navigating at night Archives - Safe Skipper Boating & Safety Afloat Apps for phones & tablets

Navigating narrow channels

by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Boat Maintenance, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Navigating narrow channels can present challenges for boat operators due to limited space, restricted manoeuvrability, and potential hazards such as shallows, rocks, or other vessels. To ensure safe passage through narrow channels, it’s essential to follow...

Light characteristics – how do navigators identify lights at night?

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Navigation, Preparation

How do navigators identify the different types of light around our coasts at night and what are their characteristics?Navigating at night is made possible through an assortment of navigation aids, both ancient and modern. Lights are arguably the most important of...

Sector lights, directional lights, leading lights – how do they differ?

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Navigation, Preparation

Sector lights, directional lights and leading lights guide vessels safely through hazardous waters or narrow channels at night. These lights are used when approaching or leaving harbours and are marked on charts and in nautical almanacs. How do they differ from one...