bridges, night passages, and other tricky navigation situations 131
“Your Call, Skipper”
You’re the skipper or most knowledgeable crewmember in each of
the following situations. What actions would you take?- The tidal current tables indicate a strong fl ood running through the
single-leaf bascule bridge 1 mile ahead. You’ll pass through with the cur-
rent astern. You’ve called the bridge tender, and he will raise the bridge
for you. Name three things you would do before attempting passage. - You’re entering an unfamiliar harbor with several channels branch-
ing from the main channel. You stop alongside a lighted buoy. What
two methods could you use to find the next aid to navigation? - The Light List indicates the rear range going into Shelter Bay bears
187 degrees true from the front light. If the local variation is 14 degrees
east, what is the magnetic course to steer directly onto the range?
The range is visible 1 degree on each side of range line. What does
this mean? - What unique light characteristic is shown in the red sector of a
light marking a dangerous reef? - What do the prefixes NMT and NLT mean, and how do you label a
danger bearing based on the side of your boat?
Answers- Check the horizontal clearance on the chart. A stern current makes
steering difficult, so put your best helmsman on the wheel or tiller.
Hang fenders on both sides. Watch for other vessels attempting pas-
sage from the upcurrent side. Test your engine(s) in reverse before
you attempt passage. - Pivot your boat to the magnetic bearing or use a handbearing
compass to locate the next aid to navigation. - The course is 173 degrees magnetic (187 degrees true −14 degrees
east). The range is visible within a 1-degree band, in this case from
172 degrees magnetic to 174 degrees magnetic. - A fixed (steady) red light.
- NMT stands for “not more than;” NLT stands for “not less than.”
Label port-side danger bearings NMT; label starboard-side danger
bearings NLT.