dhays
Guru
- Joined
- May 26, 2015
- Messages
- 9,045
- Location
- United States
- Vessel Name
- Kinship
- Vessel Make
- North Pacific 43
Those of us privilged enough to boat recreationally on the water should have a special respect for the men and women who operate commercial craft. Technically, in the case, there has been a determination of shared liability. But realistically, morally, a ferry operator should never have to dodge a vessel with no one at the helm. These operators are working people doing a difficult job. It probably wouldn't occur to me, as a ferry operator, that a vessel would be unmanned on autopilot.
I boat the San Juan and Gulf Islands frequently, and I get way out of the way of any commercial traffic. I don't arbitrarily assert right of way or maritime rules--they have a job to do, and I don't make it more difficult. In fact, I get out of the way of rude recreational traffic as well. Hopefully my reward will be in Trawler Heaven.
There is a difference between the legal, technical answer and the right answer. If we do more than our share on the water, and the commercial guys do more than their share, we can all enjoy the same waters.
I agree completely with the above.