In many recent posts, I have heard many recreational boaters saying how they can't stand commercial operators. I have to come to the defense of commercial operators. They are SCARED of yachtsmen! Scared to death that you have no clue. And many recreational boater don't. We turn sharply without signaling, back down without signaling. How many of you sound the proper tones when leaving your berth? Also remember that a tug/barge is considered "restricted in ability to manouver" and may also be "restricted by draft" So, if a tug/barge gives way to you (as a recreational boater) he is being kind, expecially if he is in the shipping lanes. In those conditions, he has right of way, regardless of whether you are under sail or power. Oh, one way to get on the good side of a commercial operator is to give him a call on 13 and make a passing agreement ahead of time. It is standard practice for commercial operators to call each other, and it sould be standard practice for us to do the same (in fact it is REQUIRED by the rules of the road, which we choose to ignore most of the time). When I was bringing my C-30 down from Annapolis non-stop, we had tons of commercial traffic comming up and down the Bay. After dark, I made sure I called them on 13 and made passing arrangements. It made the trip in the dark MUCH less stressful. I knew where they were going and they knew where I was going. Please try it some time, they will respond well and be thankful you called.
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Co-operation and consideration are key
Dave - Well spoken. I would add the point that when commercial operators do what they're supposed to, or when the go out of their way to be considerate to us, you never hear about it. I liken it the police - you only hear about the bad incidents; no one talks about the guy who helped you out. Here on Casco Bay, I'd say the lobster fleet are the most considerate boaters I've ever run into. I can't count the number of times they've towed me, caught my lines, checked in with me on the radio when its looked like I'm in trouble, or even hooked me up with a bug. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Dave - Well spoken. I would add the point that when commercial operators do what they're supposed to, or when the go out of their way to be considerate to us, you never hear about it. I liken it the police - you only hear about the bad incidents; no one talks about the guy who helped you out. Here on Casco Bay, I'd say the lobster fleet are the most considerate boaters I've ever run into. I can't count the number of times they've towed me, caught my lines, checked in with me on the radio when its looked like I'm in trouble, or even hooked me up with a bug. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Agreed
I drive an 18 wheeler for a living so I have a lot of respect for big machine trying not to run over small machines. Let's keep in mind, we are playing; they are working... Ron/KA5HZV
I drive an 18 wheeler for a living so I have a lot of respect for big machine trying not to run over small machines. Let's keep in mind, we are playing; they are working... Ron/KA5HZV
Great reminder, Dave
The Columbia River has a VERY restricted navigable channel for its commerical traffic. I was luckily taught by a very competent seaman (thanks, Rob) to ALWAYS get out of the way of commercial traffic. I can't tell you the number of times I've heard the loud "TOOOT TOOOT TOOOT TOOOT TOOOT" of a commercial tug/freighter telling someone to get the he** out of the way. On July 4th weekend, two gentlemen lost their lives cuz they had anchored in the channel to fish (DOH!) and when they saw the barge, couldn't get the engine started. Instead of staying with the vessel till the last second, they jumped overboard with no PFDs. Their boat was not hit but they drowned. Tragic. So another lesson, in addition to staying out of their way, is NEVER anchor in a marked channel! LaDonna
The Columbia River has a VERY restricted navigable channel for its commerical traffic. I was luckily taught by a very competent seaman (thanks, Rob) to ALWAYS get out of the way of commercial traffic. I can't tell you the number of times I've heard the loud "TOOOT TOOOT TOOOT TOOOT TOOOT" of a commercial tug/freighter telling someone to get the he** out of the way. On July 4th weekend, two gentlemen lost their lives cuz they had anchored in the channel to fish (DOH!) and when they saw the barge, couldn't get the engine started. Instead of staying with the vessel till the last second, they jumped overboard with no PFDs. Their boat was not hit but they drowned. Tragic. So another lesson, in addition to staying out of their way, is NEVER anchor in a marked channel! LaDonna
Justin..."hooked me up with a bug"...?
What's that???...Slang for one of those great Maine Lobsters?
What's that???...Slang for one of those great Maine Lobsters?
LaDonnaScared of powerboats
I'm scared of powerboats, especialy PWC and pontoonboats. Alot of time I too am restricted by my almost 6' draft as well as my 48' heigth. You would not believe the ugly looks I get when I have to stay in the middle of a channel instead of moving right to on-comming traffic. As far as barges go, we always encounter at least one when we are out and they are always very proffesional! Bob
I'm scared of powerboats, especialy PWC and pontoonboats. Alot of time I too am restricted by my almost 6' draft as well as my 48' heigth. You would not believe the ugly looks I get when I have to stay in the middle of a channel instead of moving right to on-comming traffic. As far as barges go, we always encounter at least one when we are out and they are always very proffesional! Bob
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