This is a story of a radio conversation that took place a number of years ago between a U.S. naval ship and Canadian maritime contact off the coast of Newfoundland. While the tale may or may not be true, it truly makes a great point about making assumptions:
Americans: Please divert your course 15 degrees north to avoid a collision.
Canadians: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees south to avoid collision.
Americans: This is the captain of a U.S. 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 BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THAT’S ONE-FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTERMEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.
Canadians: We are a lighthouse; your call.
Some assumptions can sink your ship!
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