Whats the best way to avoid collisions with ships?
Whether sailing alone or with crew, whether you have radar or not, the only way to guarantee not getting run down by a ship is to have someone alert and on deck at all times. Most of us can’t or won’t do this though. How I deal with watch-keeping depends on what waters I’m in, the equipment on the boat, and the crew. I avoid or cross known shipping lanes at right angles where possible. In mid-ocean, off the main shipping tracks, you might not pass near a ship for days or even weeks. Statistically, there is little to worry about in that case and I tend to be less vigilant on keeping watch. But on a fully crewed delivery there is no reason not to keep a good watch at all times, since it’s your responsibility to reduce the risk of collision no matter how remote the danger. Often ships will not keep a good watch themselves and for a variety of reasons just won’t see you. When I see a ship that seems to be approaching, I take a compass bearing and keep a close eye on it. If there is time, b
Whether sailing alone or with crew, whether you have radar or AIS or not, the only way to guarantee not getting run down by a ship is to have someone alert and on deck at all times. Most of us can’t or won’t do this though. How I deal with watch-keeping depends on what waters I’m in, the equipment on the boat, and the crew. I avoid or cross known shipping lanes at right angles where possible. In mid-ocean, off the main shipping tracks, you might not pass near a ship for days or even weeks. Statistically, there is little to worry about in that case and I tend to be less vigilant on keeping watch. But on a fully crewed delivery there is no reason not to keep a good watch at all times, since it’s your responsibility to reduce the risk of collision no matter how remote the danger. Often ships will not keep a good watch themselves and for a variety of reasons just won’t see you. When I see a ship that seems to be approaching, I take a compass bearing and keep a close eye on it. If there is
