With winter closing in on the Huon Valley, we are once again being met by chilly evenings and mornings.
Of course, no chilly evening or morning would be complete without a thick blanket of fog rolling down the river!
This makes for a good photo (if you can brave the cold!) – but what if you get caught out in your boat as it rolls through (and subsequently impairs your vision)?
Boating in the fog (or in any conditions that impair your vision) can be dangerous – but here are a few pointers to keeping safe on a cold morning or evening on the water:
- Anticipate if it will be foggy.
- The BOM (Bureau of Meterology) publishes weather forecasts on their website. Keep an eye on your local forecast – the page usually explicitly states “morning fog & frost” on the right hand column. Click here to see the BOM website.
- Know your position.
- Use your senses.
- No noise distractions – ask your crew to be quiet & TURN OFF THE STEREO.
- Turn off the cabin lights – let your eyes adjust.
- Use head torches with a red light option.
- Get out of the cabin and listen to the shore.
- Fog horns!
- Fog horns are great if you are in an area with traffic.
- There are international sound signals – see the picture on the right.
- Light up the stage!
- Keep your navigation lights on at all times – even during the day.
- Screens
- A good plotter will help if the charts are up to date and accurate (see why we recommend Navionics Platinum Plus here).
- Radar is obviously great if you’re lucky enough to have it.
- Don’t get caught up in the screens! Use them to supplement your navigational skills – not as a replacement for them.