When was the last time you heard someone say the words: Global Positioning System? GPS, as it is universally known and understood, is such a widespread technology in just about anything we do and yet in relative terms of time, it is a recent introduction to the private boat market. A few years past, getting a satellite fix was considered marginal and had to be checked and verified for safe navigation purposes. I often had to rely on other forms of navigation to transit the oceans and coastal waters: visual piloting, Loran, even celestial. In April of this year, NOAA ceased printing paper charts. This action drew hundreds, if not thousands of comments from all sorts of media and people touting the end of an era. The older form of paper charts can still be purchased but the product is substantially different in texture and not as sturdy as the others.
What are the benefits of our current system of GPS charts and navigation? Superior speed and accuracy are the primary gains to boating safety and operation. The new charts are available in many different forms and styles: 3D, Google Earth, underwater cartography, satellite weather information and other advances too numerous to list in this article. There is one important part of this new technology that should be understood and applied when using these forms of charts for navigation as they are not updated … unless the system possesses the capability to automatically revise, connect to the cloud or satellite, a requirement by international law for all commercial and military vessels known as ECDIS, Electronic Charting Display Information System. The argument to that profound difference in GPS chart navigation capability by private boaters is that most navigation markers and hazards do not change in a year or two. That can also be proven subjective to individual interpretation. A specific example: the recent shore devastation from Sandy.
GPS and electronic charts are rapidly changing all forms of transportation, especially boating, into nearly 100 percent reliance on satellite connection. Here’s a recommendation for all of you using GPS chart systems: learn all the advantages of the technology such as waypoint management, POI (points of interest), underwater cartography, 3D, and other presentation view capabilities. With these innovations, and the understanding on how to utilize them to their maximum potential, the system will deliver a much safer and boating navigation experience. Each manufacturer has numerous websites and written media that offer important details to any function and operation of your specific system. Gathering, processing, and evaluating information is as easy as pressing a few buttons, vivid and detailed presentation in HD, recordable for future reference, and even shared in the cloud with others if you desire through technologies such as Insight Genesis.
The paper chart has been replaced with superior advanced technology and yet the knowledge to perform navigation by manual plotting methods is still a main requirement for USCG licenses of all levels and scope. Learning paper charting and visual piloting would add value to your skill as a boat handler and navigator, while at the same time increasing your perception of GPS charting and how those advantages can give you the edge in any situation.
Regardless which method of navigation you prefer, conventional or advanced electronic, GPS will diligently watch over all of us as we travel on the water. Accuracy, speed, and presentation capability has changed the very nature of this task.
Steve Johnson, US Coast Guard (ret). is with CPO Johnson, Inc. More info: stevejohnson@navteach.com
June 2014 column
Everyone makes plans. A common theme in just about anything you do. Safe boating is especially reliant on accurate preparation. There are three questions that need the correct answer and consideration in order to prepare for a trip on the water … Where are you going? What will you see along the way? What time are you going to arrive? The core basic foundation to any successful and safe voyage is to always plan ahead. Even going out for just a few days or less, benefits from this essential action. Before departing on a patrol or voyage my duty as navigator was to prepare, with meticulous detail, the answers to these questions. Normal process utilized books such as Coast Pilot which provides valuable and detailed information as to fuel docks, pilotage, anchoring locations and many other very important facts and details to aid in the journey. Other nautical resources such as Light List and Tide/Current Tables would accurately describe all lights and other aids to navigation, and the specific conditions of the water at any given time or date. Navigation charts to be used where inspected, corrected and waypoints added to forecast the route. The fact is, voyage planning is one of the extremely important components of your trip for a very wide variety of reasons, none as important as passenger, crew, and vessel safety.
