Local conditions
THE DOs and DON’Ts of CROSSING THE NAROOMA BAR
This document is published in the interests of SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA and is a GUIDE ONLY.
The ultimate decisions made at sea are YOURS, you’re the skipper, you’re responsible!
COMMONSENSE is important in all travel at sea. Keep all boating equipment, motors, steering, radios etc. in first class condition and WEAR lifejackets (mandatory!) when crossing the Narooma Bar. When operating your vessel, you have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of everyone onboard your vessel. This includes having the right safety equipment, emergency procedures and ensuring the safety or your crew and passengers. You, as Master of the vessel, will make the final decision as to whether you deem it safe or not to travel, dependent on the weather and bar conditions. If in doubt don’t go out; wait for a better day.
BEFORE PROCEEDING TO SEA
DO
listen to, or, watch the weather forecasts. Take note of winds, types of seas and tidal information.
And Log-on with Marine Rescue on VHF Ch 16
DO NOT
put to sea if strong or gale force winds are forecast, or if seas and swells are large.
ON PUTTING TO SEA
DO
put to sea, if possible, on an incoming tide. Even small waves break at the entrance on an outgoing (ebb) tide.
DO NOT
proceed if in any doubt. Watch other boats or talk to locals about the conditions.
A good view of the Bar can be had from Bar Rock Lookout or the Marine Rescue base.
DO
study wave patterns. Watch the size of waves. Observe which are the biggest and their spacing. Watch for ‘lulls’.
DO NOT
rush out over the Bar without pausing to look first. Always be wary if the swell is from the east or northeast, especially on an ebb tide.
DO
proceed from a point near the northern breakwater wall towards the end of the southern wall. It is shorter and once clear of the wall, turn slightly south-east towards Montague Island. You will clear the rougher water quicker. (This applies in most situations; however, conditions do vary so be prepared for all eventualities)
DO NOT
allow your vessel to become airborne over a wave. If a big wave is building, keep well back and allow it to break well in front of you, or get to it before it curls, cutting back your throttle as you crest over the top.
DO
travel swiftly once clear to get away from the wave build-ups, watching at all times for the unexpected ‘big one’.
ON YOUR RETURN
DO
approach from the southeast. Stop in deep water and watch the wave pattern, keeping clear of steep or breaking waves. Keep your bow pointing north or east. Never allow the stern to point to the incoming sea.
DO NOT
follow in the first big wave; wait for a smaller one towards the end of the set.
DO
keep the bow of the boat at the back of the wave you are following.
DO NOT
allow your speed to take you over the crest of the wave you are following.
DO
reduce speed quickly if cavitation occurs in the white water of a breaking wave in front of you, then gradually open the throttle to keep ahead of any following wave.
DO NOT
stay out fishing in a big swell from the east or north-east if an ebb tide is due.
DO NOT
forget to Log-Off on VHF Ch 16
For further information please contact Marine Rescue Narooma on VHF Channel 16 or us call us on 02 4475 7500