Colregs Rule 36 - Embarrassing?

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

JohnS

.
Sep 25, 2008
177
Islander (Wayfarer/McGlasson) 32 St Georges Harbor
I'm in the process of re-wiring my mast, and thought it'd be a good idea to review the ColRegs on lighting requirements, when I came across this:


http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=Rule3637

Rule 36 - Signals to Attraction Attention

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. Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided.

So we are required to not embarrass another vessel?! I can hear the testimony now - "I was going to warn the vessel that they were on course to run into the jetty, but I didn't want to embarrass them."

Anyone care to venture a guess as to the meaning and logic of this clause?
 
jviss

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,090
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
embarrass - (archaic) hamper or impede (a person, movement, or action) : the state of the rivers will embarrass the enemy in a considerable degree.
 
S

Steve Dion

.
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Maybe the definition that we commonly use does not mean the same thing in maritime law?

You may use this term in a way like the folks that "Embarrass" the airline pilots by shinning a green laser into the cockpit of aircraft.
 
sailaway78

sailaway78

.
May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm

I need to review the rules I guess. I always thought that the main reason you didn't use a strobe for any other purpose was that it was a signal of emergency or help needed.
 
petersea

petersea

.
Sep 26, 2008
566
- - Noank CT.
Ok here is my take if this.........maybe the people were just a little bit nicer and more civil when they wrote the col-regs. I would take it at face value and when attempting to warn someone of a dangerous situation not to "embarrass" them. Sometimes trying to "embarrass" or bring more undue attention to situation can be more dangerous then it already is. If for example a boat is heading dangerously close to rocks and you are trying to warn them you can get all loud and obnoxious trying to tell them and actually distract the boat operator from the dangerous situation. I will make the analogy to someone sitting at a red light ahead of you and when it turns green does not move. Clearly they are distracted by something. Now you have the option of giving a short tap on the horn to get their attention or the hold down on the horn and hold it until they start moving. Both ways will work but by blaring on the horn you have now (maybe) startled and "embarrassed" the other driver. The other driver is now so distracted by your horn and the loud noise they ignore everthing and step on the gas peddle running over the person walking accross the street in front of them that you did not see. Situation gone from bad to really really bad. Ok maybe not but you get the point I hope. And maybe I just embarrassed myself with this explanatioon ! ! !
 
rpwillia

rpwillia

.
Sep 29, 2008
1,954
Catalina 310 #185 Quantico
Perhaps ...

if the boat is rocking you should not bother knocking, it might be embarassing. :redface:
 
sinnettc

sinnettc

.
May 23, 2007
1,306
Catalina Capri 22 Albany, Oregon
It depends on what you're flashing them with . . .

Maybe they're prudes and will be embarrassed. :eek:

Or maybe they'll see your package and you will be. :D
 
S

Steve Dion

.
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Well I also had a smart ass answer like response like "em-bare-assing" but thought I should withhold (nah).
 
L

LloydB

.
Jan 15, 2006
927
Macgregor 22 Silverton
Probably to be added some time in the future: ...or when using a laser the vessel must like the designated color. I wonder how it will read in French.
 
Freedom77

Freedom77

.
Jul 29, 2010
1,392
Macgregor 76 V-25 #928 Lake Mead, Nevada
These rules were written like the USYRU rules. "Yachtsmen" back then were a bunch or rich old robber barons and used words like shall instead of will. It was a more gentile time when the rich got richer and the poor got children. Fair Winds and Full Sails....
 
T

Todd Smith

.
Dec 4, 2008
264
Other people's boats - Milford, CT
Shall is pretty standard regulatory language for "you must do this". It is all through the FAA's regulations and legal contracts.

Yachtsmens did not write the COLREGS, cold hearted merchants, coast guards and naval officers did.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom