Compass Headings, Bar Entrance, Passes and Narrows



Home Maintenance Weather Planning & Resources Spare Parts & Boat Outfit Troubleshooting Navigation & Equipment Vessel Conduct Rules of the Road Safety Equipment & Vessel Paperwork Trip Planning Maneuvering & Anchoring Bar Entrances, Passes & Narrows Distances Reference Mariner Math Port Information Panama Canal Information Vessel Delivery Service Providers The Checklist	Bar Entrance, Passes & Narrows Bar Entrance Crossing Conditions on the bar are affected directly by the incoming swell/wave height and the speed of the outgoing tidal current. As swell and large wind waves approach shallow water, they will slow, steepen and gain height. This is amplified greatly at the entrance during the Ebb tide. Plan your departure or arrival to coincide with the Slack or Flood tide. Do not cross shoal areas. Stay in the channel at all times. You can quickly find yourself being set outside the channel. If crossing during a strong Ebb current, outside conditions should be no more than a 5 foot long period swell, or a 3 foot chop. If in doubt, call the USCG on Ch-16 for a Bar report. Passes and Narrows Many Passes and Narrows are extremely hazardous during Max Current. Plan your arrival and transit as close to Slack water as possible. Decision Making Always plan and think ahead. Before making a decision ask yourself the following: Is this a good idea or a bad idea. Does this feel right or wrong. Does this feel safe or unsafe. Be safe, prudent and cautious in your decision making.	Click to purchase the printed version of The Checklist.

Bar Entrance, Passes & Narrows