Almost run over by a TRAWLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[shkbilly]

So Sat. my father and I were out at the SGR minding our own business drifting in a fleet of maybe 10 boats. I looked up and noticed a trawler about a mile away aimed in our direction so I noted it and continued fishing. At about a quarter mile away I paid closer attention, he had his outrigger things down and in the water and was still on course for us'ish. By the time he was an eith mile away I realized that he wasn't moving for anyone. He was going slow enough that it wasn't of great concern but up came the lines and we slammed it in gear to get out of his way. WTF??!?!?!?!!! Had we not moved would he? What is with these guys? It seems some boaters (I use that term loosely, and I don't mean the rec fisherman in the area [they are very courteous]) don't care about anyone but themselves. They will cut off, force, and maneuver everyone out of their way because they are twice our size!

Thats it, rant over. We're just not used to it down here still and it becomes much like work running the boat to get out to our spots.

[IrishAyes]

Some of these guys think they do own the waterways because they make their living on it.

But, technically, he does have the 'right of way' as he is titled a 'fishing vessel' because he is actively engaged in fishing (riggers/nets out, etc) and that falls in higher than a 'power vessel' in the pecking order as to who has to give way to another vessel. Because people on a power vessel have fishing lines out does not make that vessel a 'fishing vessel' for purpose of the pecking order.

Also, if you are not at anchor, not tied to a mooring or aground you are considered 'underway' according to the rules and regs. Thus, you are the burden vessel and must move to avoid a collision.

That being said, there is no reason he could not change course to avoid a collision or near miss. In my opinion, he was just trying to flex his muscles. 

[Hotrod]

Wow..  Uncool!!.  Great info Capt. Joe.

Still  uncool.. those guys are in a world of their own. 

[Bucktail]

Had we not moved would he?

I'm glad you didn't wait around to find out.  Better safe than sorry.
It could have been ugly.

[sealife]

Joe hit the nail on the head.  Here is the "pecking order"

There is a "pecking order" that can be used as a simplified memory aid to determine right of way for vessels of different types. Get very familiar with this list, as it is important to understand it thoroughly. The uppermost vessel on the list has right-of-way (stand-on vessel) over any vessel (give-way vessel) below it on the list:

Overtaken vessel (top priority)
Vessel not under command
Vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver
Vessel constrained by its draft
Fishing vessel (commercial fishing or trawling but not trolling)
Sailing vessel (engine not on)
Power-driven vessel

[bassnblues]

What does "Overtaken vessel" mean?

[Bucktail]

A boat that is being passed by another boat.

[IrishAyes]

Correct, and here is the answer right from the CG web site that goes more in depth as to the meaning. Also keep in mind that an overtaking situation at no time turns into a crossing situation. Meaning that once the passing vessel gets ahead of the 22.5 degree mark it does not put him into a position where you must now change your course. Obviously, you must do all to avoid a collision if he does something stupid. 

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rules/Rule13.htm

Here is a list of rules and regs from the same site.

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rotr_online.htm


These rules and regulation are pretty much gospel with the CG. They are meant for all boaters safety. If you are the overtaken vessel you must maintain your course and speed.

The only time you should deviate from these rules and regs are when it is apparent that the other vessel is not changing course or speed to avoid collision.

Stay safe. 

[striperdad]

Did you get the name of the vessel?
This way we now to pay closer attentiopn to this guy.

[shkbilly]

Joe I am aware of the rules having just taken the safety course, but like you said, he was flexing his muscles. However, I was not aware that having his outriggers down meant he was "fishing" so thank you for clueing me in. It does seem kind of obvious though, why else would they be in the water? I never said I was smart. 

Had I known that from the beginning I probably would have just nudged the boat forward a few hundred feet rather than wait on him. Lesson learned. Thank you.

The name of the boat was the Mary Ann. I had good mind to raise him on the radio, but I wasn't sure who was right/wrong.

Correct his course by 5 degrees when he first saw me and it would've put him 1/2 mile away!

[IrishAyes]

All is good Bill. You avoided any problems and that is what is important.   

[WATSNEXT]

Bill
I would report the incident to the CG and let them sort it out. 
At least ther will be a record of his actions. And will help the CG in the future to deal with him creating a history of his deminor. 

Also if his outriggers are deployed and wings are in the water, this does NOT mean he is fishing. On any given day you can see such craft returning to port with gear mentioned in the water, only to remove it at the last moment before entering the inlet or access to Belford.

What he did is nothing short of road rage,reckless and careless, and maby if questioned by CG he may think twice before doing it again.

Sorry if a CG cutter was under way( who clearly has the right of way) and came upon a group of 10 boats fishing. He would not steam through them although the reg's would prove him corrrect

REPORT HIM !

[shkbilly]

All is good Bill. You avoided any problems and that is what is important.   

Ya but he took me off the fish god dammit! I was just gettin into some sea bass!!! 

[Capt. Carl]

dont forget the most important rule of the road.... when all rules have been exhausted and you are still in danger....no rule applies...do what you have to do to get out of the situation!

[Hunter 2]

How about the bonehead who cruised by me 25' away doing 35mph while I was Fluke fishing.

[wb]

keep one of those 10/0 weighted trebles at the ready to launch over to him with a smilin' "hi"

or a nice 6oz bank sinker will send a similar message

tell him you were fishing so have the right of lob

gotta lead him a bit @35mph tho...