River and Harbour Bar Crossing - learn how to do it properly!
by Richard Gladwell on 1 Feb 2011
Crossing the Grey River Bar - 20 January 2011 SW
News through tonight that NZ Police are considering taking a prosecution against two fishing boats who crossed the Grey River bar in treacherous conditions and ignoring warning signals.
Miraculously they survived, but did you know that there are more fatal boating accidents on harbour/river bars than anywhere else? Extreme care and planning must be taken before deciding whether or not to cross.
Late last year we ran a story from Coastguard Boating Education on how to get proper training in the correct skills and techniques to give you confidence in your approach and abilities, if you are crossing harbour or river bars.
Coastguard Boating Education has developed a practical on-the-water Bar Crossing Course. This one-day course is taught by powerboating instructors who have considerable experience in bar crossing and rough water handling.
http://www.cbes.org.nz/courses/38/bar-crossing!The_course covers bar formation, tides, wind/wave/swell effects, visual observation/orientation, safety precautions, advanced boat handling techniques and how to deal with the unexpected. Training can be provided in your own boat or aboard a dedicated training vessel.
Before you decide to cross, book on a course or for more information, call 0800 40 80 90 or visit www.cbes.org.nz Coastguard Boating Education
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/79886