There are countless methods to accomplish this important task and one of the latest developments in advanced marine navigation systems is called Insight Planner. The technology effectively and quickly enables gathering, processing, and evaluating this crucial information from your personal computer for such things as route planning, Points of Interest (POI), navigation hazards, local regulations, buoyage and other details that once took numerous hours to accurately collate. Chart inputs from a wide variety of sources, including NOAA, are available to use and can give extreme detail to further provide safe passages for travel on the water. After all the research and organization of this data you can download it to an SD card and input into your navigation multi-function display on your boat. The important information is at your fingertips for immediate use when you need it. Possessing the capability to gather and transfer this vast amount of knowledge through the cloud and other media is a great leap in marine electronics technology. It will forever change the way we prepare, and as an added benefit can also serve to provide others your intended route, just in case there is an emergency.
Going out for a day on the lake? Voyage planning is not just designed and intended for long distance travel. Used properly it can make your experience on the water much safer and enjoyable when you include details such as weather forecast, lake levels, fuel, water temps, and any other data. Local knowledge is also helpful and recommended when you venture into an area for the first time. Study the chart and take note of the visual landmarks, hazards, and navigational aids, if any. This information can be entered into your voyage planner with this technology and used for future trips.
Interested in discovering more about voyage planning? Please email for more details on all different types of preparation methods, both conventional and advanced. Surprises on the water are no fun … plan ahead.
Sonar is defined as a system for detecting underwater objects through the use of sound waves transmitted through the water. Wikipedia also offers the basic definition and explanation of the sensor as applied to commercial and military vessels. Do you ever wonder what is below you while you travel on the water? It is one of the most important parts of your journey – to avoid the shallows – and sonar not only informs you of the depth, it can open your eyes to what it actually looks like down there on the bottom in detail.
Spotlight is a ship search device normally located on the wings of a navigation bridge or top of a cabin on a commercial, public service, and military vessel. It also has another meaning – the name of one of the best improvements in sonar that is now available to private boaters and fishing enthusiasts. The valuable advantage of this specific type of sonar is ingenuously produced and can be measured in a very straightforward way: by the distance from the transom to the bow of your boat. Sometimes even closer if the transducer is mounted on the mid hull position.
Here’s the significant difference: on most sonar systems the part of the sensor that sends the signal, the transducer, is normally located at the transom, under or thru the hull. The real time information on your multi-function display is showing what is directly beneath and behind you.
Spotlight transducer is mounted ahead of the boat on a trolling motor. This type of sonar can look ahead in small sectors or even a 360 degree pattern that can be adjusted to suit your needs. Add the down scan capability and extremely vivid, complete, views of the underwater world are possible with this advanced technology. Graphics so intense it’s like standing next to the object or on the bottom yourself. All this important information, no matter what the application such as fishing or search and recovery, is recordable and can now even be stored in the cloud and retrieved on demand thanks to another resourceful advancement made possible by Insight Genesis which will be discussed in much greater detail in future articles of this series on advanced marine electronics.
The ability to see what is before you, as compared to what is directly beneath you, is remarkable in so many ways. This is a vast improvement, a real game changer and advancement when it comes to using sonar in the marine environment. The position of the sonar transducer is what makes it so unique and effective. By innovation and creative design, the technology answers two questions we sometimes ask when on the water: what is ahead of me beneath the surface and what does it look like?
Advanced electronics are changing the way we move about and operate while underway. Discovering the capability and learning how to use these modernizations will make your boating day better and safer. For more details about this technology and other advanced electronics sensors and systems please contact me.
One of the best quotes that has relevance to the unique capability of Spotlight sonar and other particular aspects of boating: “Don’t look back, you’re not going that way … ”
April 2014 column
Advanced electronic navigation systems provide quick access of information and graphics to support actions and decisions for safe navigation As far as sensors such as radar, radio, and sonar, they are mostly created from the same science, each manufacturer developing their own interpretation of gathering and presenting data for the operator’s use. Technology has propelled us into many options: infrared, radar, sonar, radio, satellite communications, and even google earth type 3D mapping, replacing the conventional cartography found on paper charts or booklets.
