Qm2

[Ribald]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

several recreational boats decided to buzz the anchored ship. While force and/or citations could have been used, the CG decided to intercept them, escort them to the marina, and do a complete safety inspection. I heard that in a couple of cases, the inspection took over 4 hours.

Excellent - must try that out in Portsmouth Harbour

[Pompey Diver]

To me the question is whether a private organisation has the right to such 'self defence'...and if so what is the 'tipping point'...i.e. at what point can they justify their actions? My understanding of UK law is that self defence can be used when it's pretty obvious that an individual or group is about to inflict harm on you or others around you. The use of force in your defence has to be proportinate to the threat (e.g. if someone in a drunken state starts to swing at you on a street corner, it is not appropriate to take out a knife and stab them. If instead they came at you with a knife, then if you picked up a baseball bat and belted them then that would be justified and reasonable self defence). Is a rowing club safety boat passing a cruise liner within an exclusion zone by a few meters justified grounds for their actions?

Maybe there is a specific law or by law that has been passed here...although I've not seen anything of it.

Most likely the actions here do stem from the security climate that we now live in. However....if this is to become the norm, then surely it should be widely communicated that this is the position..that it is sanctioned by the state or local authority (and also by the judiciary). i.e. Big signs and leaflets warning boat users that this will happen.

[Poly]

Have you asked the appropriate Harbour Master or MCGA for an official comment (the unofficial one is probably along the lines of "serves you right for getting too close" but they won't be able to put it in writing).

If there is a feeling that it genuinely endangered the safety of your vessel (especially if you were not in a known exclusion zone) then it could be worth reporting it to the MAIB as a near miss incident http://www.maib.gov.uk/report_an_accident/index.cfm, or to the CHIRP http://www.chirp.co.uk/main/Maritime.htm

[thorper]

I have been exchanging emails with someone at Southampton VTS - my understanding now is that deliberate hosing down is not proper behaviour.

Interestingly they are aware of this thread & discussions on rib.net!

Ricky

[codprawn]

Well maybe they should get it into their heads that the powers that be are here to protect us - not make our lives a misery.

I still can't believe the sheer stupidity of stopping a 70yr old man from carrying a small penknife onto a condor ferry!!! His walking stick could cause far more damage!!!

[Scrumdown]

Would Waverider have any input on this as I read in the Landrover Magazine that he provides security for cruise ships etc.

[Limey Linda]

A few years ago my wife had her nail clippers confiscated at an airport in the US. I wonder how long it takes to cut someone's throat with a pair of nail clippers??? Just a snip at a time I guess. Strangulation with bare hands would be quicker.

[Kernow Buoy]

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

A few years ago my wife had her nail clippers confiscated at an airport in the US. I wonder how long it takes to cut someone's throat with a pair of nail clippers??? Just a snip at a time I guess. Strangulation with bare hands would be quicker.

How times have changed, 17 years ago my father crossed the atlantic with an extra item of hand luggage ..... A chainsaw! ....

[Narcosis]

Try ringing the MCA Security Division and ask about what they are allowed or not allowed to do, the more people ringing the better probably.

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-th...nd-roles-2.htm


"Security
The Maritime Security Branch develops, promotes and monitors a consistent policy on the International
Ship and Port Facility Security Code for UK registered cargo ships, and for inspection of foreign ships
when in UK ports. The branch provides the focal point of contact on security issues for MCA’s Marine
Office Surveyors and for central Government bodies
Head of Maritime Security
Phil White (023) 80 329 511
Security Policy Manager
Jenny Paglia (023) 80 329 478
Security Support Manager (T & G)
Sophie Winstone (023)80 329 320
Security Administrator
Isabel Gurr (023)80 329 156"

[Shaggy]

I think that’s blood outrageous behaviour to be conducted in a UK port

Just think of the consequences if there was a young child aboard, they could have been knocked overboard and into the prop area.

The incident should have been reported to the Harbour Master/ Port Authority for investigation.

Shaggy

[Hightower]

Certainly worthy of contacting the local Rags I would have thought. That'll provoke a responce.

[hard1]

Protecting your (floating) property and passengers and crew from damage, boarding or attack is understandable, but an unprovoked assault from the decks of a cruise ship on to an innocent sightseer is not. Even HM ships' armed guards will wave you off quite politely and they've got a real reason to be alert. If cruise ships are "sensitive" now then Carnival should spring for a small boat patrol to warn off sightseeers when in and approaching harbour. (More work for the lads heh heh). They can certainly afford it.

There were a bunch of "security guards" on board B&Q off Cowes during Cowes Week last year armed with Super Soakers (gay boys) and using them on anyone getting close (which was more than a few as it was recent news then). Even doing a tour around the boat for the benefit of your paying customers solicited a bombardment if you were within range. Just made you want to board the damned thing and twat 'em good and proper like.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by hard1

Protecting your (floating) property and passengers and crew from damage, boarding or attack is understandable, but an unprovoked assault from the decks of a cruise ship on to an innocent sightseer is not. Even HM ships' armed guards will wave you off quite politely and they've got a real reason to be alert. If cruise ships are "sensitive" now then Carnival should spring for a small boat patrol to warn off sightseeers when in and approaching harbour. (More work for the lads heh heh). They can certainly afford it.

There were a bunch of "security guards" on board B&Q off Cowes during Cowes Week last year armed with Super Soakers (gay boys) and using them on anyone getting close (which was more than a few as it was recent news then). Even doing a tour around the boat for the benefit of your paying customers solicited a bombardment if you were within range. Just made you want to board the damned thing and twat 'em good and proper like.

Nah just carry a few yourself!!!

[BogMonster]

On further reflection I think my reaction to being water cannoned would be to go home, put on a turban, fill my boat up with containers of fertiliser and diesel and stuff, and sail it in to the offending cruise ship at top speed. Might as well give them what they were expecting