Draw Bridge Opening Tips for Boaters - By: marinetrader

You have just purchased that new 40' yacht and are prepared to hit the water. You are excited to take her out on the ICW and take her south. This has been your dream and it's at long last coming true. You have previously invested quite a bit of time studying your brand new vessel, her mechanical systems, her plumbing, her electronics; you believe you have it all covered. And what about navigating in the ICW? That 25' center console you upgraded from to your new trawler gave you sufficient preparation, didn't it?

A good number of you new to boating may or may not comprehend that there are particular rules to abide by when coming to a bridge. Even as a good number of the older draw bridges have been updated with higher bridges of 65', there are still a number of lower bridges to deal with on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. A few of these bridges are as low as eight feet.

Before you get going, there are, nonetheless, several details to take into account. On that 25 foot vessel bridges weren't an issue; you were not elevated enough to matter. But this 40 foot yacht will require bridges to go up allowing you to pass through.

So what are the rules when you are coming to a draw bridge? First of all, check your chart to understand what the vertical height is of the draw bridge. You should be familiar with the height of your boat also. You can also read one of the cruising guides where they provide bridge information. As you draw near the draw bridge, you should look for the tide marker on the right side of the draw bridge at the water line to confirm if your trawler or motor yacht can safely clear the bridge at the center without getting it to open. If you can, proceed at slow speed and proceed through the middle of the span. Please note that you are obligated to let down antennas and outriggers if that will permit you to safely go under the draw bridge in the down position; numerous bridge tenders will refuse to open if you have them up.

If you cannot safely go through the bridge without it opening, you have got to then check to see if it will open on request or if there is a set schedule. Nearly all draw bridges have the schedule posted if there is one. If there is a set timetable, you have to delay. You can additionally find this information in the Dozier's Waterway Guide. You don't want to wait until the last minute to formulate your plan so I would advise checking the waterway guide in advance. This will permit you to time your arrival at the bridge at the scheduled opening hour.

If it opens on demand, hail the bridge tender on your VHF radio. Draw bridges in many states monitor VHF channel 13 while bridges in South Carolina and Georgia monitor channel 9 and bridges in Florida monitor both channel 16 and 9. Only call the tender when you can view the bridge as he won't do anything until he verifies you will be there for the opening. The tender will also delay in opening a bridge if there are a few vessels traveling together; he will delay until each and every one of the vessels is ready to pass by directly. As soon as the bridge is wide open, go forward at a no-wake speed. If you are going under the draw bridge with additional yachts, make sure to keep a safe distance from them; there are currents and turbulence in the region of draw bridge pilings. Maintain a no-wake speed until you have passed signs telling you to resume normal safe operation.
It is customary to call and show appreciation to the draw bridge tender on the VHF for his aid; some just wave as they pass.

About the Author

Mike Dickens, the author, is a live aboard boat owner and owner/Broker of Paradise Yachts in Florida USA. Paradise Yachts offers used quality yachts to customers worldwide. 904/556-9431 Visit the Paradise Yachts website to view our selection of Used Trawlers, Used Motor Yachts, and Used Sailboats for Sale National and international sales. We ship Used Trawlers, Motor Yachts and Cruisers worldwide. Located in Florida, USA. 904/556-9431 Interact with us at the Trawler Blog

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