4. Crossing the bar
Bars around the
coast of New Zealand are notorious for accidents and demand special care.
Below are
important safety tips you should follow BEFORE
you cross the bar.
Before you cross the bar.
- Communicate your plans to the harbour master or a shore
station.
- Check weather, tide and bar conditions.
- Watch it for a while and assess the channel.
- Ensure adequate stability.
- Ask for local knowledge if first time.
- Batten down.
- All crew must be awake and wearing life jackets.
- Approach at moderate speed.
- Post a lookout to monitor sea conditions behind.
- Confirm successful crossing.
In November 2001 Maritime NZ issued Boat Notice 10/2001 which contains the National Code
for Bar Crossing. The Code was developed by a group comprising bar harbour masters, fishing
industry representatives and Maritime NZ, after extensive consultation with all sectors of
the maritime industry. Copies of the Boat Notice are available on the Maritime NZ website -
www.maritime.govt.nz.
The Seafood Industry Training Organisation distributes a video/DVD entitled "Crossing the Bar"
which illustrates best practice on safely crossing the bar. Contact them on 04 385 4005 to receive a copy.
If in doubt - Stay Out
Version 1.0. Last updated 27 June 2006.