Action taken by a vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel
-
Description of scenario:
Vessel A: Power-driven vessel
Vessel B: Power-driven vessel
Visibility: Restricted (vessels are not in sight of one another)
Vessel A detects by radar alone the presence of vessel B
Vessel A and vessel B are crossing so as to involve risk of collision
Vessel A has vessel B on her own port side (relative bearing PORT 053°) -
Rule(s) to be applied:
Rule 19
(Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility
)
Rule 7 (Risk of collision) -
Applying the Rule(s) and comments:
In accordance with Rule 19
(d) (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility
), a vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided:
(i) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken;
(ii) an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
In accordance with Rule 7 (b) (Risk of collision), proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.
