BOAT TECHNIQUE INTO THE WAVES FULL

However, once you are mixed up in the white water the noise and boisterous seas can test your nerve. Either go straight or up to 10 degrees either side of dead straight.Ĭoming in over the bar is usually easier. You may be swamped if you try to turnaround at the last moment

BOAT TECHNIQUE INTO THE WAVES FULL

Don’t hit a wave face with the power full on, the boat can become air borne or throw the crew into the windscreen, dashboard or floor.So long as the boat goes straight ahead, very little can happen to it. As an alternative, half cabin vessels can proceed slowly through the entire bar system, although at some stage a wave will break over the boat.This is the last part of the wave to break Head for the lowest part of the wave (the saddle).As you come through or over the breaker, accelerate again and repeat the process until clear Back off the power just before contact with the swell.Time this carefully, don’t go too fast or you may get airborne on the next wave If the waves just keep rolling in, motor to the surf zone and gently accelerate over the first piece of white water, then apply more power and run to the next wave.If a flat period occurs apply the throttle and run through Idle towards the breaking waves watching carefully for any lulls.The outgoing boat must meet the energy of the breaking sea, minimising these clashes makes things safer for you and the boat. When heading out, remember you will experience a clash of very severe forces. With the bar in sight, idle around and check the conditions – then decide to proceed if safe to do so.

Each person must be wearing a properly fitted PFD of appropriate size (nb children must wear children’s size PFDs, not adult size).

Arrange passengers so that the boat is balanced and secure all gear.

Do not leave an anchor sitting in a forward well where it could become a lethal missile or be catapulted overboard Do not attempt the crossing if the motor is misfiring or does not respond quickly Warm up the engine and check everything is running smoothly.Ensure your safety gear is in good shape and a PFD is available and properly fitted to each person on board.Check the battery and fuel tank are locked down or fixed in place.Check that your boat is operating correctly and make sure throttle and steering systems are perfect.If possible time your day at sea to coincide with a rising tide both leaving and entering port.Take careful note of any navigation aids that may help, particularly leads that mark the channel.Īfter gaining a working knowledge of the bar check the weather forecast and most importantly the state of the tide at the time you want to leave port.Take note of the line they follow in and out, where they wait and watch, and where they move off to cross the bar Watch how other vessels handle the bar.Talk with the locals or check with local authorities.If possible use Polaroid type sunglasses to pick the visible channels indicated by darker coloured water and lack of breaking waves If you are new to an area, observe the bar from land first.The following points need attention before crossing any bar. Every bar is different and all bars can change quickly, depending on the conditions. Local knowledge is an essential part of crossing any bar.

The video was filmed on location at Lakes Entrance. Gippsland Ports has produced a short video to assist vessel operators in understanding issues associated with crossing a bar. Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) has produced a brief crossing bars facts sheet – which provides a valuable guide to cautions, safety checks and operator tips for mariners when crossing bars. No amount of experience or boat type makes crossing a bar safe when the conditions are not ideal. Conditions prevailing on a bar can cause steep and breaking seas and conditions can change quickly and without warning. Crossing bars can be dangerous – there are countless tales of mariners being caught on bars and entrances in dangerous and sometimes life threatening situations.

Boat technique into the waves