Technically, I had the right of way, but the General Prudential Rule trumps it here. I was more maneuverable, and had better visibility, it would have been my responsibility if an accident had occurred. Of course, as a recreational boater, I could be on the water the next day, I have no license that can be revoked.

It probably would not be technically difficult to use transponders, but it might be too expensive. This type of gear would probably cost more than most of the boats it was on. And it would add just another layer of complexity to cause problems. Ships are collide in perfect weather and ideal conditions. More gadgets will only make things worse. I think the problem, as in this case, is too much technology. It's not that technology is bad, it's that it is no substitute for seamanship, and it introduces a lot of infrastructure that has to be maintained and learned, and taught to crews. It gives a false sense of security and causes other judgement and skills to be neglected, so if it fails, crews are suddenly blind and helpless.

The prelim reports I'm hearing about this accident suggest the ship's state of the art gear was unfamiliar to the pilot, and the symnbology was not the same as the standard printed on paper charts. This, plus bad communications between the Captain and Pilot due to language issues led to confusion. The Bay bridge channel is notorious for its bad weather, extreme tidal currents, multiple hazards, and general disorienting effect. It's also a very busy place.