Question 1

Throughout this encounter the yacht crew have tried to call the warship on Ch 16 with no response. What else could be tried and why might the warship not respond?

Accepted Answer

Try calling on Ch 16 again clearly with the warship's AIS name/MMSI; try Ch 12 or Ch 10 (often used by naval vessels); military ships may monitor different channels and are not obliged to respond to civilian Ch 16 calls Warships operate on military frequencies and may not monitor Ch 16 continuously, or may choose not to respond to civilian traffic. AIS should give the ship's name — use it specifically. In the Bright Future incident, the crew stated the warship never attempted radio contact. In practice: make the call, take avoiding action regardless, and do not rely on the warship to communicate. The Coastguard can relay on military frequencies.

Question 2

You are sailing in patchy fog, 20nm south of the Isle of Wight. A large warship suddenly appears through the fog approximately 500 metres away on a crossing course. You are on autopilot under engine and sail. What should you have already been doing that you may not be?

Accepted Answer

Sounding fog signals (one prolonged blast every 2 min under engine), maintaining a proper radar/lookout, monitoring Ch 16, and reducing speed to minimum steerage way — all required in or near restricted visibility by COLREGs Rule 19 COLREGs Rule 19 applies in restricted visibility — the give-way/stand-on hierarchy of Rules 12-18 is SUSPENDED. Every vessel must: proceed at a safe speed, maintain a proper lookout by all available means (radar, AIS, eyes, sound), and sound fog signals. Failing to sound signals or maintain proper watch means you contributed to the close-quarters situation.

Question 3

The warship is now 400m away. You can see it is a large grey frigate with no visible national flag markings yet. It appears to be making 15 knots. What do you do in the next 30 seconds?

Accepted Answer

Identify the vessel on AIS if fitted; check radar; try calling on Ch 16 immediately; assess collision risk by checking if the bearing is changing; prepare to take avoiding action under Rule 19 In restricted visibility, ASSESS first: use AIS/radar to identify and track. A constant bearing with decreasing range = collision risk. Under Rule 19, avoid altering course to port for a vessel on your port bow, and avoid turning toward a vessel that appears abeam or abaft. Calling on Ch 16 establishes communication — vital with a warship. The right-of-way hierarchy does NOT apply in fog.