In this issue I’m introducing a new series of articles about advanced electronics systems and how they can greatly enhance and benefit your under way experience. I hope to deliver knowledge and a general introduction about these innovations in marine electronics, maximizing their effectiveness to serve the boater. Beginning with radar, followed by other technologies such as sonar, GPS charting, cloud based mapping, radio, satellite weather, infrared optics, and other systems expertly crafted by professional engineers to deliver immediate, reliable, and valuable information.
Radar first appeared in the 1940s as a detection system for Britain and America during WWII. The name “Radar” was coined during that period of time by the U.S. Navy and is an acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging. It is undoubtedly considered one of the most important of sensors for commercial and military vessels and is titled specifically in the navigation Rules of the Road as a device to assess Risk of Collision. The technology has transformed through very dynamic improvements over the years, not only for military and commercial applications, it provides safety for pleasure boaters, especially in collision avoidance.
The newest form of radar on the market is a system called Broadband Radar. It currently comes in two versions: 3G and 4G. Without a magnetron to generate the pulse in the radar, it greatly reduces radiation hazard making it much safer for persons being in close proximity to the antennae, comparable to the power output of a cell phone. With maximum visibility of over 30 miles, its critical advantage is the ability to see clearly at very close ranges (up to a few meters).
Some commercial functions include counter-piracy and docking of large ships, giving the pilot a very clear image and accurate proximity for initial landing of the vessel alongside a pier. Collision avoidance becomes less of a challenging task with the broadband radar’s clear view though sea clutter and rain, both very much a negative factor and interference to conventional magnetron pulse radars. Other important applications such as man overboard and search and rescue benefit from this sensitive and accurate instrument. The bottom line when it comes to radar … is the ability to clearly see close proximity to your vessel in any adverse weather and visibility condition, exactly the area where collision danger and risk reside.
My recommendation is to embrace and learn the operation of this technology, benefit from its great advantages, thereby improving the overall boating experience. Navigating in low visibility is always a demanding skill and radar provides the needed information for these aspects of safe underway operations. Learning and practicing to use radar in clear visibility and daytime hours will prepare you for when the situation changes, and you need it most.
March 2014 column
A part of the definition for responsible navigation is: the person in charge of a underway vessel should be able to quickly and with reasonable accuracy give their approximate location at all times without regard to navigation systems and other piloting methods. In order to know your geographic location and becoming proficient in the science of navigation you need to first estimate your position … a process called dead reckoning. We all do it each and every time we drive our vehicles. Familiar landmarks, intersections, and driving experience serve as our guide. The same holds true for boating. Some of you develop and master electronic navigation skills to deliver the desired information. Keeping the unexpected in mind, what do you do when the power goes out or the system fails? If the answer is “I don’t know” then you are just one moment away from an unwanted marine situation. These problems can come in a wide assortment of conditions: grounding, collision, and many others all stemming from one element – incorrect navigation or lack thereof.
As published last year by the federal government, NOAA will cease printing paper charts in April 2014. Most don’t use this form of mapping but it is still mandated for license and one of the required back-ups for the newer Electronic Charting Display Information Systems ECDIS found on larger vessels. The charts you have on your GPS devices are lacking one important aspect, they are NOT updated. There is an advanced technology on the market that offers up to date, almost real time underwater charts through the use of the “cloud” and that is called Insight Genesis.
Through a network of boaters that record and download the data you can pull the specific area you need and overlay it with your current charts depending on the system you are using. Extremely valuable for sport fishing, it also has application to other safe navigation utilities, especially underwater cartography. The technology also provides a broad range of voyage planning services and local knowledge of charting routes and destinations.
Back in focus of proper navigation: you should never rely one just one source of information. I highly recommend the practice of using paper or booklet charts and get visually familiar with your surroundings, becoming more of a pilot than an operator. The very core of being an effective navigator is to know where you are going, what you will see along the way, and what time you will get there.
