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LETTER OF THE MONTH
Collision avoidance in the Channel
In response to the editor’s column ‘A pinch of salt’ in the April issue of the magazine, I have crossed the Channel many times, in a variety of conditions, but mostly at night.
I used to take a bearing on a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) and repeat every five minutes. If the bearing didn’t change, you were on a collision course.
Stand on your course, at right angles to the shipping lanes, until you could clearly identify the bow and stern of the VLCC. Aim at his stern and change your course to continue aiming at his stern until he’s close but passing safely ahead. He’s doing 30 knots and you’re doing 5 or 6 kts. Look at the vectors if you’re not sure.
Resume your course at right angles to the shipping lanes.
Rod Page, RYA Yachtmaster
