Black Balls!!

[Hightower]

Does anyone display these when at anchor?

[Screaming04]

Mine are blue.

[Nasher]

Hightower

Have you ever tried balancing two bowling balls on top of each other on the A frame of a RIB rolling about at Anchor.

It doesn't work I tell you, those Rag and Stick guys are having us on.

Nasher.

[Hightower]

I've been reading some stories on a fishing forum about some near misses whilst at anchor. Apparently it's even required by insurance companies before they will pay out in the event of a claim.

I did have a near miss myself last year whilst drifting around the Forts Macky hunting. But a Black ball wouldn't have done anything as the WAFI was sunbathing on deck and wasn't keeping a look out

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Hightower

I've been reading some stories on a fishing forum about some near misses whilst at anchor. Apparently it's even required by insurance companies before they will pay out in the event of a claim.

I did have a near miss myself last year whilst drifting around the Forts Macky hunting. But a Black ball wouldn't have done anything as the WAFI was sunbathing on deck and wasn't keeping a look out

If you were drifting, it's not appropriate anyway

The yachtie that ran into me at Newport and tried to do a runner up the Medina with my anchor line round his rudder tried the 'no black ball' excuse.It didn't work-he paid for the damage personally (though he may have had no insurance). I suppose I should get a foldup one for fishing, but I think it's a poor excuse. Most don't have a clue what it's for and I always keep watch. I get twitchy if I see someone heading directly towards me.

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

If you were drifting, it's not appropriate anyway

At the end of the day, common sense would suggest if you're in charge of a vessel that is underway there should be a lookout posted all the time.

In practice we should all be worried

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Hightower

At the end of the day, common sense would suggest if you're in charge of a vessel that is underway there should be a lookout posted all the time.

In practice we should all be worried

Yep, and yep.


A black ball is an anchor ball,not a drifting ball though as far as I'm aware (correct me if I'm wrong). I'd assume an insurance company would kick off about one being used when drifting as the boat isn't anchored.

[TonyC]

I laugh and point it out to my students when I see fishing boats in the lock with their anchor ball up. Some people just drive around with it permenantly on display.

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by TonyC

I laugh and point it out to my students when I see fishing boats in the lock with their anchor ball up. Some people just drive around with it permenantly on display.

So is there any point in displaying one the Tony?

[Doug Stormforce]

Originally Posted by Nasher

Hightower

Have you ever tried balancing two bowling balls on top of each other on the A frame of a RIB rolling about at Anchor.

It doesn't work I tell you, those Rag and Stick guys are having us on.

Nasher.

I would stick to one ball if you are anchor, two balls signifies you are "Not Under Command"

As far as the other comments go as to wether you really need to use it, it is part of the IRPCS. If you were ever involved in a collision, then failure to comply with the Coll. Regs could cause some apportionment of blame to come your way.

Basically the law said you must use an anchor ball when your vessel is at anchor BUT some RIB owners will be glad to know that vessels under 7 m are allowed to not use one as long as they dont anchor near a fairway, anchorage or area commonly used by other boats.