Would you leave harbour in thick fog

[tangomoon]

With radar of course.

I wouldn't, but some have. Visibility down to less than half a mile some times less than 400 yards and forecast in for the day. Would you leave?

 

[Sneds]

Nope

 

[damo]

Depends where I was going and what else was about - I have crept down channel close inshore before now, on gps, but I wouldn't cross open water and especially anywhere near the ports (I don't have radar either.) - and I probably wouldn't leave under those conditions.

2 boats tried to leave twice from here on Saturday, but sensibly came back in (vis dropped to less than 100m after they left the first time). 2 fishing boats went out though, although they changed their plans to stay close inshore.

It's scary when it comes down! I find it worse in heavy rain squalls though, because it is also noisy and my radar return would be obscured.

 

[oceanfroggie]

Depends. I've often done it early in the morning knowing it would burn off later. Morning fog can be very localised and decision depends on area traffic patterns. If the sea state is nice and forecast OK it's not too difficult to avoid shipping by keeping off channels or perhaps using shallow water to avoid shippling. Fishing vessels and other leisure vessels have traditionally presented us with the greater collision risk. With radar, gps and planning, it's not rocket science, but agree there are times when it's better to stay put.

 

[Alcyone]

We were diving in thick fog at the weekend. Wreck diving with a shot line, so we knew exactly where the divers would surface, and in sheltered waters so we would find them quickly even if they surfaced off the wreck. Sitting there drinking my oxo, that typical British summer beverage when another RIB comes flying past us out of nowhere and going far too fast to see anyone else in the fog. He was gone before I could shout and point at the A flag.

Moral is, it doesn't matter how many precautions you take, there's always some other idiot who could smash into you in conditions like that.

I don't like fog, and rarely venture out in it. That may change to 'never' soon.

 

[chrishelen]

were you in New Quey?they were diving in thick fog near the harbour wall,no fast ribs only my small boat.

 

[Alcyone]

Nope, we were down at St Davids, our usual haunt.

 

[mrbloto]

came across irish sea in a pea souper no radar just gps heard fog horns larger ships reciprocal course to ferry due to meet around by smalls changed course went further north vis down to 30metres dolphins for company fog lifted by st brides bay not very nice

 

[Csail]

I,m back from Greece!!!! Great weather here too.
If you are good with radar and nav and stay shallow i think it is fine. Quite scary in open water near ports though.... Barry east should be fine withe the pilots but still not too safe.
Ps.... just to make you guys feel better we were offshore in 8 gusting 9 at night in the gulf off Greece!