Collision and the Courts

Abstract

Radar was introduced as a navigational aid at the end of the last war. In spite of its introduction collisions soon began to occur again and even to increase in frequency with the increase in the number of radar sets in use. Evidence accumulated, and its examination and correlation revealed a systematic pattern of accident. This led gradually to the formulation of a code, officially promulgated in 1960 by the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea.It may be surprising that so long should have elapsed and so many accidents occurred before this was achieved, but the fact remains and should never be forgotten: even more so as things are still continuing the same way. Collisions still take place, and though it is difficult to determine the exact nature of the general trend, it certainly shows no sign of producing the spectacular drop we all hope for. Recently Captain Weekes, in this Journal, regretted the complete ignorance among the majority of seamen of papers and discussions on collision risks and the means of avoiding them, and hoped that steps would be taken to make them more widely known.It is never easy to convert theory into practice.