With practice and experience comes more precise estimation. The ability to do that task delivers many benefits to you, especially the aptitude to look ahead and predict what will happen as the result of your actions. This can only be achieved with utilizing multiple information sources and measuring the results. This comparison provides the confidence needed to make the correct decisions and become more aware of potential hazards well before they develop.
Think of this question often when on the water, “Where are you?” It will make a positive difference in your boating experience and to others that enjoy the lake.
February 2014 column
The art of navigation has drastically transformed over the past decades. Gone are the common use of sextants to calculate position from a celestial body, old fashioned radars that required the operator to plot geometry on paper or directly on the screen to obtain the needed information, and the USCG operated Loran navigation system. Paper charts are even showing the sign of the times with NOAA set to discontinue printing this year. In regards to the disappearing paper charts, given my current duties as a USCG license instructor and testing proctor, I am confident the knowledge of how to do that specific task will still be required to obtain credentials and license for the foreseeable future.
The use of advanced electronics is common, an integral part of all types of boating. The bottom line benefit of these technologies, whether for pleasure, sport, commercial, and government is to provide accurate data you can use to make evaluations and take appropriate action. It expedites the flow of information, presents it in an easy to understand graphic format, and delivers a window of time to make correct decisions.
GPS is common in many things we now enjoy in our everyday lives, none more than navigation. Add the new types of electronic charts, vessel ID systems called AIS, even broadband radar, and you see a revolution in sensors is here for boaters to use.
Sonar, a critical component to understanding total surroundings, is now used for much more than fish finding or depth reading. Through innovative systems that utilize the cloud such as Insight Genesis or even forward looking sector scan sonars called Spotlight, what is beneath your vessel is now extremely viewable and recordable.
Electronic Navigation is a common theme and process, one that is definitely here to stay. My recommendation is to know how to properly use it while at the same time keeping your proficiency with more conventional methods such as reading a magnetic compass, surveying a paper chart or booklet, and of course the one that is the most important: visual piloting. Nothing replaces the burden for you in the navigation rules to make correct decisions when you are underway using all available means. By understanding the basics you make the most of the numerous advantages in electronic navigation. Everything becomes more in sync and enhances boating safety by increasing awareness and confidence in navigation.
Throughout 2014 there will be short training seminars offered through Safe Boating Lake Lanier and NavTeach.com production the “3 Hour Tour” at various locations around the lake. The mission is to deliver easy to understand skill sets to enable a connection between technology and conventional methods. Serving in both realms – Navico Pro Staff for marine electronics coupled with current USCG instructor duties – the forum helps deliver part of the core goal of everything in marine education, safer boating. Schedule dates and locations to be published on www.navteach.com and other media outlets.
Sincerely look forward to another great year on the lake and the opportunity to help progress boating safety for everyone.
January 2014 column
Out for a day of fun filled adventure on the water, the lake packed with all types of boats and watercraft traveling in many different directions and speeds. By mid-day the not so calm surface is covered with wake, and sometimes wind driven waves, the whole scene looking more, and even feeling, like a near coastal sea with a moderate fetch, rocking and pounding. This in turn sometimes makes it difficult to discern the actual movement or path of close by, approaching vessels.
It is reasonable to say some of those boaters in your near vicinity are new to the lake, some out there for the first time, enjoying the thrill of a fast moving and highly maneuverable PWC or speed boat. Which ones do you need to be watchful of? That is a profound question that is extremely difficult to answer. Not all mariners you encounter on the water are just as aware of collision dangers and overall boating safety as you are.
If there was a very effective and inexpensive way to improve your collision avoidance protection and safety would you consider using it? The premise is simple: a bright light illuminates when your vessel slows down, the very same warning message produced by brake lights for vehicles on the roads.
There’s nothing faster than the speed of light to effectively communicate and give warning or caution. For example, look at emergency and law enforcement vehicles. They can be seen for great distances by approaching vehicles, day or night time. Now let’s consider the required navigation lights for all boats, each of which communicate volumes of critical information to the observing vessel. Contrast and intensity is the key to the effectiveness of this form of communication which conveys one very direct and important message … You are slowing down!
