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Entrance to River Yealm. Transit and the Bar from Misery Point
Two White boards / black stripe in transit on the hill, port hand mark ahead on the shoreline

‘Pilotage is close quarters navigation – mainly using the Mk 1 eyeball’

Usually needed when leaving or entering a harbour.  This is the time when your boat is closest to hazards, and may be at the end of a tiring passage.  It is essential to plan ahead for hazards like shoals, rocks, narrow  channels, traffic, chain ferries, cross tides, and useful marks and lights. Also have available any port traffic signals - see  International_Port_Traffic_Signals.

You do not want to be continually referring to a chart, use a sketch map plan with notes for quick reference.  Pilot books are most useful.

Techniques and tools to use:

• Transits are often usable at harbour entrances, and are very simple to follow and very accurate
• Harbours often provide lights or beacons in transit
• Directional lights show a safe passage if you stay within the beam.
• Moiré lights serve the same purpose see Moire light and HAT Vertical clearances
• Clearing bearings and clearing transits - keeping a mark 'open'  with another feature.
• Back bearings
• Bearing and distance run
• Depth contours – good in bad visibility.
• Stay on the up wind side of a channel.
• Aim well to the safe side of a danger
• Plotting sheets – bearing to next mark (see below)
• If in doubt enter on a rising tide

Other factors:

• If in any doubt keep up-wind and up-tide of your destination

• Use appropriate contour and tidal heights

• Keep your hand-bearing compass ready for use

• Monitor working VHF channels and Ch 16

• Local signals at entrance and/or International signals International_Port_Traffic_Signals.

• Marina / Lock opening times.

• Buoy sounds, e.g. wave activated bell.

Traffic Lights - International Port Traffic Signals

Signals may be found at locks, bridges and harbour entrances. They will not necessarily follow the IPTS conventions below. They are not the same as CEVNI signals for inland waterways.

Make sure you know the meaning of local signs; for instance, there is a stop signal on the harbour wall at St Peter Port; but it does not apply to small vessels less than 15m in length! All local signals can be found in your almanac or pilot book. Monitor the local port control VHF channel - in Dover this is compulsory.

The IPTS signals and International Code Flags are on my Signals / Distress / Mayday / SOLAS skills cards - see   SKYSAIL NAVIGATION SKILLS CHARTS £2.50 each

Sketch Plan

Example - the Needles Channel

posted 11th April 2011