"Simple Simon" wrote in message
...

"Jeff Morris" jeffmo@NoSpam-sv-lokiDOTcom wrote in message
...
snip what we agree on


BTW, you imply here, and state explicitly on you web site, that a NUC is higher on the
pecking order than a RAM. There is nothing in the rules that says that.

A NUC is the highest vessel in the pecking order. In a situation where
a NUC and a RAM are interacting other than an overtaking situation
the NUC is the stand-on vessel and the RAM is the give-way vessel.


Absolutely incorrect, Neal. Don't you ever read the rules? There is no rule that tells a
RAM that it should keep out of the way of a NUC. Consider: a RAM could be a dredge or a
cable layer, or other work vessel completely unable to move or deviate from a course; a
NUC may have a minor steering problem. If a risk of collision occurs between the two,
they simply have to figure out the best course of action. For the purpose of the pecking
order, they are at the same level.



However, the pecking order has no bearing whatsoever in Restricted Visibility. There
are
different rules and different signals. In this case, the "sound signals in restricted
visibility" often called fog signals, are defined in rule 35. You even quoted it
(below)
and noted that it included "vessel engaged in towing other vessels" in the list of
vessel
that must use "long-short-short" signals in the fog - hampered vessels according to
Farwell. What could be clearer than that?

This is where you are incorrect. There is a pecking order in
restricted visibility. All vessels that sound the one prolonged/
two short blasts signal are not to be impeded by any vessel
that sounds the one prolonged or two prolonged signal. Rule
8 states this very clearly. It just so happens that Rule 35 gives
a vessel towing the mandate to sound the signal of a RAM
so it becomes a defacto RAM in restricted visibility even
though it may not be a RAM in in-sight situations.

Now you're just playing games. The rule says tow vessels sound the signal. It doesn't
say tow vessels become RAMs. There is no reason why the tow sudden has "restricted
ability to maneuver." You're just making up nonsense to avoid admitting your error. Be a
man, Neal, not a little girl!


This measure
was put in place because of the danger of hawsers and vessels
being towed far behind the towboat that would present a danger
to a vessel who can not see what is going on like it can is
in-sight situations. It does not, in any way, detract from the
meaning of the pecking order.


Yes, the hawser and tow is a reason why the towboat should be approached with caution. It
does not mean the tow bas become a RAM.


The fact remains that all vessels in a fog that hear the fog
signal of one prolonged/two short blasts must not impede

Nope. It doesn't say that anywhere. You're just making it up. The other little girls
didn't let you play in their games, did they?


and must take action to avoid a close quarters situation.


All vessels have that obligation. Not just vessels other than yours.


It this isn't a pecking order in a fog then I'm a Pumpernickle
loaf.

You said it, not I.


Here, allow me to diagram the restricted visibility pecking order.

1) NUC, RAM (includes towing), CBD, Fishing (includes trawing,
long-lining, seinging etc.), Sailing,

2) Power boat


That is the division (except for your incredibly embarrassing blunder about the towboat)
for the sound signals. It in no way creates standon/giveway relationships.


I hope this helps


I'm sure the judge will find this quite interesting.