When approaching a vessel from astern, the ability to accurately calculate bearing drift and distance, both very important elements of collision avoidance, are difficult to accomplish. The resulting increase of risk of collision is a hazard to always avoid. The real objective is to identify the danger even before it develops into a threat. With this warning light, the approaching vessel is notified of your speed reduction. It’s almost like looking ahead quickly for a brief fraction of time and precisely assessing the developing situation. No one intends to have a collision. They occur because of errors in communication, observation, and judgment.
Marine Alert System is an additional LED display that can easily be affixed to the transom or rear position on your engine. The intense bright and visually loud amber colored light is small, yet extremely noticeable when properly mounted. Imagine communicating this one significant piece of information to everyone around you. No radio or cell phone call, no waving of arms or yelling; it is an extra security zone around your vessel making others aware of your position and actions. This device is powered by very innovative and effective technology, using G-force as its trigger and not the engine rpm or vessel speed. The amber light can make a tremendous difference in avoiding a collision and give you more peace of mind out on the water.
Please contact me if you have questions and would like to know more about this system and how it can help reduce risk of collision improving safety for everyone – at the speed of light.
December 2013 column
Outbound from Norfolk, VA near Thimble Shoal on a 378’ Hamilton Class Coast Guard Cutter. The sun was nearing twilight, setting to the west with a clear night approaching, winds out of the NE producing moderate swells indicating an even larger sea outside the channel in the Atlantic. On this voyage I was assigned the duties as pilot and navigator, along with my navigation crew to safely transit to open sea. Off in the distance near green buoy #19 marking the turn at Thimble Shoals I could clearly see a very large and loaded container ship, the M.V. Vermass, slightly to the right, inbound. Our situation would be meeting, passing port to port, both vessels keeping to the appropriate side of the channel, a standard maneuver required by the Rules of the Road.
Observing my Electronic Charting Display Information System (ECDIS), the new requirement of the international maritime law for commercial vessels, there was a possibility of passing this monster right in the middle of a turn which is not good seamanship and extremely dangerous. Backing off the throttle, I slowed my ship to five knots, making her above bare steerageway and able to quickly apply power to maneuver when needed. As the distance between our ships swiftly diminished, the anticipated bearing drift to the left indicating a safe passage, did not appear, and the Vermass was now showing Not Under Command lights. Instead, a steady bearing and now rapidly decreasing range was developing extremis and eventually collision without immediate action! My first order to the helm was come hard about to starboard and ahead full on the port engine and all back full on the starboard. That would produce a twisting to the right motion and reduce the broad angle of impact. Seconds felt like an eternity as the enormous uncontrolled ship neared our vessel, collision imminent, bracing for impact. The view from the large windows of my navigation bridge were totally filled with a black and rusty mass of the Vermass hull and I suddenly heard a scraping noise, not the anticipated hard jolt and sound of crunching steel. The cutter had twisted around, the very pointed end of the bow barely touching the still fast moving container ship. Quick inspection of all the controls and engines of my ship were performed and we then came about to provide rescue and aid to the stricken container vessel, now grounded outside the channel. Exhausted and emotionally drained, and the whole evolution only lasted 25 minutes, a brief period of time that will never be forgotten.
No news channels will cover this story, nor will the USCG investigate as this was all made possible with virtual reality produced in an advanced high tech simulator. Sea School Mobile (www.seaschool.com) has just completed installation of the latest technology for navigation simulation VSTEP Nautis (www.nautissim.com) and will be offering training assessments to mariners.
Every detailed aspect of the vessels, the weather, time of day, type of ship or boat, body of water, navigation electronics, charting, and other important systems can be controlled and recorded for training and assessment. This is the educational connection critically needed to master the skill by adding emotions and creating the need for quick response. Total immersion enabled the feeling of actually being there and added the component of evaluation to correct any problems.
