98042 Contravention of Rule 10

Contravention of Rule 10
Report No. 98042

 

Own vessel was a 25 knot container vessel steering 0300T approaching the VL5 buoy of the Vlieland Traffic Separation Scheme. Our intention was to pass west of the buoy and then alter to starboard towards the VL7 buoy. The starboard sidelight of a vessel was observed to the west of the scheme. This vessel was later identified to be a container ship steering 0500T at 18 knots. She then altered to 0750T to cross the south bound lane. At a distance from us of 0.7nm she altered to 0500T.Own ship contacted her on VHF and requested that she give us a little more room to enable us to pass the VL5 buoy. The reply was to the effect that he considered us to be an overtaking vessel, that we should give way and that we should alter to the east to pass the VL5 buoy to keep clear. Own ship replied in the negative. On previous occasions, the Dutch Coastguard have objected to this practice. At a distance of 0.3nm, the other vessel made an alteration to port, giving a final CPA of 0.3nm. Throughout this time we were able to see the other container vessel's sidelights.

 

Comment.

1	When first sighting the other vessel, own ship was able to see a starboard light and so did not consider the case to be an overtaking situation (Rule 13 (b)).
2	The other vessel crossed the south bound traffic lane on a course of 0750T and not at right angles to the traffic flow. (110/290 degrees). Rule 10 (c).
3	If the other vessel had altered to cross the south bound lane at right angles instead of 0750T and then altered immediately on entering the north bound lane to follow the main direction of traffic flow, this situation would not have occurred.
4	Should the other vessel have continued to a position to the west of VLC buoy before crossing to join the north east lane to pass VL7? - Rule 10 (b)(iii).
5	Why have the Dutch Coastguard objected to vessels "cutting the corner"?. - Rule 10(c)(ii).
6	Both ships were container liners and subject to extreme commercial pressure to maintain schedules and therefore reluctant to reduce speed. Rules 6 + Rule 8(e).