One night the captain of a tanker saw a light dead ahead. He
directed his signalman to flash a signal to the light which went...
"Change course 10 degrees South."
The reply was quickly flashed back...
"You change course 10 degrees North."
The captain was a little annoyed at this reply and sent a further
message.....
"I am a captain. Change course 10 degrees South."
Back came the reply...
"I am an able-seaman. Change course 10 degrees North."
The captain was outraged at this reply and send a message....
"I am a 240,000 tonne tanker. CHANGE course 10 degrees South!"
Back came the reply...
"I am a LIGHTHOUSE. Change course 10 degrees North!!!!"
-- Cruising Helmsman, "On The Right Course"