24; Ah-ha, that explains all Russell. You forget fast if you’re not doing it all the time.
Interesting reply you received.
[Extract from the reply to Russell from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority:You wouldn’t believe the answer I received from AMSA, “Given the Government’s current investigation of the recent incident in the southern oceans, it would be inappropriate for AMSA to offer any comment at this time.”
I didn’t ask his opinion who he thought was in the right or wrong, I asked him what “the law” stated! You would think they would be quick to let you know, the same as if you were asking about road rules just to be safe than sorry. ]
As you say, not like you were requesting a subjective opinion. They should have simply sent you the international rules and let you make your own determination. They’re terrified that someone might accuse them of having an opinion!
My personal feeling is that this incident has set back the cause of educating boat operators. The stuff that’s being thrown about trying to defend the Japanese!
Organisations like MAST should, if they had the balls, seize on this wide spread publicity and run a simple campaign to promote the maritime rules of the road. There’s people interested now whose only experience of going to port left them with a hangover! What an opportunity to get the message across.
My other opinion for what it’s worth is that it’s about time the Australian government developed some courage. This isn’t about whales, it’s about establishing a dominant position. Pissing in the other dogs garden. The Japanese are a wily race and they know if they keep on top in this sort of game, they’ll be on top in commercial negotiations.
Do we really think they buy our commodities because they love us? Good business happens with mutual respect but I suspect the Japanese have little respect for us at present.
Low key event indeed!
