Lessons in communication from the US Navy

Funny lessons in communication.

This is a supposed transcript of the actual radio conversation of an US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1995:

Canadians: Please divert you course 15 degrees South to avoid a collision”.

Americans: “Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees north to avoid a collision.

Canadians: “Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees south to avoid a collision”.

Americans: “This is the caption 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 by 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”.