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From: Kerry Thomas (no email)
Date: Sun Jan 04 2004 - 21:30:56 EST
After many years of watchkeeping in large ships i hope i can shed some
light on the subject.
Legally the Master of a ship has to assist someone in distress. It is a
disgusting if they do not.
Reputable shipping companies. Of which there are not many left, require 24
hour lookouts and two on watch at night and take the attitude they might
require the help next time.
Most ships now run under the cheapest flag and with the cheapest crew
available.
Yachties along with any other vessel have a responsibility to keep a lookout
at all times.
Many times it was obvious that an approaching ship had not seen us when i
was at sea. I was on ships from 4000 to 65000 tons.
Even if the ship is keeping a good lookout small vessels are extremely hard
to see in foggy or rough conditions. Many do not show up well on Radar
either. A 40 ft steel boat shows about the same as a 3m ocean wave.
The habit of painting boats to match the whitecaps does not help.
Waves thump and crash on the bow of a large ship all the time and we are
also standing on top of a large engine so hearing an impact is not likely.
My advise would be to always have sufficient crew to keep a lookout. Paint
the cabin and topsides orange, yellow or black. Have powerfull nav lights
and a good radar reflector. The powered reflectors are excellent.
Having said this, however, I personally, don,t have a problem with single
handers as they are only risking themselves.
Kerry
www.altairmarine.co.nz
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