Napping at the wheel?

"May guess is the ferry captain figured there was no way that guy couldn't see him"

Related to that, there is no way that the ferry captain didn't see the other boat much sooner than what is shown in the video. He could could have given way much much sooner when there was still time. There is clear visibility. I think the unofficial "Rule of tonnage" can often be summed up as "the arrogance of tonnage". It's the attitude of "I'm bigger, so let him give way." even though he had time to adjust course much much sooner. Sure, there are times when large vessels can't give way. But, it sure looks like he could've seen this one coming from a mile away (or more). Both captains will be found at fault.
 
I think toga ve of tonnage describes this incident pretty wel, although in many situation the "big" boat doesn't have much choices. Ferrys are different from ocean going ships and are more maneuverable because of how and where they operate. As you can see in the video once the captain decided to stop, the boat stopped unlike a 1000' tanker or container ship

Personally when I run into the path of large ships I make my intentions clear by changing course early so that my intentions are clear In doubt I call the ship in 16

Now no matter what the situation is, no matter how big your boat is or how small the other guy maybe, you don't get yourself pushed in a corner where you re trapped and can no longer avoid a collision Whenever I m stand on and the other guy seems to Be ignoring the situation I take action before it is too late. It often happens in our home marina channel which is pretty narrow (100'' to 150') and frequently small boats (mostly sail) attempt to force the issue ignoring rule 9. As tempting as it maybe to force the issue, and as much as maybe wondering why a laser would want to cross in front of an 84 footer I always make sure that no matter what I can avoid a collision

Flip it around and when I m sailing either out 12' cat boat or 26' gaffer and you can be sure I stay out of the way of anyone in the channel... common sense
 
It has been years since I last posted this. I think I'll do it again.

Here lies the body of George O'Day.
He died maintaining his right of way.
He was right, dead right as he sailed along,
But he is just as dead as if he were wrong.

That was fun!
 
Having fished those waters for many years I have a few observations.
The the Ferry will not deviate from its course or slow their approach to the island or to shore where it came from. So look an out or get mowed down. They are about 3/4 the way across the channel. The point in the seen is a destination fishing spot on the incoming tide.So there are normally small boats in that area. Where the Ferry left from there is a large marina and a heavily used boat launch.You would expect to see several boats at any give time in that area. Out where this occurs is a less traversed area. Also from the looks of the sky this is late in the day as the sun is below the shoreline to the west (Left). To me it is obvious that the Captain of the Ferry does not attempt to reverse course until just before impact.It does not mean that he did not come out of forward gear before he goes into reverse. I am not sure how quick you can reverse the Ferry. I would guess that Another thing I see it the ferry has passengers that the captain clearly responsible for. As for the smaller vessel he is clearly putting himself at risk. The water temperature at best is 49 degrees. If I need to use the head while underway I have someone take the helm or I shut her down and put her in neutral than go do what I need to do.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Bliss

It has been years since I last posted this. I think I'll do it again.

Here lies the body of George O'Day.
He died maintaining his right of way.
He was right, dead right as he sailed along,
But he is just as dead as if he were wrong.

Click to expand...


Like I said...graveyards are full of people who had the right of way.
 
quote:
Originally posted by jacko

Having fished those waters for many years I have a few observations.
The the Ferry will not deviate from its course or slow their approach to the island or to shore where it came from. So look an out or get mowed down. They are about 3/4 the way across the channel. The point in the seen is a destination fishing spot on the incoming tide.So there are normally small boats in that area. Where the Ferry left from there is a large marina and a heavily used boat launch.You would expect to see several boats at any give time in that area. Out where this occurs is a less traversed area. Also from the looks of the sky this is late in the day as the sun is below the shoreline to the west (Left). To me it is obvious that the Captain of the Ferry does not attempt to reverse course until just before impact.It does not mean that he did not come out of forward gear before he goes into reverse. I am not sure how quick you can reverse the Ferry. I would guess that I Another thing I see it the ferry has passengers that the captain clearly responsible for. As for the smaller vessel he is clearly putting himself at risk. The water temperature at best is 49 degrees. If I need to use the head while underway I have someone take the helm or I shut her down and put her in neutral than go do what I need to do.

Click to expand...


RO-RO's and ferries do not, historically, react well to sudden maneuvers. Crash stops and full rudders are, I assume, very last case maneuvers.
 
http://www.passagemaker.com/articles/technical/navigation/collision-avoidance-understanding-right-of-way-to-avoid-certain-disaster/?utm_source=passagemaker-enewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=textlink&utm_campaign=enewsletter-1213
 
"Had it been any other type of boat, a bayliner something like that, it would've just crumbled,"

What's up with that quote? Bayliners aren't sea-worthy?
 
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