Tools of the Trade: Coming In To Shore

When approaching land or harbor, the navigator must know himself familiar with every detail of the charts he will use, and must form a mental picture of the land and aids to navigation that he will sight. Allowance must be made for the effect of the position of the sun or moon on the appearance of objects sighted.



He must be familiar with the characteristics of all lights, buoys, fog signals, and other aids to navigation that he will use, and with the state of the tide and currents in channels he will navigate. He should select beforehand the objects that he will use for bearings. He should carefully check all buoys to prevent confusion. Ranges should be selected and lines drawn to indicate safe courses and danger bearings where possible. The track of a vessel entering port should be laid down on a chart before entering, and this should be carefully inspected to see that it leads clear of all possible danger. The vessel’s position must be frequently plotted on the chart and should never be in doubt for an instant. Soundings should always be taken when on soundings, whether the weather is clear or cloudy. ~ F.W. Sterling in his Small Boat Navigation published in 1917

Header: Dutch Fishing Vessel Caught on a Lee Shore via Painting-Here.com