93001 VHF Abuse Language

 Vessel with a Rudder Problem.
- North Atlantic.
- Report No. 93001.

This report concerns a series of VHF transmissions which were monitored over a period of three days. A vessel was transmitting a message in poor English as follows:

"All ships, all ships, this is............. I have problem with my rudder. My speed is 14 knots. Asking all ships to keep clear of me". A position followed.

At one point during these broadcasts, which had been greeted with some derision by various other listeners, catcalls and foul language, one vessel asked if the originator was having problems with his radar. The words sounded almost identical in the accents of the different nationalities and there was much repition of:

"It is my ruddah", Is it your rada?", "Yes, it is my rodda, not my rudah" etc.

Amusing though this was at the time, the question has to be asked why was a vessel, presumably a capital asset of some considerable value, possibly with a cargo of equal or more value, steaming at 14 knots with faulty steering gear? And why are the persons ultimately responsible for the operation and insurance of this asset allowing such poor quality officers to man the vessel?