What would you do if faced with an emergency situation while underway that required an immediate decision and action? There are only two ways to find out and I am confident everyone that enjoys boating would much prefer the simulation to the incident. Contact me for more information on how virtual reality simulation can greatly improve boating safety. It’s almost the real thing.
November 2013 column
This is the next to the last column in a series focusing on navigation rules. Lakeside incorrectly published the final installment in the October issue. If you missed the final column it can be found below.
Taking action to avoid a collision or to reduce the risk of one is basically the process of three tasks performed in this sequence:
• Gather from various sources visual, hearing, conventional and electronic navigation
• Process the information
• Evaluate whether a danger or risk of collision before deciding on what action to take.
In Rule 8 it is very clearly stated that if you still need more time to make an assessment on what to do then you are to slacken your speed, stop, or reverse to allow for that to happen.
The pages that contain this rule are filled with directives, for example:
• A substantial turn is preferred – This will give a visual cue and become “readily apparent” to the other vessel that you are taking action
• Your action to avoid does not produce risk of collision with another vessel in close proximity
• Action shall be made “positive and in ample time” to avoid a close quarters situation.
All of this sounds very simple to learn. The real challenge is to interpret the situation accurately and stay slightly ahead of the unfolding scenario by visualizing the possible outcomes. Excessive speed, especially in unknown waters and congested areas, is the main culprit for collisions.
In the navigation rules the obligation to comply includes not only the give-way vessel but the stand-on one as well and is explained in fine detail in other parts of the regulation. If you as operator of your boat, feel that the action by the give-way vessel is not adequate enough to avoid collision then you are required to take immediate action to avoid. This requirement of action on your part directs the focus to one specific question you should always ask when underway and involved in a Rules of the Road situation: Will the other vessel take proper action to avoid collision?
That is difficult to answer correctly and as a skilled and knowledgeable boater you should be prepared to take action just in case the other vessel does not. Action of the person in charge of a moving watercraft, as explained in this navigation rule, is basic common sense.
October 2013 column
Wanted to close out this series on the navigation rules with some practical ideas on how to remember this sometimes complicated subject. We have traveled a long distance covering the foundation and basic points of the fine art of collision avoidance. With countless methods on the market to teach the laws you can choose which one is best for your needs. Mariners desiring to get a USCG license should consider in-class instruction. It takes about 40 hours of study and concentration to prepare for the paper exam, with normally three times that amount of time on the water to begin to feel comfortable in any type of situation. After all the bottom line is to be able to make the correct decision, at the right time, with confidence! To discover if a license is what you need please log on to the USCG National Maritime Center www.uscg.mil/nmc.
The method of remembering I urge you to consider revolves around duplicating a series of pictures and short phrases to master the key points of the rules of the road. From only two blank pieces of copy paper you can construct this valuable diagram consisting of 11 boxes drawn in a sequential order, repetitiously until you master them without error. This helps by:
• Visual recall of the rules; improves passing scores and total understanding
• Blank “scratch paper” is allowed in the testing room
• Graphics and word phrases serve as memory anchors for all the rules
• Long term and positive results
• Takes an average of 10 hours to learn, with practice
• Compliments all types of course syllabus; classroom, online, and short seminars
• Not only pass the exam but remember how to successfully use that knowledge and avoid danger.
Speaking from experience in marine training both as a student and instructor, true mastery of a task is best accomplished with a visual method of learning. There is no substitute for hands-on proficiency, adding emotion and visualization brings you ahead of the curve and able to sense danger even before it presents itself. This brief period of time for assessment makes the difference between reaction and prevention, with the latter the much preferred result.
To receive a copy of the two page memory graphic please contact me by email and I will send it online in a PDF attachment. For more information and details on how to use the memory guide please register at www.navteach.com for an informative online live seminar. Scheduled dates will be posted on the site by December.
It’s not how much information can be successfully learned, what company or organization that is instructing, the cost or duration of the syllabus, it’s what you do with the knowledge … “when the time comes.”
