Coded to Category 4

[DGR]

My RIB is coded to Category 4, i.e. 20 miles, daylight, and reasonable weather.

Defining the first 2 is easy enough, but what is considered 'reasonable weather' for Cat 4?

I've been out in the RIB in a force 8 with big waves - and I know I can cope with it (and the RIB easily copes with it) - but I clearly wouldn't take passengers out in it.

But what would people generally consider as reasonable?

The question has come up because after operating on Tuesday as the big low was coming in (I stopped when I thought it was getting too bad, although I and my passengers were still thoroughly enjoying ourselves), several people have asked me whether I thought I should have been operating. Some have opined that if there are white horses, I should stop operating.........

Any views?

D...

[Andy Gee]

Is there not a definition in the codes somewhere about resonable weather?
Andy

[DGR]

No - there is a clear definition of 'daylight' - i.e. 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset - and the distance is pretty black and white!! - but nothing on weather.

I would guess that's because it can be very different for different locations - but the onus appears to be on the skipper to decide what is reasonable. On Tuesday, the big waves were caused by a spring tide flooding out of the channel with a stiff breeze coming the other way - once at sea it was lumpy, but nothing to cause any problems.

I'm wondering what conditions (i.e. wave height, sea state, wind strength etc) people consider reasonable when they are operating their RIBs.

A local (quite big) fishing boat can go out in worse conditions to me according to his coding - but invariably I am out longer - his decision point is when people start being ill - that's yet to happen on the RIB!!

Dylan...

[Andy Gee]

From MGN280M
" “Favourable weather” means wind, sea and visibility conditions which are deemed by the
skipper to be safe for a small vessel to operate within the limits applied to it; or, in any other case means conditions existing throughout a voyage or excursion in which the effects either individually or in combination of swell, height of waves, strength of wind and visibility cause no hazard to the safety of the vessel, including handling ability.
In making a judgement on favourable weather, the skipper should have due regard to official weather forecasts for the service area of the vessel or to weather information for the area which may be available from the MCA or similar coastal safety organisation;
Looks like its down to you ,
Andy

[DGR]

Originally Posted by Andy Gee

Looks like its down to you ,
Andy

That's what I thought......

Now...where's me wellies and my lifejacket......!!!......

[Andy Gee]

Thinking about this I'd assume your boat is RCD B = upto and including Force 8 and 4m significant wave, so if you didnt go out in more than this would be classed as favourable?
Andy

[DGR]

Hmm...

The only problem is that if something did happen when out (in say merely a F7 with a 3m significant wave height - so very favourable indeed ) would someone else's (for example the MCA's) interpretation of 'reasonable' be the same?

I've no intention of finding out - but it's an idle thought on a day when I've decided to stay indoors......

D...

[tim griffin]

We only operate in a maximum of force 6 ie
a Strong Breeze 22-27 knots
Large waves , white foam crests Sail - reef main and reduce head sail
Power- Displacement speed.

It's your call but Force 6 is not a nice sea condition to be in if you are a paying punter, with little or no experience better to err on the side of caution than to be foolhardy and risk your business .

[Rogue Wave]

I am Kinda with Tim on this! when I strted Charter driving I read somewhere that when you are enjoying yourself then your passengers are on the verge of fear!

Also the rougher the ride , then yep the more fun it might be for the passengers, but the risk is increased 2 or 3 years down the line of being sued by somebody for a bad back!..so you have to think about your future liabilities, which is kinda of a bummer.

Alos I would not go too far down the RCD spec route as a guide for your operating conditions. My favourite boat ,Avon 4.7. had a plate that said I could carry 7 people in up to a force seven.......yeah for sure!

[DGR]

I'm completely with all of you on that one .

I went out this morning on my 'check' run out of the harbour, was REALLY enjoying myself - so decided to spend the day at home...

I reckon an F6 and white horses is about the limit for me, and that's generally how I've been running over the summer - I know that both the RIB and I can cope with more (and have done), but the paying ballast can always come back tomorrow!!

Thanks for the advice - it's useful to know how other people operate etc!!

Cheers,

Dylan...