A Sailor's Guide to Navigating Local Waterways
Navigation is the process of determining your vessel's position and being prepared to maintain a safe track. It's about executing a safe course before you hit the waters.
Navigating local waterways is easier than you might think. With a few sailor-approved tips, you'll be taking to the waters in no time.
Why Is Safe Navigation Important?
Understanding local waterway navigation and using proper tools and techniques ensures the safety of your passengers, you and your boat. Knowing which waterways to follow and how to identify potential hazards is essential. It can prevent boat damage, such as a hole in the keel from going over rapids, which could cause your boat to drift sideways.
Safe navigation essentially ensures a smooth, stress-free boating experience.
What Are the Best Navigation Tools for Boaters?
Navigation tools can help improve the safety of your trip and ensure you're better prepared if the waters get rough. Most boats come with everything you need, but you may have to invest in a few key pieces of equipment for seamless wayfinding.
Essential Boating Equipment
Every sailor should have these four essential navigation tools for navigating waterways:
1. Compass
A compass tells you which direction you're going in at any given time. It measures directions in degrees relative to magnetic north. Remember the following degrees:
- Zero degrees is north.
- 180 degrees is south.
- 90 degrees is east.
- 270 degrees is west.
Having a reliable compass, like the Ritchie Explorer bracket mount compass, is essential for navigating your ship and reaching your desired location.
2. Charts
Charts are maps of the water and waterways in a specific area. They have special markings highlighting restricted areas, water depths, lighthouses and channels.
These charts are especially important if you're boating in unfamiliar waters. For instance, if you're holidaying in the Caicos Islands, you'll need a waterway guide to the Bahamas to ensure you reach your destinations safely.
3. Parallel Rulers
Parallel rulers allow you to locate the exact compass bearing for whichever course you want to steer. You can walk the rulers across your chart with their swiveling arms.
If you're in the market for one, the Weems & Plath parallel ruler is a great option because of its simplicity and durability.
4. GPS Devices
If you're looking for a modern way to look at charts, a quality wireless GPS device offers all the perks of charts and then some. It can help you plan and track your routes effectively. You can also use it to mark waypoints.
Additionally, you can use a GPS device to find fishing hotspots and save them to the compass for easy access next time.
Advanced Technology for Navigation
Here are some advanced navigation tools that could make your experience easier but aren't totally necessary for most recreational boaters:
1. Sonar and Radar Systems
Sound navigation and ranging (sonar) systems use sound waves to detect objects in the water. Radio detection and ranging (radar) technology uses electromagnetic waves to reveal objects. Both systems are helpful for navigating rough waters. They're also great for misty and foggy areas or places with poor visibility.
However, most recreational boaters just doing a few rounds in their hometown harbor don't really need such advanced nautical navigation technology.
2. Mobile Apps for Boating
Mobile apps are an excellent way to access the latest critical fleet data. They allow you to make informed decisions, especially if the waters become challenging or storms are approaching. However, apps aren't always reliable, so ensure you also have a waterproof marine VHF radio in case of emergencies.
How to Use Nautical Charts
Learning how to use nautical charts is a significant part of nautical navigation. This step-by-step guide will help you know which symbols, colors or lines to look out for in different situations.
The first step in reading a nautical chart is measuring distance and depth. Perform the following calculations:
- Use the scale indicator to find the distance.
- Locate the unit of measurement being used to indicate water depth. This is typically in the upper right corner.
- Look at the black numbers on the chart and establish the mean lower low water (MLLW).
- Multiply fathoms by six if you need the depth measurement in feet. Multiply meter measurements by three for the approximate levels in feet.
Now that you've got your distance and depth, you want to use the colored lines to understand the water depth:
- Look at the dotted or red contours for similar water depths.
- Identify the light blue areas that reveal shallow waters, usually no more than 18 feet deep, but that depends on the map.
- Find the yellow or tan areas that represent land and sandbars.
- Look out for 10 spots in the center of water channels, as they might be submerged. Going into these areas, especially when it's shallow, can damage your boat.
The final task is identifying the key chart symbols by following these steps:
- Find the compass rose to identify the direction you're traveling in. Note that this only works with a magnetic compass.
- Look to the red and green buoys for navigational guides.
- Check for anchor symbols to find anchoring spots if you need a break.
- Keep your eyes peeled for the rock symbols and “Obstn,” which stands for “obstruction.”
How to Stay Safe When Navigating Local Waterways
Even the most experienced sailors need to refresh themselves on safety guidelines, especially when boating on new water. Remember that safety at sea starts on land. It's important to take these precautions to ensure you're all set for smooth sailing:
Red and Green, Stay in Between
Sailors have a saying: “Red, right, returning.” It simply means making sure the red markers are on the right whenever you're returning to the port. If you're traveling seaward, green should be on your right.
If you're in a panic situation or you're afraid you're lost, here's another saying that rhymes: “Red and green, stay in between.” No matter which direction you're going in, you can certainly find your way back if you spot the red and green markers. Keep the red markers on your right and you'll be on your way to the nearest port.
Local Waterway Regulations
Understanding your local waterway navigation can help you reach your destination safely. It also helps you avoid trouble with the local regulations.
To legally boat in an area in America, you must adhere to the individual state's legislation. For example, if you want to get on the waters of Lake Perris, you'd need to follow the California boating regulations. California law requires boaters to be 16 or older and have a California Boater Card to operate a vessel with a motor of 15 horsepower or more.
Depending on the state, you may also have to pass an inspection before you're allowed into certain waters. This is especially true where the waters are also used for drinking and other recreational activities. Some marine species can latch onto your boat and infect other bodies of water.
Common examples of invasive marine species are quagga and zebra mussels. These species have a catastrophic impact on the environment and kill native freshwater mussels. They caused the collapse of amphipod populations in the Great Lakes, resulting in the mortality of thousands of birds.
These types of invasive species are also a nightmare for boaters. They accumulate on anchors and hulls, which can increase drag and clog engines. Some states require a boat inspection to check for these species before you go out into the water. You'll be required to dry your boat for around 8 days and prevented from rinsing it before the inspection.
Boating Safety Guidelines
Life jackets keep you and your passengers safe. They can prevent drownings if any of your passengers go overboard. Wearing a lifejacket also protects you from hypothermia if you fall into the water. Different states have various lifejacket regulations for suitable ages, seasons and activities.
Look out for no-wake zones. These are waterway sections that have state and federal regulations imposed and typically have strict speed limits. As the captain, you'll need to observe the slowest possible speed to minimize your boat's wake in this area.
No-wake zones are sanctioned for several reasons, such as protecting the marina, limiting sightlines or ensuring safety in congested waterways. You can spot these areas by white and orange floating markers or rows of markers.
Note that you'll need to get your boat down to the no-wake speed before hitting the marker, as the speed limit is enforced as soon as your boat passes the marker.
Fishing Regulations
Federal agencies enforce fishing regulations to preserve and support local fish species so future generations may also enjoy fishing activities. You need to find out the fishing regulations in the state where you plan on boating.
You need a license to fish, spear, catch, trap, bait and clam in most states. Every person on your boat who participates in fishing activities must have the relevant license.
What Are the Best Practices for Wildlife Awareness While Boating?
Being mindful of the wildlife is a significant part of navigating waterways. Observing wildlife while boating is a spectacular experience. However, the animals may not share the same sentiment. Sometimes, our encounters disturb them and negatively impact their behavior.
It’s important to prioritize their well-being to ensure long-term conservation while viewing authentic activity and interactions.
Ethical wildlife watching is crucial to maintaining the natural balance in their environment. There are many ways to approach viewing animals and raising awareness without disturbing them. For example, you can use a quality pair of binoculars to admire wildlife from afar without alerting them to your presence.
Learn About the Wildlife Where You’re Boating
Certain species live in specific habitats, such as coral reefs and estuaries. Their location may also be affected by daily and seasonal cycles. Look at local regulations and viewing sites and chat with guides or residents. This can improve your chances of seeing marine wildlife and protect their peace.
Keep a Safe Distance
Marine wildlife is often sensitive to human disturbance. If cornered, they’ll likely harm you or flee. If you experience a close encounter, give them the right of way and switch your boat engine to neutral if it's running.
Lower Noise Levels
When you spot wildlife, slow down to a no-wake speed. In a motorboat, this also reduces noise levels and fuel consumption. You should also lower your voice and turn down music, as animals typically have more sensitive hearing than humans.
Reduce Your Wash
When you're boating in an area rich in marine wildlife, try not to exceed four knots whenever you're close to the banks. Going slower can stir up less sediment and reduce the impact on the underwater environment.
Hands Off
You should never try to touch or handle marine wildlife. Doing so could put you at risk of a harmful bite or worse. Additionally, the animal may become scared or injured. For instance, many marine invertebrates have a slimy coating that protects them from infection. Handling them can cause you to rub some of this coating off, rendering them susceptible to infections.
How to Plan an Effective Route
Whether you're planning on intracoastal or intercoastal waterway navigation, you should follow these steps as a checklist to ensure you're fully prepared for the trip:
Prepare for a Safe Trip
The most important facet to prepare for is safety. Ensure you have the following items with you onboard:
- Fire extinguisher
- Visual distress signals
- Required documentation, including license and certifications
- Sound signals
- Anchor with chain or rode
- Life jackets for each person onboard
- Compass and charts
- First aid kit
Plan and Chart in Advance
Choose the destinations you plan to visit before you leave. This gives you time to chart out the best courses and study them. You can also use this time to identify potential hazards, such as nearby docks and shallow areas. Calculating distance and time also lets you know how much fuel you need.
You should also consider the season you plan on traveling. Check that there are no climate hazards when you'll be on the water.
Boat Maintenance
Before you set sail, ensure that your vessel is in excellent condition. Check the bilges, fluids and batteries. You should also test the steering cables, fittings and terminals. In a sailing vessel, you'll want to check the sails and rigging as well.
It's a good idea to perform a test drive, especially before a multi-day trip. If possible, invest in a good quality anchor as an extra to prepare for unexpected circumstances.
Check the Tide Schedules
Although the tides may be familiar when navigating local waterways, checking the tide schedules is still important. High tide and low tides typically occur twice a day at six-hour intervals. The rise and fall of fluctuating water levels can cause strong currents.
Navigate the Waterways With Quality Equipment From Fawcett Boat Supplies
Ensuring smooth navigation is all about planning, protecting wildlife, keeping your passengers safe and using the best tools to make boating easier and more rewarding. At Fawcett Boat Supplies, we have over 75 years of providing in-depth knowledge and expertise to sailors like you. Our goal is to help you find the products you need for a seamless boating experience.
We can even find some esoteric parts and help you with your service needs. We want to keep you on the water, enjoying the relaxing ebb and flow of the waves and spending quality time with friends and family. So, feel free to chat with us about your boating needs or shop our products online today.