Copyright 2008 Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. The Weekend Navigator Part II Copyright 2008 Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Chapter 22: Navigating Under Adverse Conditions

Limited Visibility Lookout and sound signals Navigating with electronics Radar Radio

Limited Visibility Lookout and sound signals Look out required when underway Reduce your speed in order to stop in half the distance Sound a signal every two minutes Powerboats sound one prolonged (4-6 seconds) blast Sailboats underway sound one prolonged and two short (1 second)

Limited Visibility Navigating with electronics GPS and depth sounders do not warn of other boats Radar should be your primary navigation instrument

Limited Visibility Radar Shut off the automatic gain and filter controls Advance gain and rain filters to view speckles on the display Set the range scale to close range and the VRM to about 1/10th mile Set the trail to distinguish between moving and fixed objects

Limited Visibility Radio Monitor channel 16 and 13 if near shipping lanes Communicate with “unknown vessels” Let them know your intentions and position

Wind and Sea Pick routes that minimize adverse effects Head into seas an angle (usually 45o) Be careful not to broach (turn over) Prepare crew and boat for heavy seas All crew should wear their life jackets Slow your speed Maintain a lookout