September 2013 column
August 2013 column
A contributing factor in some marine collisions or near misses is the misguided belief that one of the boat operators is in the right and therefore not at fault. This second segment in a multi-part series of rules governing collision avoidance deals with who is obliged to understand and apply these maneuvering requirements. The law that spells out the correct answer in detail is Rule 2, Responsibility. Only two, short and to the point paragraphs, comprise this directive with its application affecting a wide-ranging aspect of boat operations:
(a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
(b) In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
That covers almost everything you experience and perform when underway and it also clearly states that no one is exonerated from the navigation rules! This segment also implies in some interpretative fashion that there is a percentage of liability for each operator that is involved in the incident.
Let’s relate these maritime regulations to something more familiar – the duty and obligations you have when driving a motor vehicle. It is expected, and greatly appreciated by all, that drivers understand and apply all the rules of the road, at all times, in any situation, to avoid collision with another vehicle. Marine collision avoidance maneuvering rules are to some extent similar with one very important and profound difference … the surface you travel on is dynamically contrast to a roadway. Over the years I have often heard new boaters describe operating a watercraft as likened to driving a motor vehicle on a large asphalt surface covered in ice. The responsibility to interpret and follow these rules, taking into account all factors and conditions you may experience, is critical to everyone’s safety. No painted lines, graphics, and road signs to help guide your way but a very resourceful system of procedures, markers, and regulations to help pilot the vessel safely to your destination. Whenever you set out on the water, no matter what type of vessel, or the location, you have the responsibility to safely operate your boat with competence and caution, giving due regard for all dangers to proper navigation, persons, and other vessels nearby.
Just reading a copy of the rules, or taking a brief training course does not satisfy this large and sometimes challenging task. Rule 2 is just the beginning of a long journey of learning and once these instructions are mastered through experience and ultimately become second nature – you will begin to reap the additional benefits of a collision free, safer, and more enjoyable voyage.
Next month’s article will present ways how to recognize a collision situation, the first step to successful avoidance.
July 2013 column
For those of you that have taken or plan to complete a boating safety course … Congratulations and Thank You! Your efforts will certainly improve the overall safety of boating and benefit everyone that enjoys the lake. In addition to learning the required safety equipment and precautions that are taught in boating safety classes there is one subject that causes the most challenge to fully understand and apply correctly … the Navigation Rules of the Road.
Online and live seminar events vary widely in complexity depending on the use of this valuable information. For example: the USCG Captain’s course requires students to successfully complete a difficult exam, with a minimum passing score of 90 percent while some boating safety classes only have time for a brief introduction to this necessary aptitude.
Passing the paper test is only the beginning. Experience will deliver the true benefit of collision avoidance. With that premise in mind this article will begin a multi-part series covering the basic rules needed for all boaters to comprehend and put into practice. The specific articles will cover the foundation of these laws and give you the most effective path to the learning process and enjoy the advantages of a safer experience while underway. By design, this knowledge not only gives concise procedures to follow but awareness, resulting in avoidance of negative situations in the first place.
To begin; allow me to introduce “Extremis,” a situation as pilot of your boat you don’t want to experience. Rule 17 “Action by Stand-on Vessel” is where the description of the rule can be found, in the book; http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent#17. (b) When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.
That is the definition of “Extremis” as it applies to the Navigation Rules. For a more proper definition here it is from Wikipedia: “The point under International Rules of the Road (Navigation Rules) at which the privileged (or stand-on) vessel on collision course with a burdened (or give-way) vessel determines it must maneuver to avoid a collision. Prior to extremis, the privileged vessel must maintain course and speed and the burdened vessel must maneuver to avoid collision.”
To experience this type of situation is a lifelong vivid memory to say the least! The goal is to avoid this precarious position and the best way to do that is to apply the corrective action early. The more delay, the greater the risk, and most importantly, the closer the proximity to danger.
