Right of way?
PM203:
You were right when you stated that the other guy had the "right of way", almost. For years a vessel in HIS situation was called the "privalaged vessel".
That term has not been in use for years. The term for HIS boat is "STAND ON VESSEL". That is, he is REQUIRED to maintain course and speed. He may only change course and speed if he determines that to not do so may endanger his vessel.
You were the "GIVE WAY VESSEL" And required to change your course (usually to starboard) or your speed to avoid collision. It seems that you were avoiding light #1 and your only option was to reduce speed. And you did. When you determined that there was a "danger doubt" situation NH law requires you (and him too) to go to headway speed or stop. Five short blasts on your horn wouldn't hurt either.
It seems possible that you did not slow down enough or soon enough for him. But you say that you did and he did not obey the nav rules.
These are good rules. Imagine if you were entering a interstate and, even though he had the "right of way" a car stopped to let you on? Chaos!
Sorry....Didn't mean to preach. It's just a subject that buggs me.
Misty blue
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