Collision Avoidance
Coast Guard Warns of Safety Risks with Wind Cargoes
An increasing number of break-bulk and retrofitted bulk carriers are arriving in the U.S. carrying wind turbine parts stowed in a manner that substantially limits visibility from the navigation bridge. Many of these vessels were issued dispensation letters by their flag administration or recognized organization that temporarily exempted compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 Chapter V, Regulation 22, which specifies requirements regarding navigation bridge visibility standards.
I would think that Rule 5 of the NavRules would supersede any dispensation letter, but who is going to be foolish enough to position himself as 'stand-on' with a bulk carrier. Another good reason to have a working AIS—along with a good hand-bearing compass and VHF radio.
-fl