Popular Post rodheadlee Posted June 6, 2016 Popular Post Posted June 6, 2016 Rule 36 states: If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. These rules are to be followed by all vessels in International waters and all Inland waters of the United States. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse. All vessels can be held liable for breaking the rules. I like this rule and think it should be followed in debates. You can shine your light on the danger, such as the tow (barge) or the towline, but you cannot shine it on another vessel. I had a really close call in the waters off of Panama where the Captain broke this rule and blinded me with his searchlight. I had the right away, I was the stand on vessel. His blinding me could have caused a collision. I took emergency maneuvers and avoided a collision. Had he shined his light on his tow instead of blinding me we would not have had a near miss. Even a near miss could have caused great damage to our boat, a crash jibe in 25kts of wind could have broken our rigging. If we follow Rule 36 here then people won't assume someone is attacking them personally but rather shinning their light on a perceived danger. It will be easier to become friends with someone on the other side of the debates, perhaps even see things from their point of view and maybe there will be less tension. 5
Guest Posted June 6, 2016 Posted June 6, 2016 22 hours ago, rodheadlee said: Rule 36 states: If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. These rules are to be followed by all vessels in International waters and all Inland waters of the United States. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse. All vessels can be held liable for breaking the rules. I like this rule and think it should be followed in debates. You can shine your light on the danger, such as the tow (barge) or the towline, but you cannot shine it on another vessel. I had a really close call in the waters off of Panama where the Captain broke this rule and blinded me with his searchlight. I had the right away, I was the stand on vessel. His blinding me could have caused a collision. I took emergency maneuvers and avoided a collision. Had he shined his light on his tow instead of blinding me we would not have had a near miss. Even a near miss could have caused great damage to our boat, a crash jibe in 25kts of wind could have broken our rigging. If we follow Rule 36 here then people won't assume someone is attacking them personally but rather shinning their light on a perceived danger. It will be easier to become friends with someone on the other side of the debates, perhaps even see things from their point of view and maybe there will be less tension. Great analogy.
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