| It happens every year. Another cruising sailboat or | | | | turned at a 90 degree angle, inside the open gap. This |
| powerboat gets an unintended haircut passing under a | | | | means that a central bridge segment pivots between |
| bridge too low for their mast or antenna height. You | | | | the spans to allow one-way traffic through each side. |
| can avoid this expensive lesson when you know these | | | | Use great care when you pass through a swing |
| five easy to learn sailing tips on chart navigation bridge | | | | bridge. Just like on the roads, there might be someone |
| symbols at a glance! | | | | that tries to pass through the wrong way on a |
| Fixed Bridges Make Unbroken Lines | | | | one-way! Call the bridge tender to request passage. |
| Look for an unbroken line between the river or channel | | | | Lift Bridge Monsters on Stilts |
| banks. This indicates a fixed bridge. Near the end of | | | | Imagine a giant transformer on stilts and you have the |
| the span, you will see notes on the vertical and | | | | lift bridge. On your nautical chart, look for an unbroken |
| horizontal clearance. Vertical clearance tells you the | | | | span with two small arcs, or "eyebrows", near the |
| approximate amount of room you can expect at an | | | | center. These monsters rise between their legs like a |
| average high tide. | | | | massive elevator. Stay clear until you are positive that |
| But twice twice a month, at the time of a full or new | | | | the bridge has stopped at the top. As before, you |
| moon, higher tides, called "spring tides" will occur. This | | | | must call ahead to request an opening from the bridge |
| means you will have much less clearance than stated | | | | tender. |
| on your navigational chart. Look in your paper or | | | | How to Request a Bridge Opening Without a Radio |
| nautical almanac to keep track of these periods. | | | | What do you do if you are unable to contact the |
| Bascule Bridges Break in Midstream | | | | bridge tender by radio? Use your whistle or fog horn. |
| Do you see an open gap in the middle of the span, | | | | Use these signals. Notice that you must receive one of |
| with two small arcs, or "eyebrows" on the ends? This | | | | two signals from the bridge tender. |
| indicates a bascule bridge, also called a drawbridge. | | | | Boat Signal: |
| Just like those old drawbridges from King Arthur's time, | | | | "I request an opening"--"One prolonged (4-6 second) |
| bascules open their draws--or leafs--on one or both | | | | blast followed by one short (1 second) blast. |
| sides to allow vessels through. | | | | Bridge Tender: |
| Call the bridge tender to request passage through a | | | | "I will open the bridge"--One prolonged blast followed |
| bascule bridge. Make your call on VHF channel 16, shift | | | | by one short blast. Or, "I cannot open the bridge"--Five |
| to channel 13 to communicate. In Florida, use VHF | | | | short blasts. |
| Channel 9 for bridge requests. (see below if you are | | | | Use these five easy sailing tips to learn chart |
| unable to communicate by radio). | | | | navigation bridge symbols and signals for sailing safety. |
| Swing Bridges for One-Way Traffic | | | | Keep your sailing season safe and fun and boost your |
| Similar to bascules, the swing bridge chart symbol | | | | sailing skipper skills to a whole new level! |
| shows one subtle difference. Look for a small bar, | | | | |