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Entrance to River Yealm. White boards / black stripe in transit on hill, port hand mark ahead

‘Close quarters navigation – mainly using the Mk 1 eyeball’

Usually needed when leaving or entering a harbour

Need to plan ahead for hazards like shoals, rocks, narrow  channels, traffic, chain ferries, cross tides, and useful marks and lights. Also have available any port traffic signals - see  International_Port_Traffic_Signals.

You do not want to be continually referring to a chart, use a sketch map with notes for quick reference.  Pilot books are most useful.

Techniques and tools to use:

• Transits are often usable at harbour entrances, and are very simple and accurate - e
• Harbours often provide lights or beacons in transit
• Clearing bearings and clearing transits - keeping a mark 'open'  with another feature.
• Back bearings
• Bearing and distance run
• Depth contours – good in bad visibility.
• Stay on the up wind side of a channel.
• Aim well to the safe side of a danger
• Plotting sheets – bearing to next mark (see below)
• If in doubt enter on a rising tide

Other factors:

• If in doubt keep up-wind and up-tide of destination

• Use appropriate contour and tidal heights

• Keep hand-bearing compass ready for use

• Monitor working VHF channels and Ch 16

• Local signals at entrance and/or International signals International_Port_Traffic_Signals.

• Marina / Lock opening times.

• Buoy sounds, e.g. wave activated bell.

Sketch Plan

Example - the Needles Channel

posted 5th November 2009