A bit of information on how to cross coastal bars safely. If you would like to support this project have a look • Become a Bar Patron and contact me by email.
Thanks for the video, it had some good points and several very welcome reminders. It should be noted that some of the advice is good for all boats, but some is more pertinent for large/sailing boats. (Staying out overnight is not tenable for most small power boats.) Just to add some VMR-related information: (Ex VMR.) Some of my comments below are generic and generalised - please take with a pinch of salt. The VMR stations are only manned on weekends/public holidays. The majority of volunteers are amateur mariners at best and for some volunteers who have no boat of their own, it is the only way that they can actually get on the water. In general most volunteers prefer to be out on the boats. Typically, the shift system will put a volunteer on duty one day per month - this is not their day-job. As a result, if they are not otherwise experienced or qualified, they cannot be considered either knowledgeable or reliable sources. The best-case is that they will read out the most recent wind and tide numbers from the morning local BOM (Australian weather and tides) print-out. It is unusual to find a volunteer who prefers to man the radio. There are volunteers who do, but they are exceptions. Therefore sometimes, the person on the radio might be a low-ranked, inexperienced and reluctant volunteer who would rather be out on the boats. (Knowledgeable and higher-skilled individuals are usually awarded higher-ranks, and therefore are unlikely to be manning the radio.) VMR policy is never to advise on any subject - with a heavy emphasis on bar crossings. At my station, any volunteer caught giving advice would be subject to sanctions by the committee.
Thanks Norm ... I only cross bars occasionally and this video was a great reminder of all the little things that need to be assessed. When I was 13 my father nearly sank his 50ft powerboat on the South Passage bar in Moreton Bay. I was onboard and while he was very experienced, alcohol and the late afternoon sun making visibility really hard were the main issues - ending with props and rudders all pushed into the hull after missing the main entrance and broaching on a big wave. His mates (with no responsibility) kept saying "have another beer mate and relax, lets keep fishing for another hour" ..... all too common and "liquid courage" is not a good thing as a healthy respect for bars is a better option. That was 40 years ago and it's never left me - so you won't find a better prepared boater than me crossing bars ... so what Norm said is spot-on ... don't not cross bars out of fear - just have a checklist and make sure you have ticked-off all the basics to reduce the risk ... as the lure of calm water when you've been out in a horrible sea is sometimes too much for even the most experienced boater considering its just there ... so if you do chance-it, prepare the boat for the worse-case eg gear, batteries, people all being thrown violently and water entering every opening ... and possible engine/steering loss ...drowning is the biggest killer so LIFE JACKETS fitted properly must be worn ... even if you think you're Grant Kenny (now that's a name a few of my vintage might remember)
Great video Norm. I'm moving boats up and down the East Coast constantly and I would say we have some of the most dangerous bars in Australia. On why the VMR wont tell you its ok to cross a bar. 2 reasons. 1. They do not know the expeeience, skills and ability level of the Skipper and crew. 2. They do not know the ability or condition of the vessel. The Skipper does and that is why he or she must make the decision. As they say, it's why we get paid the big bucks!! Keep the info videos coming. They're invaluable for novices.
Good info Norm ....just crossed St Helens bar today bit hairy St Helens sea rescue met us on the inside Garmin Charts not even close to accurate so glad we did not rely on them See you in Tassie soon
Hi Norm…have you had any experience you can share about the Noosa Bar? We are currently in the Broad Water Goldy and heading up closer to the end of September to cross the Noosa Bar. Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers Suzy & Pete
Yeah Dude, Have been across a couple of times. Wait for excellent weather and high tide. That bar moves a bit so what I usually do is wait off until a few boats have crossed. This will give you an idea of where the deep water is. Contact the VMR for directions, use the bar cam. Once you're in there is a good anchorage to port when you get in the river. It's a nasty one, so take care.
Hello Mumbo .This may help. I would however suggest that you enrol in a safe boating and navigation course. Cheers. www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/navigation-marks-lights-and-sounds/navigation-marks
Lead lights or leads in line or sometimes high intensity directional light. Back marker higher than front... line them up and travel along that transit. High Intensity(very bright ..visible by day)leads usually White on course ..Red to far to port...Green..to far to Starboard.. Hope this helps...sorry for late response.
Thanks for the video, it had some good points and several very welcome reminders.
It should be noted that some of the advice is good for all boats, but some is more pertinent for large/sailing boats.
(Staying out overnight is not tenable for most small power boats.)
Just to add some VMR-related information: (Ex VMR.)
Some of my comments below are generic and generalised - please take with a pinch of salt.
The VMR stations are only manned on weekends/public holidays.
The majority of volunteers are amateur mariners at best and for some volunteers who have no boat of their own, it is the only way that they can actually get on the water.
In general most volunteers prefer to be out on the boats.
Typically, the shift system will put a volunteer on duty one day per month - this is not their day-job.
As a result, if they are not otherwise experienced or qualified, they cannot be considered either knowledgeable or reliable sources.
