Fire on dive boat Conception in CA

[Kelp Boy]

Hi Kelp Boy,

Do you know if the anchor watch/nav watch onboard Vision sounded the Navigation Rules and Regulations prescribed sound signal for such an imminent situation? The jargon term for this sound signal is the "danger signal". Rule 34 states that 5 short and rapid blast of the ship's whistle is used to signal doubt to an approaching vessel that they are providing sufficient action to avoid collision. There is no prohibition for using the "danger signal" while at anchor.

Some may accuse me of beating a dead horse here, but an anchor watch/nav watch has Navigational Rule duties requiring diligence requiring a 360 degree by sight and hearing capability.

markm

Mark,
I was not onboard. I recalled discussion at the time, so I verified the date and boat from a Santa Barbara newspaper and another BBS. I recall no mention of a warning.

Other points I recall from the third-hand discussion are fog, just before or after night dive or dinner, people on deck, and boat on one anchor (thereby perhaps limiting damage). The boat returned to service before the end of the month. However, I cannot personally vouch for any of this.

 

[lexvil]

Hi Kelp Boy,

Do you know if the anchor watch/nav watch onboard Vision sounded the Navigation Rules and Regulations prescribed sound signal for such an imminent situation? The jargon term for this sound signal is the "danger signal". Rule 34 states that 5 short and rapid blast of the ship's whistle is used to signal doubt to an approaching vessel that they are providing sufficient action to avoid collision. There is no prohibition for using the "danger signal" while at anchor.

Some may accuse me of beating a dead horse here, but an anchor watch/nav watch has Navigational Rule duties requiring diligence requiring a 360 degree by sight and hearing capability.

markm

So we have an anchored boat and a boat underway, you seem to imply the onus is on the anchored vessel rather than the vessel underway?

 

[PDX Diver]

As 34 people lost their lives in this accident, I hope that we can truly learn from it and make changes that prevent a reoccurrence - even if it means new restrictions and higher costs!

'"Higher costs" will depend substantially on the costs of ligation and the resulting increase for liability insurance. This event will be a test of the waivers we all sign that try and exclude the providers of all liability, even negligence. Excluding payouts, I expect the legal costs will be enormous. I also expect all waivers were signed before boarding and weren't destroyed by the fire.

 

[StefinSB]

As I said, I understand why from the investigative standpoint it is necessary. My point was in regards to the number of people who instantly assumed something criminal must have happened.

I think that it is human nature. Considering the seemingly chaotic state of the world around us to always try to pinpoint that one person that was responsible.

 

[KevinNM]

'"Higher costs" will depend substantially on the costs of ligation and the resulting increase for liability insurance. This event will be a test of the waivers we all sign that try and exclude the providers of all liability, even negligence. Excluding payouts, I expect the legal costs will be enormous. I also expect all waivers were signed before boarding and weren't destroyed by the fire.

I don't think the typical waver even covers this.

 

[StefinSB]

If they were, that would be the height of irony.

If I recall, you sign the paperwork at boarding when you look up your assigned bunk. Not sure if they leave them at port or take them with them. Same procedure as with all other SoCal boats I have been on so far.

 

[Wookie]

So we have an anchored boat and a boat underway, you seem to imply the onus is on the anchored vessel rather than the vessel underway?

The Rule applies to both vessels equally. That is not part of this incident, but every vessel is required to sound appropriate signals and appropriate lights at all times. Some vessels are equipped with automatic apparatus to make the right sounds. If you press “fog” and “anchor” simultaneously, the proper signal sounds at the proper interval.

 

[lexvil]

The Rule applies to both vessels equally. That is not part of this incident, but every vessel is required to sound appropriate signals and appropriate lights at all times. Some vessels are equipped with automatic apparatus to make the right sounds. If you press “fog” and “anchor” simultaneously, the proper signal sounds at the proper interval.

Of course, my question is based on required watch, is the stationary vessel required to have seen the moving vessel? Of course if the anchor watch sees an oncoming collision hazard they would be obligated to sound the alarm.

 

[Esprise Me]

The boat I was on yesterday had an electronic waiver. If the boat had gone down, my signature would still be in the cloud. No idea what these folks do, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did the same.

 

[ijdod]

Just for reference, and I'm probably not alone, when we travel, I always carry an extension cord with the ability to plug in at least 4-6 rechargeable items. Camera, lights, cell phones, Kindals and storage drive batteries. Multiply this by 33.....

Most of those chargers don't exceed 20W, a good number less. That's, what, 2 breakers/circuits at 110v for a full load at those numbers? (I seem to recall 20A breaker being common? not current on 110v, we use 16A/230v here). That could certainly create a problem with corroded wiring and what have you, but at the same time it's not huge in the grander scheme of things.