Yacht, Not Under Command

[rusky]

Here is a hypothetical question, more for the Aussie's as that is where I am!

If I fly the signals which indicate the yacht is not under command,
ie: either 2 black balls or at night, 2 vertical red lights;

Would this mean that I should be left alone by any inquisitive Govn. Departmenter - aka Water Police/Fisheries/Customs etc etc. in their almost daily quest to check safety/fishing/rego etc.

Would it also mean, no-one on board could be breathalised?

Again, just hypothetical - I know there will be someone with the info.

cheers

[IslandHopper]

Not at all, you are still required to respond to any lawful request from the relevant authority.....

[goboatingnow]

Also not under command does mean nobody in command, it's means the vessel is not responding to controls. ( or command input).

Dave

[rigormortis]

I have seen dozens of vessels with the indication 'not under command' on my AIS across the N and S Pacific and S. China Sea--never close enough to see balls or flags flying. These are usually big tankers or freighters drifting at sea while doing their maintenance. Changing pistons, etc. The harbours are too busy to allow them to do the work at the anchorages, in Singapore, for instance. Oil spills etc. So, they try and get ahead of schedule and then stop for a few days in safe, open water and do their thing. I don't think they are having birthday parties or doing booze-ups, but maybe I should slide by and see.
P

[DHHong Kong]

Check out the comments on this subject on www.thecoastalpassage.com
Some interesting and forthright comment.
Good luck !!

[justwaiting]

Rule 27 - Not under command

[Lagoon4us]

Like standing beside your car with keys in your pocket your screwed, at all times SOMEONE must be aboard who is sober argument being you may have to move the boat.

Gone are the days of sitting at Hardy Lagoo..................

Cheers Frank

[rusky]

Thanks for your responses.

I had thought of all the above, except that there may be no 'skipper' to take the responsibility.

So thanks again.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by rusky

......

Would this mean that I should be left alone by any inquisitive Govn. Departmenter - aka Water Police/Fisheries/Customs etc etc. in their almost daily quest to check safety/fishing/rego etc.
............

Methinks it would just make them more inquisitive

[SimonV]

I can give you a couple of instances where a friend of mine and one of his mates were both anchored at Tangalooma in Morton Bay (both Catamarans) and both thinking they were doing the right thing, flew the black ball (one) signifying they where at anchor (and on the grog). they were the only boats to get attention from the water police out of the 30+ boats anchored there.
If you fly Two black balls I guarantee you will get visits from all and sundry.
These signals indicate inability to manoeuvre when it is not caused by the activity of the ship (for example towing).

• Daymark — black ball over black ball.
• Lights — red light over red light.

[Reefmagnet]

A few years ago the water police around here came out and said that you can be charged with being over the limit unless you boat is attached to either a fixed mooring or marina berth. Technically this means that you need to stay sober when on the hook if you are the skipper.

[ozskipper]

All the more reason for them to board you in my opinion. You're telling them that the vessel isn't functioning but expect them to keep away. Not likely. Suck up the safety checks and "always" pass the Attitude Test. Fail that test and your Gunna have a bad time. Pass it, and they will all be ok.

And no. There is no way to get out of a breathalyzer. However, at the very least you can put a desso on the helm before the authorities get too close.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by ozskipper

.......However, at the very least you can put a desso on the helm before the authorities get too close.

Heck, I thought I knew all (most?) Aussie idiom but what in the blazes does desso mean???????

[ozskipper]

Originally Posted by Wotname

Heck, I thought I knew all (most?) Aussie idiom but what in the blazes does desso mean???????

Desso = Designated Driver

Not to be confused with Devvo.. Thats how you will be if you get caught.

Devvo = devistated :-D

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by SimonV

[/I]These signals indicate inability to manoeuvre when it is not caused by the activity of the ship (for example towing).

• Daymark — black ball over black ball.
• Lights — red light over red light.

NUC means that the vessel is disabled through an engine breakdown, rudder loss etc.

A vessel towing might be RAM.