I need a lesson concerning bridges

Richie89

Richie89

Active Member
Aug 20, 2012
599
Miami Beach, FL
Boat Info
450 Sundancer
Engines
Twin Cummins 480 Zeus
What are general rules? If I can fit, can I always go under?
i once slowed for a draw bridge that had a blinking rd light, trying to figure out what I should do and got blasted by following boat.
Wanting general rules of the ICW so I don't hinder others.

also, is the 2 honks for passing on starboard, and one for passing on port appreciated? I feel bad honking sometimes. I always slow and pass with minimal wake, but rarely blast horn. But always give the smiling wave.
 
I did the passing horn signal every time for the two years that I owned my 300DA. Not once did anyone toot back like they are supposed to. However I had a "quacker" horn so they probably just thought I was a duck swimming by.
 
Can't help you with your bridges back there but I would say the majority of boaters have no idea what the horn signals mean.
 
Richie89 said:
What are general rules? If I can fit, can I always go under?

If I can fit under I do. Only thing to watch for is if the bridge is closed and other boats are waiting. There are general rules of the road concerning who goes first. Depends on current and maneuverability.

I tend to wait on the boats stacked up waiting up current, because it's easier for boats to station keep with their bow into the current. I'm not sure that's the rule but it's what I do.

On the St Johns river near Palatka, there is a railroad bridge that only opens at designated times. With my walkaround boat that had an aluminum half tower, I could put down all antennas and make it under.....IF as I went under I pushed on the bottom of the bridge structure, making the boat sink lower in the water to clear the mounts!!! I know crazy huh. haha
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Alright, so it seems that blowing horn for overtaking isn't done much.
other research told me that for bridges that I need drawn, that they 'open on signal'. Does that mean the long then short blast, or hailing on ch. 13?
thanks for the info so far
 
In the off chance I need a bridge opening, I hail the bridge tender on the vhf and ask for an opening.

Make sure, if you ask for an opening you can't fit under even if you lower everything possible! I've heard of people (big sportfish boats) getting ticketed for not doing that. I guess due to cut backs sometimes a bridge doesn't have a dedicated tender, and someone needs to go there to open it.
 
We have one of the few (only 83 in the USA) swing bridges built in 1925 at Casey Key in FL so often have to pass through it. We hail the bridge tender for an opening and just hold off until our turn. If we are first there, we go through first, if another vessel is holding off the other side we wait for them to come through if we don't get instructions from the bridge tender on when to pass through. Whatever he/she says goes.......and woe betide you if you ask for an opening and your boat would go under without being opened !!!

http://www.simplysarasota.com/Bridges-Of-Casey-Key.html
 
Each of the bridges will have a radio call sign and name. If you call them on VHF13 using their call sign and name ("KQ9048, Upper Columbia Bridge, this is Beachcomber") , they will respond. Let them know what you need and they'll usually come back with an ETA to a raised bridge if traffic conditions won't let them open it right away.

Make sure before you call them that you know you won't clear with the bridge down. They get pi$$ed if you didn't first check to see what their clearance is (do that at home on Active Captain!) and ask them to raise it if you didn't really need it raised. Also, some will want you to be right there at the bridge before they'll open it to minimize the time it needs to be raised and traffic stopped.

There are a few bridges and locks that we frequently use. I ALWAYS thank them on the VHF and call them Sir. They appreciate the courtesy and in return I get very good service from them.
 
My observations:

I don't see captains using horn blasts for passing, or otherwise, unless they are commercial. Mainly hailing on VHF or hand gestures, shrugs, or the finger.....

Regarding bridges.... Hail the bridge if you need an opening and provide your boats name. Also thank them for the opening when you clear the bridge. I would take a ticket over possibly hitting a bridge any day. I've never seen a bridge that didn't err on the side of caution.
 
I think I'm still the only boat on the GSB that use the horn signals and other boaters look at me like they did something wrong they usually get mad. (Prob cause they can't believe I'm passing anyone) I just like to warn them there's a large wake coming any second. Hehehe
 
Boat Guy said:
My observations:

I don't see captains using horn blasts for passing, or otherwise, unless they are commercial. Mainly hailing on VHF or hand gestures, shrugs, or the finger.....

