What Now Skip? If I Ruled the World

[timbartlett]

I'm toying with the idea of a bit of a change for February's What Now Skip.

I'd like you to imagine that IMO has invited the members of the ybw forum to rewrite the collision regulations, starting with a blank screen. Our ideas have to be fair and realistic (so you can't ban jetskis or supertankers) and it would help if they were easy to understand and obey.

What ideas would you bring to our first meeting?

Usual WNS guidelines apply as far as practical, so please remember:

* The idea is to offer a nautical puzzle, which experienced skippers will (hopefully) find interesting or entertaining, from which the less experienced may be able to learn something, and from which we can all pick up ideas.
* WNS is not a competition to see who can match some hidden but predetermined solution. Of course I have an answer in mind, but mine may not be the best or only answer.
* If you think I've missed something or given confusing information please ask for clarification.
* Attributed extracts from selected posts may appear in the next issue of MBY (subject to Hugo's decision!).

For what it's worth, here are my ideas. I don't pretend that they are comprehensive, but nor am I asking anyone to replace the entire colregs in one go: if there's just one rule that you'd like changed, let's have it!

1. The rules apply to everyone, everywhere -- no "local" rules, and no cop-outs
2. AIS (or AIS B) and VHF compulsory for all vessels over 1 tonne displacement
3. All vessels fall into one of four classes:
class 0 = normal vessels -- power and auxiliary sail
class 1 = fishing vessels, unpowered sail
class 2 = restricted in ability to manoeuvre (including constrained by draft or tugs with tows)
class 3 = disabled (anchored, aground, mechanical failure)
4. Any vessel must give way to a vessel of a higher class, unless the higher class vessel is overtaking
5. Except in traffic separation schemes, narrow channels, and overtaking situations, when vessels of the same class meet:
(i)Any vessel meeting a vessel of the same class which is directly ahead or to starboard, must give way by altering course to starboard. She may also reduce speed.
(ii) Any vessel meeting a vessel of the same class which is directly ahead or to port, may give way by altering course to starboard, but must avoid altering course to port or reducing speed.
6. Existing TSS and Narrow channels rules simplified but essentially unchanged
7. Existing side, stern, and steaming light rules amended to a more sensible cut off angle (eg 120 degrees instead of 112.5) but otherwise unchanged. All other lights scrapped in favour of all-round yellow lights:
0 for class 0
1 for class 1
2 for class 2
3 for class 3