Subscribe to RSS feedAMSA highlights vulnerability of yachts
With solo yachtswoman Jessica Watson preparing to go ahead with her world circumnavigation, the Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has reminded the industry of the navigational challenge yachts present to commercial shipping.
Miss Watson, 16, was on her first attempt at the journey last month when she collided at night with a bulker off Queensland.
While accepting the difficulties inherent in identifying yachts in shipping lanes, especially at night or in high winds, AMSA highlighted to masters, watch officers and seafarers the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (Colregs) which state that powered vessels must give way to those under sail.
"This presumes that the power-driven vessel can see the sailing vessel (either by visual means or radar), is able to develop a closest point of approach assessment and, if necessary, can take the appropriate avoiding action," AMSA said.
It also advised yacht skippers to take appropriate action to increase their visibility to ships' lookouts and radar and to avoid shipping channels.
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