Japan Probe, on the Chinese fishing boat "collision" with Japanese coast guard vessels near the Senkaku Islands in October:
According to international rules, ships that are in risk of collision should turn to the right. In the video, the Chinese ship is very clearly veering to the left: straight into the Japanese ship.
I've indeed confirmed that this is true. Here's Rule 15 of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea:
When two power-driven vessel are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way . . .
Let me remember now . . . port is left, starboard is right. Got it. Pretty commonsensical. If a ship is on your starboard (right) side, you're not supposed to steer LEFT because that might, y'know, cause your ship to RAM into the other one.
(Image from Rule 15 explanation of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea)
Of course, if that's your intention all along, then go for it. Just don't forget to gun the motor!
Which brings me to Rule # 8e of the regulations, unmentioned in the Japan Probe blog entry:
If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion. [emphasis added]
All that black diesel smoke suddenly belching from the Chinese boat at 1:29 . . . Sure looks like an intentional acceleration to me.
Postscript: I've added new related updates at the end of this post, as well as this one.
i-3
Ah, much better maps of what happened than I’ve seen elsewhere! I should have come here earlier.
It would seem pretty clear that the Chinese are in the process of flexing their muscles. And with these missiles pointed at U.S. bases around the region, I’d say they’ve got cause for confidence.