I can offer a suggestion why its NOT better to operate radar in good clear weather. In aviation, its call HEADS DOWN SYNDROME. That is, in VFR flying, instead of watching out the windows, the pilot is spending too much time looking at his instruments and ignoring the situational awareness around him. Same could happen with radar. You drop your view too often to watch the radar and stop paying enough attention outside....when your normal vision would allow you plenty of time to see other boats. I practice running my radar in good weather, just as I practiced instrument flight in aircraft in good weather. All so I will be good at it when needed. Yes, if I were in the ocean on a clear day and in the Ambrose Shipping Lane then radar would allow my more time to see ships far away and to avoid a collision. But I disagree with the blanket statement that applies to ALL situations: "whoever has one must use it". It appears thoughtless to me and without proper context. R., -----Original Message----- From: great-loop-bounces@lists.trawlering.com [mailto:great-loop-bounces@lists.trawlering.com] On Behalf Of John & Judy Gill Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 4:33 PM To: Bob McLeran Cc: T-GL Subject: Re: GL: Radar reflectors-beating a dead horse Bob and list, Nobody, including me (or Ted Stehle) said that you must have RADAR on your boat -- only that if a vessel is so equipped it must be in service (in use) when underway -- as quoted: "whoever has one must use it". Why else have it if you only intend to use it in a dense fog? If you should ever be in an accident and it was testified in an admiralty court that you had an operational RADAR aboard but never or only rarely use it, you could be found liable or at least partially so -- note the statement that it will be: "ultimately decided by a trier of fact". BTW, if your RADAR is not operational, it might be a good idea to have a letter from a certified marine electronics technician stating the problem, just in case! Bob and all. It is my prediction that the majority on this list will error on the side of: 1. Have RADAR - must use it and need to learn how to read various targets before critical use. 2, Have RADAR but DO NOT use it, because it is too hard to read and understand or uses too much alternator DC power. Y'all Vote Now. John ======================================= On May 24, 2012, at 3:50 PM, Bob McLeran wrote: > Not to beat a dead horse, but the rule does not REQUIRE the use of radar; that's in the opinion expressed by the editor of the Coast Guard iteration of the rule. > > You be the judge of whether the use of properly installed and functioning radar is REQUIRED. > > Here is the CFR rule and comment Ted referred to, in its entirety: > -------------------------------------------- > 11. Am I required to have Radar? Radar is not required on vessels under 1600 GT (33 CFR 164.35), however, Rule 7 states that proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational. In other words, whoever has one must use it. > > The Navigation Rules are not meant to discourage the use of any device, rather they expect prudent mariners to avail themselves of all available means appropriate...as to make full appraisal of the situation (Rule 5), e.g. the use of radar. At issue is whether the use of radar is appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and that is a determination made by the Master; and, ultimately decided by a trier of fact. > > Should you be in a collision how would a judge/jury rule on your contention that the use of radar was impracticable (due to electrical drain, crew shortages, etc.)? Also, if a collision does occur, then there was obviously a risk of collision beforehand. Could the determination of that risk have been made sooner with the use of radar? It is difficult to answer such questions because the circumstances of each case are different. > > More importantly, remember that Rule 7 specifies that assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information. > > > <><><><><><><><><><><><>Mozilla Thunderbird<><><><><><><><><><> > Bob McLeran and Judy Young Manatee Cove Marina > MV Sanderling Patrick Air Force Base > DeFever 41 Trawler Melbourne, Florida > Blog: http://mvsanderling.net/Blog > Web: http://cruising.mvsanderling.net/ > > On 5/24/2012 3:31 PM, Ted Stehle wrote: >> It's in the CFR's (33CFR 164.35 Rule 7). Read a copy of the Inland >> Navigation Rules published by the Coast Guard. >> >> And yes, it applies to sailboats. >> > > _______________________________________________ > http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop_lists.trawleri > ng.com > > To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address, > unsubscribe, etc.) go to: > http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/options/great-loop_lists.trawlerin > g.com _______________________________________________ http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address, unsubscribe, etc.) go to: http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/options/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com