Regarding bridges.... Hail the bridge if you need an opening and provide your boats name. Also thank them for the opening when you clear the bridge. I would take a ticket over possibly hitting a bridge any day. I've never seen a bridge that didn't err on the side of caution.
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It is more than just a ticket BTW>

According to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, you may be subject to both criminal and civil penalties for causing an unnecessary bridge opening because of "any nonstructural vessel appurtenance which is not essential to navigation or which is easily lowered." In other words, if the only thing making you open the bridge is your VHF antenna or outriggers, take them down. These same regulations also provide penalties for any bridge tender who "unnecessarily delays the opening of a drawbridge after the required signal has been given."
 
Many bridges on the ICW open on a set schedule so it makes sense to learn the schedule for the bridges you will encounter. Try to time your arrival to the opening schedule so you don't have to wait. If a bridge opens on request hail the bridge tender on ch. 13 or 9 as soon as the bridge comes into view. Tell the bridge tender your boat name and type as well as the direction your are approaching from. Politely ask for the bridge to open so you can pass.
 
I agree on the horn signals. It's very uncommon in recreational community. VHF is the primary communication method. But, don't be surprised if you're being ignored, as not everyone recreational boater understands the importance and need on properly operating the VHF.

Regarding the bridges it comes down few simple steps:

1. Float Plat - as part of your float plan you should study the charts and understand what to expect along the way. Note all the bridges you'll be passing. Charts have the vertical and horizontal clearance at MHW. They usually state what type of bridge it is. To have additional source of info, including getting the bridge operation schedule either google the bridge name or go to Active Captain or Waterways Guide sites and review details for the bridge. Quite often you'll be able to get exact schedule, VHF channel (most likely CH13), phone number to call and other contact info.

2. Know the bridge clearance of your boat with the antennas down. Based on the info you've learned during your homework, determine whether you'll need to raise a bridge.

3. Communication - During boating season or just in a busy waterways, often enough all you need is just to monitor CH13 and hear how other vessels making their approach and communicating with the bridge regarding the opening. Regardless, it's best practice to contact a bridge operator in advance (while you're couple miles away) to verify the next opening (if this info wasn't broadcasted just few minutes ago with another vessel), clarify the most current vertical clearance (this is important for bridges where you need just a foot or two extra, b/c in some conditions you might just make it) and let them know your position and direction, and that you're making your way toward the bridge. Establishing advanced communication will help you a lot. You'll know all necessary info and it'll allow you to adjust your plan accordingly. If you're early you can simply slow down and arrive to the bridge few minutes before opening (this is much better vs. just idle and dance around other boats while waiting), or you may need to speed up not to miss the opening.

Timing bridges is important, b/c in some areas the room to idle is limited and the current could be VERY strong. It's not fun to hold your position in a 3-4kts current while you're surrounded by several boats who could be struggling more than you're.

It's important to remember that even if you're timed perfectly next scheduled opening, if there's no boating traffic or no communication with a bridge operator, they're not obligated to raise the bridge. So, that's another reason to make sure you're communicating with the bridge.

4. Clearing the bridge - usually there's some current while passing under a bridge, so allow plenty of room between a boat in font of you (if there's one). Don't be too gentle, you need to make sure to adjust the speed/RPMs to have enough control for safe passage. If need to, don't hesitate to bump the throttles just a bit to maintain control.

5. Once you're cleared the bridge, thank the bridge operator for the opening.

Hope this helps a little.
 
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I think that sound signals for some communications have become obsolete, while others are still very meaningful due to technology and cost.

For example, we boat in NW Fla where the ICW is comprised of land cuts ("the ditch"), rivers and creeks as well as bays. I never hear a sound signal for overtaking or passing. The usual practice is to hail the approaching vessel on VHF-16 and declare your intentions or ask his preference in the case of a large tow, a slow vessel or sailboat. When a commercial vessel calls and says "one whistle, captain" , I will confirm with "understand port to post passage....thank you and have a good day, sir".

We still hear sound signals for large vessels backing away from a dock, etc.
 
hey Captain Rusty,
if i am passing so the overtaken boat is on my port side, i give 2 honks. one if the overtaking boat is on my starboard. right?

and thanks so much to all for the info. i feel i know a whole lot more now.
 
Richie89 said:
hey Captain Rusty,
if i am passing so the overtaken boat is on my port side, i give 2 honks. one if the overtaking boat is on my starboard. right?

and thanks so much to all for the info. i feel i know a whole lot more now.
Click to expand...

I know I am not Rusty but you have it backwards. One toot if the stand on boat is on your port side. Two toots if it's on your starboard side.
 
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