bridges, night passages, and other tricky navigation situations 127
Home In on Leading Lights
In many channels you can steer from one light to another without fear of
running into unlighted markers. First check the chart to make sure there is a
clear path from light to light by laying a straightedge between the lights. Find
the magnetic compass direction between the lights and label the trackline.
Annotate the chart in any area where it’s necessary to make a channel jog for
safety. (See Chapter 4.) Lay a GPS waypoint to any channel jog point that is
not next to a lighted beacon.
The Magic of S.T.O.P.
I got snookered one night when I confused a lighted buoy for a light structure. Both
aids showed similar light characteristics and were within 100 yards of each other.
As we proceeded south, we kept the fl ashing light ahead just off the starboard bow.
Suddenly, our spotlight picked up the refl ective tape of the light, 50 yards off the
port bow!
We made a sharp left turn at the last moment to leave the light structure
to starboard. We were high up on a flying bridge that night, looking down
into the water, and the light structure got lost in the shore lights. From this
incident was born the concept of S.T.O.P. It’s easy to use and works almost
anywhere.
S is for slowing down to a crawl or stopping. Aft er arriving at a leading light
or known marker, slow to bare steerageway, stop, or even anchor. Th is fi rst
step is essential for safety.
T is for turning the boat or taking a bearing. You should already have
plotted your magnetic course to the next leading light. Turn the
boat to that heading or take a bearing using a handbearing compass.
With a handbearing compass, hold it to your eye and turn until
the bearing matches the next course. You should see the light dead
ahead. Time the light and use your spotlight to confirm color, name,
and shape.
O is for orientation of the big picture before moving on. Before moving, turn off
the spotlight and check the visual picture again. If necessary, repeat the steps
under T.
P is for proceeding only after being fully oriented. Keep ahead of the
boat. Verify the color, name, and shape of each unlighted beacon or
buoy you pass. Do you turn left , right, or continue straight at the next
light ahead? Does an emergency anchorage lie to the left or right of your
current position? At all times, stay ahead of the boat. Stop if you are in
doubt.