30/06/2024
Recreational vessels have a responsibility to stay well clear of large vessels. Small craft are recommended to avoid impeding the passage of big ships. All boat operators should take note of the following:
-big ships operate at all times of the day and night
-the speed of a ship can be deceptive and may be in excess of 20 knots
-ships can weigh up to 100,000 tonnes and do not have brakes
-ships cannot stop or change course suddenly and will travel a long distance before stopping
-a ship’s blind spot can extend for many hundreds of yards ahead
-bow waves caused by a ship can swamp a small boat hundreds of yards away
-sailing vessels do not have right of way over big ships
-a ship may sound five short blasts on its whistle if it believes you are at risk of a collision. Small vessels should take evasive action immediately.
