Re: [Paddlewise] crossing ship channels safely?

In a message dated 6/25/00 11:16:40 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
klagjf_at_worldnet.att.net writes:

> (Snipped to death) What are safety considerations on crossing shipping 
channels?  How do you
>  know when you are in the channel?  

There have been some great answers to Jerry's questions so far.

One thing I'll add are some suggestions to make a GPS effective for crossing 
lanes.  During your pre-trip preparation, enter waypoints (taken from your 
chart) for the entry and exit points into and out of the lanes and the 
separation zone along your route.  Have your GPS running on the route 
function when you approach the lanes and correct for drift as needed to make 
sure you are on your course before you reach the first entry point.  Take a 
food/water/bio break before entering the lanes, maybe at the midpoint of the 
separation lane, and then not until you are well clear of the 
opposite-direction lane.  Things can get a bit too busy to sit and read and 
compare lat/lon figures in your head as you approach the lanes in trying 
conditions.

Safe passages,
Harold
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************