Boating Tip: Bridge Passage
BOB PLOTKIN/CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The railroad bridge across the St. Lucie River is one of many bridges Treasure Coast boaters must traverse when boating here.
Traveling the inland waterways is a pleasant experience with a few special challenges, especially for larger boats and sailboats. Know what to do when approaching a bridge.
Know the boat's vertical clearance. It is illegal to cause an unnecessary bridge opening.
Know a bridge's minimum clearance. Many charts indicate it, but a clearance board for the bridge will be on the right side of the channel.
Know a bridge's operating hours and preferred method of contact.
Pass through a bridge at idle speed.
Sound signal bridge, if necessary, with one long horn blast, followed 3 seconds later by one short blast. The bridge will respond. A "No" signal from the bridge will be five short blasts.
No comments:
Post a Comment