Nautical Software Helping In Fog

As sailors you will agree that fog is urksome.

<<>> Nautical software is really helpful at these times.There are four ways in which to deal with fog. When the fog comes down, the least you should have, is an accurate idea of your position. Before we go any further, let's briefly look at the dangers of fog:

* Other boats yachts, coastal traders, tankers.

* Shallows and coastlines emerging from the gloom.

I said it was brief! With these dangers in mind, lets look at the choice of tools to help us out.

GPS - plot a safe passage to your point of refuge through any shallows, or preferably avoid them. As long as its receiving correctly!

Depth Sounder and GPS - sometimes GPS doesn't work in gloomy weather. The signal is disorted and information unreliable. What you do is draw a circle on the chart of the area within which you are. Rather than getting a true fix. With this knowledge you can take advantage of the depth sounder and find deep water, avoiding sand banks and other obstructions.

So you've got your nautical software at the ready. Here are your four options

* Go out to sea - where the breeze will clear the fog away. Most practical if you have not got any obstructions in the way. Sandbanks, shallows etc.

* Keep going and wait for the fog to lift - Drop sails and fire up the engine. Staying on course is fine, as long as you know where the shipping lanes are and avoid them.

* Anchor up - Find a secluded cove and anchor up. Quick and easy solution, hopefully you have time to wait it out. If your GPS is out then this is the safest option.

* Get to a marina - Allowing for time and tide, find the nearest marina and get in contact. The harbour master will give you a window on any shipping lanes and put you in touch with marina staff for a berth. If distance is not a factor and you don't have to dodge shipping then this is the best option.

Fog really is challenging. You can't tell distances, don't know when it's going to lift and a feeling of sensory deprivation descends. Personally i like to see and hear tankers and shipping miles away rather than meters!

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