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Ferries and fog
Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 9:46 pm
by mm5aho
Several mentions of Clyde ferries being interrupted by fog.
They all have adequate radar, so why do they stop in fog?
Is this a bit like the wrong leaves on the track?
Re: Ferries and fog
Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:05 pm
by wully
I carry a Calmac timetable as part of my fog navigation kit.
The rest of the kit is in the drinks locker...
Re: Ferries and fog
Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 9:39 am
by Five minute job!
I would second the Calmac timetable as part of fog navigation kit. Came up from Ardencaple to Dunstaffnage on Thursday. Visibility about 100yards so contoured round Kerrera to Oitir Mhor. Isle of Mull was tooting away in the murk.
As it was, it lifted a bit before we sailed past the entrance to Oban bay. But if it hadn't it would have been a nice bit of information to have to hand.
Will download one and add it to the bookshelf.
Re: Ferries and fog
Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 10:49 am
by marisca
There was a nice bit in today's Herald about the Jeannie Deans navigating in fog by DR. A series of compass courses at set engine revolutions was practised every week and was used when the clag came down. That and a man on the pier with a whistle kept them running.
That Calmac can't find Ardrossan or Wemyss Bay in a fog makes me wonder. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the vessel I was on made it from the Otter Pool to Ardfern, managed to squeeze between Fladda and Sgeir Dubh lights without seeing either and found Big Doris or I think we did 'cos we ended up in the right place.
Re: Ferries and fog
Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 5:54 pm
by Booby Trapper
Rules and regs I suspect. Not good if it runs into someone coming out. Arran ferry found it's way to Ardrossan last Thurs evening but wasn't able to enter so headed off to Gourock. It was like pea soup a couple of days last week.
Re: Ferries and fog
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2015 10:35 pm
by sahona
Foghorns all over the place, Woke us up at 05.30 a few days ago.
Must say I'm surprised fog changes anything in the commercial world with all the electronics available.
The conditions that bring the fog also mean you can go steadily and slowly without being blown sideways - I'd have thought the Brodick ferries would have better electronic gear than me and be able to follow the 'groove' back home again.
Re: Ferries and fog
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 7:42 am
by claymore
Maybe they believe that their foghorns will blow the stuff away?