This is the actual radio conversation (released by the chief of
naval operations) of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities
off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1995.
CANADIANS: “Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to
avoid a collision.”
AMERICANS: “Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the
north to avoid a collision.”
CANADIANS: “Negative. You will have to divert your course 15
degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
AMERICANS: “This is the captain of a US Navy ship. I say again,
divert YOUR course.”
CANADIANS: “No, I say again, you divert YOUR course.”
AMERICANS: “This is the Aircraft Carrier USS LINCOLN, the second
largest ship in the United States Atlantic Fleet. We are
accompanied with three Destroyers, three Cruisers and numerous
support vessels. I DEMAND that you change your course 15 degrees
north. I say again, that’s one-five degrees north, or counter-
measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.”
CANADIANS: “This is a lighthouse. Your call.”