Seamanship_Secrets_185_Tips_-_Techniques_for_Better_Navigation-_Cruise_Planning-_and_Boat_Handling_Under_Power_or_Sail_(Re)_e..

22 seamanship secrets

Physical appearance during day-

light. In the Light List, under column 7,

which is labeled Structure, the physical

appearance of this offshore beacon is

described. Four giant legs rise from the

seabed to support a fl at, square platform.

A blue tower protrudes skyward from

the platform. In giant capital letters, the

word CHESAPEAKE adorns the sides

of the structure, welcoming mariners to

the entrance of the largest estuary in the

United States.

Periods of light and darkness. In

the Light List, look under column 4,

which is labeled Characteristic. This

breaks each group into intervals of light

and darkness (eclipse). In this case, each

fl ash lasts 0.1 second, and 2.9 seconds of

darkness separate the fi rst and second

fl ash of the group. Th en 11.9 seconds

of darkness intervenes until the pattern

starts again. Th e period of the light (sum

of light and darkness) is 15 seconds.

Horn blast and interval. The last

column, labeled Remarks, provides in-

formation on any extra equipment or

restrictions. Th e horn gives one 3-second

blast every 30 seconds. I believe the

importance of knowing this cannot be

overstated. Container, cargo, and military ships frequent this area, and low visibility

dominates during certain times of the year. All of these vessels will sound fog signals

in accordance with the prescribed International Rules for the Prevention of Colli-

sions at Sea (COLREGS). Knowing our light’s horn characteristic, we should easily

be able to pinpoint its location among a cacophony of other foghorns.

Free Cruising Guides to Take You Anywhere

Every year new cruising guides fi ll the bookstores, covering the more popular

coastal and inland waterways. Many of these off er excellent advice that is tailored

for the small-boat sailor. But it’s best to use caution when using a recreational

guide unless you’re confi dent in the reliability of the information.

DOWNLOADING LIGHT LISTS:
DIGGING UP A FREE TREASURE
CHEST OF INFORMATION

1. Type the Coast Guard Navigation
   Center website address (http://
   http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/
   LightLists/LightLists.htm).


2. Find your location on the geo-
   graphic locator map. For our
   example, click on District 5, which
   covers the Midatlantic Region,
   including the Chesapeake Bay. The
   pdf fi le will download.


3. Click the Save icon (floppy disk
   symbol on the toolbar). This takes
   you to My Documents (or elsewhere,
   depending on your computer
   system’s default) and assigns a
   file name, such as V2Complete.
   pdf. Keep or change the name as
   desired. Then click on save; close
   the website pdf fi le.


4. Open My Documents (or whatever
   folder your system saves to) and
   retrieve the pdf fi le.


5. Click the search fi eld and type in
   the words Chesapeake Light. Press
   the enter key on your keyboard.