Page 139 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

the surface and are supported by buoys at distances of approximately
40 metres apart. This type of gear is no longer in common use.
Vessels engaged in trawling may be dragging a net through
the water at fairly high speeds, possibly in the region of 12 knots.
Some trawlers drag a net along or near the bottom of the sea but
others use the floating or mid-water trawl so other vessels should not
approach closer than one mile astern.
Seine nets are commonly used in some areas. The fishing vessel
first puts down a buoy then moves on a triangular path paying out
rope, net, then more rope and returning to the buoy. The net is sub-
sequently hauled in by winch, the whole operation taking two to
three hours. The nets may be fairly close to the surface and can
extend for over a mile from the fishing vessel so other vessels should
keep well clear.
Line fishing vessels lay out long lines, with large numbers of
hooks attached to them, along the sea bed. The lines are not likely to
trouble other vessels which pass close by but the fishing vessel may
be severely restricted in her ability to manceuvre.
Vessels not under command

A vessel not under command could be either power-driven or under
sail. The various circumstances in which a vessel may be considered
not under command are discussed on pages 11-12. A vessel not under
command may be making appreciable way through the water but
having difficulty with steering so other vessels should keep well clear.

Vessels restricted in their ability to mana?uvre
Some of the vessels which are classed as being restricted in their
ability to manauvre may be proceeding at relatively high speeds. This
would apply especially to an aircraft carrier engaged in the launching
or recovery of aircraft. The course and speed of such a vessel is gov-
erned by the force and direction of the wind. Ships engaged in replen-
ishment at sea frequently proceed at speeds of 12 to 15 knots.
A vessel which is restricted in her ability to manceuvre may not be
justified in proceeding at high speeds in congested waters or when
approaching yachts, vessels engaged in fishing and other low speed
vessels. The manaeuvrability of the vessel with special reference to
stopping distance and turning ability is one of the factors to be taken
into account in determining what is a safe speed.
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