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Bar Crossings
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They are common around the country in areas such as harbours and rivers. If you go boating and want to get out into open seas you usually have to navigate them and they can also be extremely dangerous. They are called Bars, such as can be found at Manukau, Kaipara, Raglan and many other areas in New Zealand and around the world.
Many experienced boaties have got into difficulty crossing a bar and each year, boats are damaged and people are killed or injured when attempts to navigate bar crossings go wrong.
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Here are some simple tips that all boaties should follow when crossing a bar.
- Seek local advice on the bar and channels
- Check the weather, tide and bar conditions
- Ensure your boat has adequate stability
- Check your boat and make sure hatches and equipment are adequately secured
- Make sure that everybody is wearing a lifejacket and are awake
- Ensure that you are carrying two forms of communication that work even when wet
- Make a trip report to Coastguard of your plans before crossing
- Post a lookout to monitor conditions astern
- Approach the bar at moderate speed Communicate to Coastguard that you have successfully crossed the bar
The final piece of advice from Coastguard is: If in doubt, don't go out!
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Kawhia Bar Awareness Day - Sunday 16th October 2011
Each year, boats are damaged and lives are lost when attempts to navigate the bars along our coast go wrong. Knowing what you are doing, being well prepared and some good local knowledge are just some of the essential ingredients to safely managing a bar crossing and getting to the fish in one piece.
Join us at Kawhia on Sunday 16th October where we will help equip you with what you need to know to navigate the Kawhia Bar. Coastguard is teaming up with the Kawhia Boating and Angling Club, Environment Waikato and local Kawhia identity Alan Rutherford to provide you with a presentation followed by an opportunity to ask questions and a trip aboard a Coastguard rescue vessel our across the bar.
This is an educational event covering bar safety, communications and local knowledge. From 1100 hours Coastguard Raglan’s vessel Harbour View Rescue will depart for the first of four trips out over the bar (weather permitting).
To book, PLEASE CLICK HERE
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Last updated 5 October 2011 |
