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Sand bars and ocean bars are a danger for boaties of all experience levels and the upmost caution and concentration should be maintained whilst crossing or navigating them. It is helpful also to know local tides to try and navigate at the most opportune time.
Navigating sand bars.
"In The Clear" by Bob Mellor, AVCGA (Part 2) Shallow ocean bars are formed by the movement of sand along the coast and build up of sand at the entrances to rivers and coastal lakes. Bars are locations for experienced skippers only. If you are inexperienced in bar crossings do not attempt to cross a bar without having an experienced skipper on board. Whenever possible avoid crossing a bar on a run-out tide as this is when dangerous waves may occur.
Plan your crossing.
There are a number of steps recommended to be taken before crossing a bar even for experienced skippers.
1. Know the tide times & obtain an up to date weather forecast. Take particular notice of forecast wind conditions. Avoid crossing on a run out tide.
2. Seek advice from locals who know the bar and its characteristics.
3. Observe the bar conditions for a reasonable time before making your decision to proceed.
4. Watch other vessels making crossings and compare these vessels with yours.
5. Check all controls to make sure everything is working correctly (steering, throttle, bilge pumps, engine(s), radio, battery).
6. Secure watertight hatches, clear drains and securely stow all loose gear.
7. Ensure all passengers and crew onboard are wearing a PFD Type 1 life jacket and are seated.
Crossing the bar
- Log on with a coastal radio station.
- Idle towards the bar and assess conditions again.
- Identify the line of least activity.
- Apply throttle and commence your run.
- Do not hit waves at high speed - this is a dangerous practice as your vessel could become airborne.
- If there is no lull in wave activity motor to the surf zone, gently accelerate over the first broken water and run to the next. Do not travel too fast.
- Back off power just before meeting the next swell and pass slowly through the wave then accelerate to the next wave.
- Once committed keep going - do not try to turn around in the middle of a bar crossing.
- When safely across the bar notify the coastal radio station you logged on with.
Coming home
- Conditions may have changed since your outbound crossing so stand off the bar and assess conditions before attempting to come in.
- Try to pick the line of least activity and choose a set of waves suitable for your entry.
- Maintain the same speed as the waves and sit on the back of the waves when travelling in.
- Do not overtake a wave and run down its face - the risk of swamping is increased significantly in these circumstances.
- Watch the waves behind you and stay ahead of them.
- When the wave ahead of you breaks accelerate through the white water.
- Be alert for pressure waves coming off the shore or seawalls.
- When safely across the bar log off with the coastal radio station.
The best advice that can be given to any skipper regarding bar crossing is: If in doubt dont go out!! Remember our motto - "Safety by all means"
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