Gaunty,
Only a small issue, but the
First line ship you speak of was an FFG. When they get below a certain figure in fuel they have sinificant top weight problems that require ballast, especially in heavy seas. The decision to send the tanker was made because of the fuel burn by the ship, (lots on two engines when going fast). If the tanker didn't go they would have to reduce the fuel burn going down to reduce the ballasting problem. If they wanted to go fast, (like most SAR's) they would need to fuel rather than ballast, hence the need for the tanker. Ballasting is a pain as the ballast is in the fuel tanks which require a significant clean out prior to re-fuelling. As far as I was was aware, ( and I have much sea time on this war canoe), they did not have an engine problem.
Just to clarify, not to have a go !
Madcat email me to say hello
Edited for spelling, doh
[ 28 August 2001: Message edited by: Ray Dar ]