PHOTO: The USS John McCain was on its way to Singapore for a routine port visit. (Reuters: US Navy, file)
The Alnic MC tanker, pictured here outside Singapore, collided with the USS McCain in the early hours of the morning
ABC News Online: USS John McCain Destroyer: Who's At Fault When Ships Collide?
A collision between US Navy warship USS John McCain and oil tanker Alnic MC, that left 10 sailors missing in waters east of Singapore and the Straits of Malacca, begs the question: whose job is it to stop ships crashing into each other?
The rules for ships at sea are known as the COLREGS or the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
They apply to all vessels upon the high sea, whether they be sailing yachts, large ships, tankers or Naval ships.
They also apply to inshore waters, such as Sydney Harbour, but local authorities can add their own regulations as well.
The responsibility for complying with the COLREGS falls entirely to the captains of each vessel. There is no overall director of sea traffic — nothing like air traffic control for planes, or traffic cops for the road.
The most important rule is known as Rule 5, which says to avoid collisions:
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WNU Editor: Either way .... right or wrong .... for the captain of the USS John McCain this will be his last command.
6 comments:
Not to take away anyone's fault here, but Singapore is the second busiest port in the world, right after shanghai...anyone flying over Singapore will be amazed by the number of ships coming in constantly. Given the small size of Singapore this makes it tricky at times. Every captain knows that, of course, so you'd prepare for it and be extra cautious.
friends suggest the possibility that electronically blinded... did this to us...we do this to others, i am told
The Captain is ultimately responsible. Although it is a bit unfair if he wasn't the duty officer at the time. But, he still must take the heat for it.
This is an interesting website that allows you to follow vessel activities around the world. If you know what you are looking for it's a great resource.
https://www.vesselfinder.com/
Fred...I first thought that too..some form of gps scrambling perhaps..but too unlikely...they wouldn't rely on gps or radar etc alone
.especially not when entering Singapore. .people would be looking outside. ..how this happened by any other way than gross neglect I don't know. .
Giggle electronic jamming of ships
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