Charles and Margo Wood - Charlie\'s Charts North to Alaska

16

Purse Seiners are the largest fishing vessels and are elearly identified
by their size, the large boom, and power wineh. They are not likely to be a
problem for yachts; exeept that when there is an opening hordes of them ean be
met rushing to the site of the opening.

Long-Liners fish for halibut. They set longlines (skates) with baited
hooks la id down near the bottom with the ends marked by floats. They do not
operate during the summer and early fallo In any case, their lines are not a
problem as 'they are set well underwater.

Magnetie Disturbances

There are severa l places within the area of this guide where 10eal magnetic
disturbances occur. These disturbances are near land masses. They have been
noted in the sketches where they oeeur and are marked on charts. The magnetic
compass should not be relied on in these areas, for not only is there a varia-
tion in the disturbance over any zone, but the change may be unnoticed at the
onset and errors may enter one's navigation. As long as fair weather exists
and good visibility is available, the passage across these zones should be done
by visual cheeks. If such visual ehecks are not possible (due to fog etc.)
then it will be wiser to avoid these magnetically disturbed areas or await
clearing before passage making.

Tsunamis

This danger would seem a little far-fetehed except that earthquakes period-

ically oecur in or near the South East. Tsunamis are not a problem to a ship

at sea, as they pass harmlessly by. The major danger occurs if the vessel is

at or near the epicenter of the quake, where very large waves can be generated;

or if the tsunami proves dangerous in its propagation through a partieular

coastal configuration. A warning system is in operation, and is broadcast

through the NOAA Weather Radio as wel1 as'loeal radio stations. The probabil-

ity of this danger is certainly far less likely than many more mundane oceur-

renees such as storms, ice, etc.

Ice

This is a problem only in a limited sense i.e. it oceurs only in certain

glacial-fed areas and calm, care, and prudence will take one a long way through

these dangers. Passage through glacier ice as discussed here applies to the

Glaeier Bay section of this guide, as well to any of the other areas which may

have icebergs such as Hobart Bay, Tracy, and Endicott Arms.

Glaeial ice is almost always present in the northern arms of Glacier,Bay.

In the summer season the amount of ice varies considerably and different

glaciers may be more active than others. However, except for the occasionaI

berg in the main bay, ice wi11 be encountered in quantities mainly as one

approaches Muir, Tarr, Reid, and John Hopkins Inlets. The amount of ice

usually lessens as the season advances. The tides and winds move the ice up

and down the inlets, tending to pack it together or disperse it. However, the