As one of the perhaps ‘younger personnel’ mentioned by P. R. J. Rawlinson in his note (this Journal, 28, 243) I would like to make a few points. First and foremost, in agreeing with him, I can best quote the Preliminary to the Steering and Sailing Rules of the Rules and Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea, 1965: ‘In obeying and construing these rules, any action taken should be positive, in ample time, and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship …’