Yellow to port as you enter James Watt Dock
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AngusMcDoon
Well-Known Member
I've wondered a few times what could be done to improve the buoyage at that point because it's not obvious at high water.
PeteCooper
Well-Known Member
The first time I came out of there I hadn't checked the chart and wasn't sure ... but I had a strange feeling. Stopped the boat, checked the chart, saved the day.
[2574]
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I can understand why it is not a red can buoy; that would confuse the main channel buoyage. It’s a difficult one, that’s why it’s yellow I suppose.
Skylark
Well-Known Member
I’ve just moved there so the title caught my eye. I’ve only entered the Dock once and can’t say that I remember the yellow buoy. From memory, I think I followed the pilotage from the Almanac. Although someone had a bad day, thanks for posting to highlight Garvel reef.
LittleSister
Well-Known Member
Is not a yellow buoy defined as having 'no navigational significance'?
Uricanejack
Well-Known Member
Ouch, Looks like a nice boat.
Not quite,
Its a Special Mark. It usually is significant. If not significant there would be no need for a buoy. A special mark is usually not directional Ie there is something special here. Go round it whichever way you like.
Occasionally a special mark is directional. Occasionally a special mark is also a lateral mark. One of the uses of a special mark. Can be to mark a deep water channel. In which case the Buoys are yellow but have a can or cone shape depending upon which lateral mark they are representing.
I am not familiar with James Watt Dock. Perhaps it could be replaced with a yellow lateral. Or a preferred channel mark if it may be confusing to users of the main channel.
If you think it should be changed.
Send in a report saying you had a near miss. Near grounding. Contributing factor. The purpose of Buoy was not clear.
The question to ask is whos in charge of the buoy? Clyde Ports or James Watt Dock?
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Aja
Well-Known Member
Boats ground on this collapsed barrier often as JWD and Helensburgh lifeboat will attest. Two things might help. fixed beacons with cardinal top marks and an understanding of charts.
stevie69p
Well-Known Member
Do people not look at a chart or do a pilotage plan before entering an unfamiliar port? A glance at the chart and the big green area off to the north east of the yellow special purpose mark quickly gives its' function., and that certainly isn't to pass it on whatever side you like... JWD really isn't a difficult marina to enter or exit - just don't cut the corner!
Motor_Sailor
Well-Known Member
I think if you're 'Polar Bound', mastering the complexities of entering James Watt Marina should be within your skill set. With or without a buoy of any colour.
I hope they ran aground around breakfast time, as I love having something interesting to look at outside the dining room window in the Premier Inn. Compensates for having to stay there sometimes.
I hope they ran aground around breakfast time, as I love having something interesting to look at outside the dining room window in the Premier Inn. Compensates for having to stay there sometimes.
Porthandbuoy
Well-Known Member
I know the chap who sails Polar Bound. Quite famous; try Wikipedia.
mainsail1
Well-Known Member
I can't see why they could not use a small Southerly Cardinal. A Yellow buoy is so often just a racing buoy and must confuse.
A1Sailor
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Obviously skilled at navigation, but perhaps not pilotage. Maybe a different boat or owner...
Mataji
Well-Known Member
“Often”? Frightening what sort of people are out there. One glance at a chart or plotter would easily avoid this.
Aja
Well-Known Member
Yup. Definitely "often"
Donald
DJE
Well-Known Member
awol
Well-Known Member
Here is a handy video for those that find charts too taxing .....
A1Sailor
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Great - thanks. The main entrance south-west of the yellow buoy is a bit narrow, so you can see why boats often go the other side of it.
dunedin
Well-Known Member
Yes. And I would have thought a West Cardinal would be a lot more helpful in that situation. Wonder what was the thought process, if any, leading to putting a plain yellow there.
And of course should always look at charts as well. But the whole point of painting buoys green and red, or using Cardinal markers, is to make things clear without having to remember or leap to a paper chart to remind the helmsman.
Plain yellow seems plain stupid for that location
awol
Well-Known Member
Yellow buoy, west or south cardinal - any of them would require a quick glance at a chart to make sure what is ahead. I remember the 1st time I went into JWD, single-handed of course, and even I managed to check what was on the chart. Here's another yin that wasn't armoured against ice and sank in the middle of the harbour after refloating.
