![]() Maintaining a safe speed allows you to take evasive action once you spot the telltale signs of a shallow section. There is also the risk of seriously hurting someone. Not only will you damage your watercraft beyond repair. When a boat runs aground at high speed, it can have disastrous consequences. Unfortunately, over-speeding increases your risk of hitting the bottom. It is tempting to go full speed, especially if you do not see other vessels in the water. ![]() While you should steer clear of shipping lanes, this observation tells you that this particular area is safe enough for you to pilot your boat without running aground. On the other hand, a cruise liner or a cargo ship with a deep draft can indicate the vessel is running in deeper waters. Or, it is also possible that the watercraft is too light that it does not displace that much water. For example, if you see a boat riding too high in the water – having a shallow draft – it could mean that the vessel is treading shallow depths. Waves are more pronounced in shallow waters than in deep sections.Ī good lookout must know how to interpret observations. That is why the lookout must be able to identify wave pattern changes. Unfortunately, spotting color changes can be difficult after heavy rain or in foggy weather. You can have a boat stuck on sandbar if you proceed any further. These plants tell you that you are treading in depths not suitable for boating. In some instances, the lookout may even spot weed-beds under the water’s surface. For example, a sudden change in the water’s color from dark to light hue often indicates you are moving towards a shallower section. Assign Someone to be a LookoutĪs a general rule, somebody in the boat must always stand watch for any objects on and in the water. That is why it would be best to observe a few other things. When a boat runs aground, it could be due to other reasons. How Else Can You Avoid Running AgroundĮven with a heightened sense of awareness cannot prevent running aground every time. You should be able to make a quick turn if you notice you are nearing shallow waters. It is also essential to understand your boat’s maneuverability and stopping distance. It also has two horizontal orange bands sandwiching the diamond.Ī hazard buoy can indicate shallow waters, a shoal, rocks, or other threats under the water. This buoy is easy to spot because you can see an open-faced orange diamond on a white background. One buoy you should look out for is a hazard non-lateral marker. If you notice many boaters avoiding a specific area, there must be a good reason for it.īe vigilant about channel markers, especially non-lateral buoys. It will also help if you know the location of other watercraft in your immediate vicinity. It may be effortless to spot a moving boat in the bay from the shore, but challenging when you are already in the water. Situational awareness is essential when boating, especially in unfamiliar waters.įor starters, it would be best to check visibility levels. There is a detailed guide on things you should do first if your boat runs aground. Depending on how fast you are going, you can damage your vessel’s hull, allowing water to leak and flood your boat. If you run your boat aground, it gets stuck in the sandy bottom or whatever geological feature is under the water. The water is not deep enough to keep your watercraft afloat. It happens if you pilot your vessel in shallow waters. Running aground means hitting the boat’s hull against the bottom of a waterway. That is why it would be best to clarify any preconceived notions you may have about this phenomenon. Not everyone understands the run aground meaning. Download and Install a Marine Navigation App
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