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(See below)

At 12:32 PM 1/12/2002 -0600, you wrote:
>At 11:36 AM 1/12/02, you wrote:
>>To answer Brian Whatcott:
>>>Interesting question about overtaking.
>>>Do not the Rules of The Road essentially dictate overtaking on the
>>>starboard side?
>>"no"
>>
>>USCG Navigation Rules states:
>>Part D-Sound and Light Signals
>>One may elect to pass on either side of a vessel being overtaken
>>providing that (Inland Rules)...
>
>
>
>>  Capt Joe Kliment       W3HZM
>>  Middletown, De
>>"Right Stuff"
>
>
>Hmmm... No.
>One might assume that a person attending a traditional navigation list might
>1) be interested in International rules
>2) be operating a sailing vessel.
>
>In this case, the windward vessel keeps clear and passing side signals are
>  not given, rather, a turn to port/starboard indication is provided in
>close quarters.
>
>Now who's right?   
>
>Brian Whatcott
>   Altus OK                      Eureka!

Rule 13b of both the International and Inland Rules makes it quite clear
when a vessel is considered to be overtaking another -- when it is
approaching the other vessel from more than two points abaft the other
vessel's beam (this region is also where one would see the other vessel's
white stern light at night).  Rule 13a states that the requirement of an
overtaking vessel to keep clear of the overtaken vessel is absolute and
transcends any other rules (eg, power keeping clear of sail, windward
keeping clear of leeward, port/starboard  tacks, etc, etc.)

BTW, I've always found the way the overtaking whistle signal requirements
are expressed in the US Inland Rules to be odd.  Rule 34a says when two
vessels are approaching, one short blast means "I intend to leave you on my
port side"  But when talking about overtaking, Rule34c says one short blast
means "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side"  Overtaking you on
your starboard side is the same as leaving you on my port side, so I've
never understood why the rules are expressed differently rather than
Rule34c mirroring 34a by simply saying that one short blast means "I intend
to leave you on my port side [as I overtake you]"

Lu Abel

   

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