1st Photo
As the ferry rounded Sth Motuihe, the skipper identified Classique 2 nmiles away traveling east out from Browns Light. At the taking of this photo the ferry was about .5 nmiles away (1 kilometre) It shows 22 mtr Classique crossing from port to starboard. The Relative Bearing from the ferry to Cqe was said to be changing only slightly, therefore the skipper had determined that Rule 22.15 applied – Crossing so as to involve risk of collision. In that case the ferry becomes the Stand-on vessel - Rule 22.17, required to maintain its course & speed. Cqe being the Give-way vessel - Rule 22.16, is required to keep out of the way & if the circumstances of the case allow, avoid crossing ahead of the ferry, taking early & substantial action to keep well clear. Normally that would be by turning to starboard but this is where “Circumstances of the case” create Situational Ambiguity which a Prudent Mariner considers in his Risk Assessment & Management – the crucial point of this case.
