Fog Wednesday 12/28

Going out in the extreme fog Wednesday was quite an experience. The water was calm or I would not have done it. But the harbor pilots and other boats worked hard to keep everyone safe. There was almost continual talk on 16, captains watching other boats on radar, all communicating what buoys each was passing, etc.?

As a stark warning of the danger, the ships were blasting their big horns. And when they are so close, yet you can’t see them, it is chilling. No one should be there in those conditions, without good GPS and radar, and extreme caution, in my opinion.

I happened to be behind an Outter Banks sportfish, the Waste Knot; watched it on the radar out the harbor and jetties, though I never glimpsed it. This particular boat is a reminder of another reason for caution on the water. The previous Waste Knot sank last February, after hitting something and then taking on water. A couple of other boats got to it and videoed the sinking. Google Waste Knot and you will see how fast a +50’ boat can go down. Warning, it is an ugly sight, but a good safety lesson.

So Happy New Year and be safe,
Roger

Ive heard that fog decreases the effectiveness of radar. How far were you able to visualize boats/bouys on radar in such thick fog?

I had my range set pretty close, so as not to miss a small boat. But the buoys were showing up bright at 2 to 3 miles. And, the images going out in the thicker fog seemed as bright and large, as returning in patchy fog. It will be interesting to see what others’ experiences have been?

I noticed no difference in my radar operation…

It was cool to hear the traffic on 16 keeping everyone informed…

SAFMC you suck!

quote:
Originally posted by millacd

Ive heard that fog decreases the effectiveness of radar. How far were you able to visualize boats/bouys on radar in such thick fog?


If your radar is tuned properly you should notice no difference then on a clear day. Fog is different then rain & you don't have to adjust the rain clutter usually for fog.

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