A 'Conversation' at Sea

So...here is a radio chat I had while on night watch a few days ago. It's
3am. I'm enjoying the stars, listening to a TED lecture on my iPod, when a
warm glow on the horizon develops into a few distinct bright lights. And
it's big.

ME: fishing vessel, fishing vessel located at 00 25S and 178 36E, this is
sailing vessel RENOVA, RENOVA. Do you copy?

RADIO: silence

ME: fishing vessel, fishing vessel located at 00 25S and 178 36E, this is
sailing vessel RENOVA, RENOVA. Do you copy?

RADIO: silence (not unusual. Illegal fishing vessels rarely answer the
radio.)

(5 minutes later)

ME: fishing vessel, fishing vessel located at 00 25S and 178 36E, this is
sailing vessel RENOVA, RENOVA. Do you copy?

RADIO: silence

(5 minutes later)

ME: fishing vessel, this is RENOVA. I am 3 miles east of your position and
headed your way. I would like to know the location and length of your
fishing gear.

RADIO: silence

ME: Fishing vessel, this is RENOVA, I am altering my course to pass 2 miles
to the south of you. Is this ok?

RADIO: silence

(5 minutes later)

RADIO: gobbledeygoop

ME: fishing vessel, this is Renova. Go ahead.

RADIO: gobbledey goop

ME: I do not copy. Please repeat. Please repeat

RADIO: no english. Fishing.

ME: Roger. You are fishing. Are you fishing squid? Tuna?

RADIO: tuna

(great - he could have long lines)

ME: how long your lines?

RADIO: no english

ME: two miles? 5 miles??

RADIO: silence

ME: do you have any kiribati crew who can talk on radio?

RADIO: silence

ME: I will pass 2 miles south of you. Is that OK?

RADIO: silence

(5 minutes later)

RADIO: gobbledeygoop

ME: Please repeat.

RADIO: too close please.

ME: Roger. I copy. I will alter course. Thank you.

(I quickly put his lights to my stern, until he is once again on the other
side of the horizon. Only then do I reset the sails and return to my
course).

As a bit of history...selling fishing rights to foreign vessels is one of
the very few ways that the Kiribati government can develop financial
resources. Unfortunately, there is still LOTS of illegal fishing here. And
with only one patrol boat, it is impossible to police this huge area. In
recent years, the Phoenix Islands have been declared a protected area, and
only locals will be permitted to fish in the waters surrounding those
islands.

Aug 29
Labels: Kiribati, radio