No matter what type of vessel you operate this is the number one objective as a mariner. It takes time and practice to master this skill but it will lead to a greater and more enjoyable experience for everyone on the water!
June 2013 column
Many mariners experience adverse conditions and obstacles underway, none of which as complicated as the scenario of “loss of power.” Absolutely everything that is used in pleasure boating is reliant on it: propulsion, controls, pumps, navigation electronics, communications, and other critical marine systems that need electrical power to properly function, and that sometimes also applies to sail boats.
Planning for that possibility is an important aspect to successful and intelligent boating, especially for those enthusiasts that venture far from nearby lifesaving and towing services. There is a comprehensive list of preparations you should perform before you depart on your trip and highlighted below are just a few items that are recommended you consider.
May 2013 column
Advance is the distance you travel on your original course after you begin the turn while Transfer is the amount of distance gained toward the new final course. The area of the curved line on the diagram represents an example of the region where the boat will travel during the turn and will vary in size and length, adjusted for speed and characteristics of the vessel. As you can see from the illustration this is significantly different than a vehicle on a road surface … similar to driving on ice with the sliding movement of the boat as it leans into a turn. The under-valuation of this distance and lateral motion caused by the moving center of gravity is where the trouble is situated.
April 2013 column
March 2013 column
February 2013 column
January 2013 column
Skinny Water is the customary name given to very shallow depths by mariners, both coastal and inland. Obviously the larger boats and ships need more water but even pleasure boats with lean drafts need to give caution in this type of situation. The biggest threat to boaters during these times is not from objects and hazards above but just beneath the surface, out of sight. Lakes are down and risks to you grounding are much, much greater. Depending on the season when the weather is good, low water is even more hazardous to swimmers according to officials at other lakes around the country.
If there was any advantage for boaters to this predicament it would be the opportunity to see what this environment actually looks like. Yes, there is advanced sonar mapping that can be used with some of the newer marine technologies but nothing replaces the importance to visually witness in person. That experience will enable you to remember the hazard in the future even when water levels rise.
A technique that can be used to achieve this is to venture out on a good day, clear visibility, and even some wind may be beneficial, as it highlights a slightly rougher appearance over obstructions just below the surface of the water. As you transit through a restricted area take note of natural piloting ranges, objects that present a stand-out or contrast feature and are easy to remember. They are extremely useful when driving your boat, giving a quick and accurate visual reference where to steer clear of danger. Another great resource for the science of piloting for those of you that want to learn more can be found at: http://msi.nga.mil/MSISiteContent/StaticFiles/NAV_PUBS/APN/Chapt-08.pdf
A quicker and much easier method: look at the electronic chart when you are at these locations and mark with a waypoint on your GPS. It will serve to remind you of the position and gives specifics to the dangers of navigation that are close by. Some programs allow you to enter a name or reference symbol which is even better. GPS charting has made some extraordinary advances in recent years with capabilities of showing actual satellite imaging, and sonar mapping all in 3D format including tilt. If you have one of these systems, utilize it to its full capability to benefit your boat handling skills and give you maximum results.
Besides the use of proper navigation techniques the best action to take would be to reduce speed. As the water levels move, so do things under the surface, which can produce a collision or grounding hazard without warning. The best recommendations for safe boating while underway in unfamiliar waters is slow or stop, unless you are absolutely sure of the safety of the course you are steering and the speed over ground.
The lake also has a large contingent of experienced professional boaters that have local knowledge, some of whom are USCG licensed. You can locate many of these experts promoting their services around the area in all types of media. That in-person resource can be a great way to learn more about boating and should be considered if needed before getting underway.
December 2012 column
That question can be first pondered by this guiding principle: a multiple choice exam is basically a snapshot of information required to be answered correctly in order to obtain the license. In essence a license is an introductory document stating that you met the basic requirements for that specific set of skills. The problem sometimes associated with the license is that it can also be an assumption of proficiency in the task, both to the license holder and othe
