Page 58 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

accepted that VHF may be used to advantage for purposes of collision
avoidance in some circumstances.
In the Mineral Dumpier-Hunjin Madras, 200 1, Lord Philips made
the following comment with reference to previous criticism of the
misuse of VHF made by Mr Justice Sheen (Mujolu ZZ-John M):
But we do not think that Mr Justice Sheen’s comments should be read as an
embargo on all VHF communications about navigation between two vessels
which are passing or are approaching a close quarters situation. The
Admiralty Court tends to experience cases where VHF conversations have led
to disastrous misunderstanding. It does not become aware of cases where an
exchange of VHF information has assisted safe navigation. As the Judge
observed in this case, in some circumstances VHF conversations can be use-
ful in order to exchange information between vessels. It is, of course, import-
ant that before paying regard to information received from another vessel
there should be no doubt as to which vessel is sending the information.
Where two vessels approaching one another are in VHF communication it
can in some circumstances be helpful if the vessel which is required to give
way informs the other vessel of action being taken in order to comply with
the collision regulations. Equally there may be circumstances in which the
stand-on vessel is justified in asking the give-way vessel what action the
latter is taking in order to comply with the collision regulations. Where two
vessels are approaching each other in restricted visibility in circumstances
where r. 19 applies a vessel which is taking avoiding action in compliance
with that rule may well assist the other vessel if it informs that vessel on the
VHF of the action being taken.

Automatic identification systems (AIS) are now being fitted to ves-
sels, in accordance with the carriage requirements of the Safety of
Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS). Data to be provided automatically
by AIS includes ship identification, ship type, and position, course
and speed of vessel. As AIS can be used to advantage for collision
avoidance, such as in determining the identity of another vessel and
in more rapid detection of changes of heading, vessels may be
expected to make use of the equipment in appropriate circumstances.
However, it should be borne in mind when using AIS for collision
avoidance that not all vessels are required to be fitted with AIS.
Resolution A.917(22), adopted by IMO in 2001, gives guidelines on
the operational use of AIS. The Resolution includes the following
guidance on the use of AIS in collision avoidance situations:

The potential of AIS as an anti-collision device is recognized and AIS may be
recommended as such a device in due time.
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