98029 Yacht Encounters Fishing Vessel

Yacht Encounters Fishing Vessel
North Sea
Report No. 98029

The following incident demonstrates not only a lack of seamanship but also a flagrant disregard of the IRPCS. Own vessel was an 8 metre yacht sailing from Stonehaven to Stavanger and we were some 15 miles west of the UK/Norway median line. We were not fitted with a radar but had a high spec passive radar reflector fitted near the masthead. The other vessel was a large (estimated 40 - 50 metre) British registered fishing vessel, not engaged in fishing, proceeding at speed on a southerly course. The other vessel was first observed about six points on the port bow at a distance of 5 or 6 miles. By the time the other vessel was a mile off, it was deemed that there was a risk of collision (yes, I do take compass bearings).

At a distance of 0.1nm, I altered course to starboard, gybing through the wind onto a south westerly course, allowing the other vessel to cross astern before tacking and resuming course. The fishing vessel appeared to be operating radar (two scanners were rotating) but, despite close scrutiny of her wheel house, there appeared to be no-one on watch.

Whilst I do not make a habit of insisting on my right of way (having learnt the rhyming couplet as a first trip apprentice) I am becoming more and more concerned at the apparent disregard for the common courtesies of seamen, let alone the abuse of the rules - in this case Rule 18. As an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, I am obliged to teach my students the correct interpretation of the IRPCS. In their own interests, I am now advising them that the only rule worth remembering is that of self preservation. A sad reflection.