Hey boaties, we need your help and cooperation!
When one of our rescue vessels is displaying a towing flag (Code D) and our yellow strobe is flashing, it indicates that we have a vessel under tow or alongside, and we may be restricted in our ability to manoeuvre. We may also broadcast the situation on VHF 16, and use sound signals. Any of these actions mean that we may need you to reduce speed to minimise your wake, and possibly alter course to stay clear. And just because you are in a sailing vessel under sail it does not mean that you have right of way over a vessel that is towing and restricted in manoeuvrability!
VHF Radios should always be on, and we recommend always monitoring the emergency channel 16. Put your radio onto dual watch if you want to listen to another channel, but you should always be monitoring 16 in case a vessel near you requires your assistance or needs to get your attention.
Code Flag D may be displayed by us or any commercial vessel, and it means “keep clear of me, I am manoeuvring with difficulty” and you should slow down, keep clear, and reduce speed to keep your wash to a minimum. In our case we may have another vessel tied up or close alongside, and a big wash can cause a lot of damage in that situation. Just imagine yourself in the assisted vessel’s position, and slow down.
If you see Flashing Yellow Lights on a vessel, slow down and keep clear. Both of our vessels are now equipped with these lights, so keep an eye out and stay clear if required and minimise your wake to reduce the chance of causing any vessels alongside us to be potentially damaged.
Sound signals need to be known and recognised.
• One short blast means; ‘I am altering my course to starboard’.
• Two short blasts mean; ‘I am altering my course to port’.
• Three short blasts mean; ‘I am operating engines astern’ (the boat may be reversing or stopping).
• Five (or more) short blasts means ‘I am unsure of your intentions’. Also known as “What on earth are you doing, mate?”
If all boaties can be more aware of these points it will mean that our job assisting another vessel will be safer and easier for all concerned – and it might be you seeking our help next time!
At $90, VMRW membership is cheap insurance. Join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ and your membership helps to keep us going in case you need us. We hope you don’t!
Contributed with thanks to Volunteer Marine Rescue
Caption: VMR1 On The Water. Photo supplied
