Navigating Safely: Tips for Commercial and Recreational Vessels Operating near Military Craft
ALAN M. WEIGEL, NEIL P. MCMILLAN, AND HOLLI B. PACKER
ALAN M. WEIGEL OF COUNSEL
NEIL P. MCMILLAN ASSOCIATE
HOLLI B. PACKER ASSOCIATE
Every day, commercial, recreational, and military vessels encounter one another on the seas with different prerogatives— moving product as safely and efficiently as possible, enjoying a day on the water, or completing a mission, whatever that might be. This article will provide context to commercial, merchant, and recreational craft regarding the types of military craft and operations they may encounter in order to make better-informed maneuvering decisions.
Surface Vessels Anticipated Locations: U. S. Navy surface vessels sail around the globe— however, the highest density areas are: Everett, Washington; San Diego, California; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Mayport, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Rota, Spain; Yokosuka, Japan; Sasebo, Japan; and Manama, Bahrain.
Bridge Manning: Military vessels in the U. S. Navy Surface Fleet are not manned in the same way merchant vessels are. It is common during normal operations for there to be upwards of seven watchstanders on the bridge at any given time or upwards of ten during special operations( Sea & Anchor Detail, Underway Replenishment, etc.). During normal operations, it is common to have an Officer of the Deck, Junior Officer of the Deck, Conning Officer, Helm, Boatswain’ s Mate of the Watch, and two lookouts. Expect delays in responding to radio calls as each Captain has different reporting requirements that may require the Officer of the Deck to contact them before responding.
When Vessels Meet: Military vessels will generally have a greater factor of safety regarding the closest point of approach than their civilian counterparts. Commercial vessels should anticipate earlier and more frequent radio calls
than may be expected in the vicinity of commercial or recreational traffic. Unlike commercial traffic, military vessels are often not traveling at the same consistent course and speed. If such vessels are operating on a mission or conducting a training exercise, you may see what appears to be significant course and speed changes in short iteration.
Operating Aircraft: Commercial vessels should be aware that some military vessels will frequently be conducting air operations. As mandated by the COLREGs, military vessels will display Restricted in Ability to Maneuver when conducting air operations. When conducting training, it is common for military vessels to maintain the same course and speed for long stretches so helicopters can practice“ touch downs.” Aircraft carriers may maneuver in a racetrack-type approach, launching and landing fixed-wing aircraft and then resetting before beginning again. Under certain circumstances, smaller vessels( cruisers / destroyers) might trail behind a carrier during air operations serving as the horizon reference unit.
Live Fire Exercises: When military vessels are conducting live fire exercises( missile shoots, five-inch gun, small arms, etc.), they will always make multiple warning calls over VHF Channel 16. Military vessels may request commercial or recreational operators in their vicinity to declare their maneuvering intentions. It is common to see military vessels transit at slow speed down a designated“ firing line” before speeding up to reset and begin firing again.
Underway Replenishment(“ UNREP”): A common method for resupply of military vessels is underway replenishment( for both fuel and stores). The vessel and the supply ship
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