|
Author
|
Topic: Nighttime drifting at sea--lighting reqm'ts--NUC?
|
Jon
|
posted February 07, 2021 02:58 PM
A friend has a boat he uses for offshore tuna fishing. He likes to head out in the late afternoon (~50-70 nmi offshore) then drifting upon arrival (and sleeping hours) and fishing at first light. Does this sort of situation fall under the special lighting requirements (e.g., two red vertical lights) under NUC (not under command) rules?
From: Parallel 47
|
|
David Burch
|
posted February 09, 2021 08:26 AM
NO. Not at all. Sleeping and not keeping watch is simply against the rules. You could maybe set some alarms with radar or AIS to wake you up if a vessel approaches, but if that system fails and someone ran straight into you, you would eat a lot of the liability by violating rule 6
Rule 5 - Lookout
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
Rule 3(f) The term "vessel not under command" means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.
even NUC must keep a watch.
You could show some special lights to attract attention, but they very specifically cannot be the lights required by any of the rules,
Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention Back
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.
On International waters, there is this addition: 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.
From: Starpath, Seattle, WA
|
|
|
