Navigation on passage
- Fix position by more than one means — visual bearings, transits, a radar range, depth, and GNSS cross-checked against them.
- Keep a dead-reckoning and estimated position between fixes, allowing for the tidal stream and for leeway.
- Work the tidal height and stream for the passage and for the harbour approach and entry.
- Use the chartplotter and radar as aids that support, not replace, keeping track of where the boat is.
Pilotage
Pilotage is close-quarters navigation by eye and simple technique, prepared in advance so the skipper can look out of the boat on the way in. A pilotage plan drawn from the chart and pilot book identifies leading lines and transits to follow, clearing bearings to stay off the dangers, a safe depth contour as a backstop, and the sequence of buoys and lights to expect. With the plan on a card in the cockpit, the skipper conns the boat against the real world while a crew member watches the depth and keeps a lookout.
Pilotage into an unfamiliar harbour
- Prepare the plan from the chart and pilot book before arrival: transits, clearing bearings, safe depth, buoyage and lights.
- Identify any tidal gate or bar and time the approach for enough water.
- Brief the crew: who watches the depth, who calls the buoys, who handles lines.
- Execute by eye against the plan, keeping a safe speed and an escape route until committed.
TIP — A transit is the most accurate line at sea Two fixed objects kept in line give a precise leading line to follow, or a clearing line to stay clear of danger — more reliable than a single compass bearing because it needs no instrument and no correction.
WARNING — Keep your eyes out of the boat In pilotage waters the danger is close and changes fast. Prepare the plan beforehand so you are conning by eye, not navigating head-down on the plotter as the boat runs onto a mark.