Is it safe to cross astern of a fast ship in open water with a 180 feet CPA

[newhaul]

This discussion about the rules and regulations is great. However like many others I usually don't pay much attention to the rules. I'm a firm believer in the rule of tonnage. Has kept me out of dangerous situations all of my life s why change now.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

Is the speed difference really the crux of the question? If he is going our speed (5 knots) then all things proceed sedately, and the equation changes considerably.

OTOH, if we are both doing 20 knots (no speed difference) then I, as a small boat, am more maneuverable, but I am also on a plane and have less reaction time. So what happens when I take my 20-30-40-50 foot boat, at 20 knots on a plane, right under his counter and hit the bow wave and then the wake? Think I'd much rather take on that task at 5 knots than at 20. So, is the difference really that critical, or is it simply that even one vessel at 'high' speed makes the situation less safe?

If your both doing twenty knots its not going to happen.

[sailorboy1]

Has there really been 7 pages of “debate” for the simple original question, or has there been “entertaining” thread drift?

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Has there really been 7 pages of “debate” for the simple original question, or has there been “entertaining” thread drift?

yes

[CascadeThumper]

I would give a cautious Yes. There are plenty rather busy and confined areas of the PNW where ideal distances don't present themselves as you would hope. We have big bulk carriers traveling at 25 its in confined areas between islands. The wake is huge and short particularly as the bottom shallows. You need to be safe and if a mile does it for your situation on a given day....great...another day may be a little different.[emoji926] around here 1 mile CPA is just not always possible and the big boys are way too fast so you can't run. Hugging the shallow shoreline is not good either. When those big boys turn the corner at 20+ kt into a channel that is
Only a mile wide one minute things look all clear and the next... Dang He's Big. And you likely can't outrun him. Be prepared for those occurrences and deal with it as best you can. It is good to know the letter of the law and the way it is presented in books. Sometimes the real-world does not read books. You judgement must suffice.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by CascadeThumper

I would give a cautious Yes. There are plenty rather busy and confined areas of the PNW where ideal distances don't present themselves as you would hope. We have big bulk carriers traveling at 25 its in confined areas between islands. The wake is huge and short particularly as the bottom shallows. You need to be safe and if a mile does it for your situation on a given day....great...another day may be a little different.[emoji926] around here 1 mile CPA is just not always possible and the big boys are way too fast so you can't run. Hugging the shallow shoreline is not good either. When those big boys turn the corner at 20+ kt into a channel that is
Only a mile wide one minute things look all clear and the next... Dang He's Big. And you likely can't outrun him. Be prepared for those occurrences and deal with it as best you can. It is good to know the letter of the law and the way it is presented in books. Sometimes the real-world does not read books. You judgement must suffice.

None of which addresses the original question of "in open waters"