It started as a perfect day. The sun was shining. Not a cloud in the sky. Then, the fog rolled in.
No visibility. You've lost all sense of visual direction. It isn't easy to know where the sounds of the sea are originating. If this hasn't happened to you yet, it will. Be prepared.
Ancient mariners relied heavily on celestial navigation. Compasses made it possible for sailors to navigate overcast days when they could not see the sun or stars. Early mariners' compasses were made by placing a magnetized needle attached to a piece of wood into a bowl of water.
Today, the task is more straightforward with sophisticated radar and GPS navigation systems but not foolproof. As a result, sea captains and leisure boaters alike need to be educated on navigating the waters in dense fog.
10 Tips for Boating in Foggy Conditions
- Use Common Sense
- Check weather forecasts before you head out. If a temperature change is predicted, fog will be involved.
- Slow Down
- Don't Be Afraid to Stop and Drop Anchor, if Necessary.
- Know and Use Your Sound Signals.
- Blow your horn every minute
- Utilize Your Onboard Electronics.
- Enlist the Help of Your Crew. Have Each Person Man a Watch Position on the Vessel.
- Turn On Your Navigational Lights.
- Watch Your Depth Finder or Fish Finder.
Best Navigation Systems for Navigating Fog
Furuno 1935 4kW 3.5' Open Array 10.4" Color LCD Radar
Furuno's new 1935 Radar is a high contrast 10.4" color LCD radar designed for various vessels, including pleasure craft, fishing boats, and workboats. This new radar offers crystal clear target presentation with automatic Gain/Sea/Rain controls to deliver noise-free radar presentation.
The 1935 allows you to see far away objects before they are visible and allows you to see in the dark, fog, or during periods of obstructed visibility in any weather condition.
Lighting the Way in Fog
Rigid Industries carries a full line of compliant fog lights and mounts for the best lights to use in foggy conditions.
RIGID Industries D-Series SAE Compliant Fog Light - Black w/Yellow Light
CLR Marine carries both the Furuno 1935 4kw navigation systems and the Rigid Industries fog lights listed above. Visit www.clrmarine.com.
A nasty expense of fog suddenly rolling in while you are on the water can be a scary proposition. Consider the area where you are boating. Is there the possibility of crab pots in the water? Are there finger docks that are not well lit at night? Do you know where the harbor's buoys are located?
Prepare yourself for the worst conditions and take every precaution to be safe.
Fair Winds and Smooth Sailing
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Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past-Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 - Chicago region.
©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.
