200838 Colregs violation

As Master of the ship, I was keeping the 08.00 to 12.00 watch on a clear day, steering 053T; speed 15 knots. I observed by radar, a crossing target (later seen to be container vessel) on my port bow, bearing approx 020T; distance 12 miles, on a collision course. There was no other vessel in the vicinity and the other vessel's identity was verified on the AIS.

I watched as the other vessel continued to approach, still on a collision course. When she was about 3.5 miles off, and was taking no avoiding action, I called her on VHF16. When I received a response to my second call, I asked for the container vessel's intention. The officer's reply was for me to keep clear as he did not want to carry out a large alteration of course, of about 50 degrees. I advised him that under the Colregs it was his duty to keep clear. The officer instantly became abusive and 'ordered' me to keep out of his way. I reminded him that we were on VHF 16. He then agreed to alter course. After altering, the officer of the container vessel advised me in a very haughty voice that he was the Master - I would have thought the Master of a ship would be more likely to follow the Rules. I advised him that I, too, was the Master of my vessel. After passing clear, the Master (?) of the container vessel asked me sarcastically if I was satisfied with his actions. I am afraid that this sort of reaction from so-called certificated officers is becoming far too common.

I appreciate that there is a shortage of officers these days, but this is not an excuse to hire the unruly and defiant. I recommend that crewing / marine departments of companies regularly impart Colregs training to bridge watchkeepers and verify their knowledge of the same.