The best-case is that they will read out the most recent wind and tide numbers from the morning local BOM (Australian weather and tides) print-out.
It is unusual to find a volunteer who prefers to man the radio. There are volunteers who do, but they are exceptions.
Therefore sometimes, the person on the radio might be a low-ranked, inexperienced and reluctant volunteer who would rather be out on the boats.
(Knowledgeable and higher-skilled individuals are usually awarded higher-ranks, and therefore are unlikely to be manning the radio.)
VMR policy is never to advise on any subject - with a heavy emphasis on bar crossings.
At my station, any volunteer caught giving advice would be subject to sanctions by the committee.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks Norm ... I only cross bars occasionally and this video was a great reminder of all the little things that need to be assessed.
When I was 13 my father nearly sank his 50ft powerboat on the South Passage bar in Moreton Bay. I was onboard and while he was very experienced, alcohol and the late afternoon sun making visibility really hard were the main issues - ending with props and rudders all pushed into the hull after missing the main entrance and broaching on a big wave.
His mates (with no responsibility) kept saying "have another beer mate and relax, lets keep fishing for another hour" ..... all too common and "liquid courage" is not a good thing as a healthy respect for bars is a better option.
That was 40 years ago and it's never left me - so you won't find a better prepared boater than me crossing bars ... so what Norm said is spot-on ... don't not cross bars out of fear - just have a checklist and make sure you have ticked-off all the basics to reduce the risk ... as the lure of calm water when you've been out in a horrible sea is sometimes too much for even the most experienced boater considering its just there ... so if you do chance-it, prepare the boat for the worse-case eg gear, batteries, people all being thrown violently and water entering every opening ... and possible engine/steering loss ...drowning is the biggest killer so LIFE JACKETS fitted properly must be worn ... even if you think you're Grant Kenny (now that's a name a few of my vintage might remember)
Thanks for the comments. Yep beer and boating???
More boating and less beer is the go.
Thank you for sharing your wealth of experience.
Thank you. hope it helps.
Thanks Norm. Another helpful video.
Glad to help dude.
Thanks Norm, great introduction.
Thanks for the comment Michael
Thank you Norm. Great stuff.
Thanks.
Thank you, wonderful video. Very useful.
Thank you for watching.
Brilliant advice!
Thanks
This is brilliant, thank you!
You're very welcome!
Such Excellent educational video, thank you sir, wish you all the best and safe on the water!!
Thanks dude. Thanks for the comment.
Great information Norm.
Glad it was helpful Graham. Gives me a great focus for the trip south.
Great video Norm. I'm moving boats up and down the East Coast constantly and I would say we have some of the most dangerous bars in Australia. On why the VMR wont tell you its ok to cross a bar. 2 reasons. 1. They do not know the expeeience, skills and ability level of the Skipper and crew. 2. They do not know the ability or condition of the vessel. The Skipper does and that is why he or she must make the decision. As they say, it's why we get paid the big bucks!! Keep the info videos coming. They're invaluable for novices.
Yep all true. Hope people understand and hope these vids help them to make informed decisions.
Great video norm perfectly explained
Thanks Richard
Thanks mate. Good video.
Thanks for the comment.
Good info Norm ....just crossed St Helens bar today bit hairy St Helens sea rescue met us on the inside Garmin Charts not even close to accurate so glad we did not rely on them See you in Tassie soon
Yeah it can be a bit ordinary. Think I've crossed it 6 times ...once when I shouldn't have. The VMR boys do a great job.
Great video Norm
Thank You
So informative! ❤
Thank You. please share.
Well done norm
Thanks for th that.
Thanks Norm
Thanks Richard
Thankyou for that
No problems
Thanks
No Probs.
Hi Norm…have you had any experience you can share about the Noosa Bar? We are currently in the Broad Water Goldy and heading up closer to the end of September to cross the Noosa Bar. Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers Suzy & Pete
Yeah Dude, Have been across a couple of times.
Wait for excellent weather and high tide. That bar moves a bit so what I usually do is wait off until a few boats have crossed. This will give you an idea of where the deep water is. Contact the VMR for directions, use the bar cam. Once you're in there is a good anchorage to port when you get in the river.
It's a nasty one, so take care.
Good stuff. However I have tried to find out about 'leed lights' and can find nothing!! What are they and how are they used? Thanks
Hello Mumbo .This may help. I would however suggest that you enrol in a safe boating and navigation course. Cheers.
www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/navigation-marks-lights-and-sounds/navigation-marks
Lead lights or leads in line or sometimes high intensity directional light. Back marker higher than front... line them up and travel along that transit. High Intensity(very bright ..visible by day)leads usually White on course ..Red to far to port...Green..to far to Starboard..
Hope this helps...sorry for late response.
Hey Normie, can you adjust the thumbnail spelling of “Totorial”? Otherwise great stuff!
Done dude.
A damn fine job you did there Norm on the Title. A tad easier than fixing those tanks!!!
Ex-pusser?
???