Quote:
Originally Posted by Orion
Airwaves, I think you and Skip are still in mild disagreement. Skips post (which I agree with) is saying that even if you can maintain steerage at 3 mph, your headway speed is 6 mph (max allowed under the "or", not minimum allowed under the "or"). The rule is certainly ambiguous the way it is written, but I believe Skip's interpretation is the intent of the rule.
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Hi Orion,
You are absolutely correct, and I believe that was what the original question was asking.
It is 6 MPH, and if you are travelling above that speed you must show why.
Remember, there is no chart for boats detailing "headway" speed. And every particular boat will have it's ability to maintain headway at a certain speed varied by boat loading, tidal conditions, weather conditions and mechanical changes within the boat itself, including I/O trim settings, trim tab settings etc.
So an arbitrary speed limit of 6 MPH has been set. But the law carries an additional caveat that allows an affirmative defense to travel above 6 MPH if you can articulate that conditions warranted the same.
But remember, in the real world if you are travelling at or below 6 MPH and producing a tremendous wake, you are probably going to get a visit from the NHMP if they are in the area. In the end it is always a judgement call by the observing officer, as we are all aware that most NHMP boats have not been equipped or trained to employ radar.
Bottom line?
It's just another factor/example in life where if you employ a good deal of common sense and boat smartly & courteously (as the Captain did in my trip described last weekend) you will be operating well within the spirit and intent of the regulations governing your operation!
Hope this cleared it up a little better...
Skip
