@Steamer - “all stop was an option”.
A ship maintaining steady course and speed provides a stable base for helicopter take offs and landings. A ship with no way on wallowing in the troughs increases the possibility of landing gear or rotor blade damage.
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It’s a judgement call isn’t it? Play chicken with another ship or stop. Sea conditions are just one of the variables. Playing chicken is nothing but politics and ego and trying to justify playing games by crying helo is bullshit.
It’s a valid means of communication.
I think everyone agrees it’s a stupid and dangerous game. There were a lot of variables and moving parts in that particular encounter and quick decisions made with the possibility of dire consequences.
It’s easy to play armchair quarterback but where do you draw the line when push comes to shove. It seems clear to me who the aggressor was. Letting Ivan bully us into submission on the high seas like defeated dogs is not a policy I would support.
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