positions to determine
if the traditional "shipping lanes " still predominated. Guess what? The
result looked like a scatter plot of random placement with no discernible
concentrations or routes.
Bottom line:
If you can't have a radar then at least have a C.A.R.D. detector and
restrict catnapping while approaching within 200 miles of a major port or
offshore terminal.
Above all else, don't rely on the other guy to look out for you. Be self
reliant.
cheers
