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Guest column

On the gulf, a compass can be a lifesaver

By WILBUR B. SCOTT
Published November 22, 2005

"Been there,done that," the saying goes. Like many of you, I, too, have been out on the water, (usually the Gulf of Mexico) on a nice day, still in sight of land and without a care in the world, just drifting along enjoying some fine fishing. Sure, I saw that cloud bank way off in the distance, but it did not appear to be any type of threatening weather, no lightning or thunder. In fact, the clouds were not even black or fearsome looking.

So we continue along drifting and concentrating on our fishing, and before long the next thing I knew I was sitting in the middle of a very large fog bank. No visibility at all. I mean really socked in!

No problem, you say to yourself or your fishing partner. The shoreline is that way. Um, ah, oops, or is it? Sure wish I had bought that global positioning system I was thinking about buying last week. No problem, though; I will use my compass and before you know it we will be back at the dock. Sounds easy, doesn't it?

Of course you and I know that in reality this is not going to be easy at all. Without a GPS or Loran system on board your vessel you do not know exactly where you are. Obviously in heavy fog there are no shorelines or channel markers to see. Your fish finder may tell you how deep the water is under your boat, which is certainly very important information to have, but it will not tell you which way you are headed. Only your compass will do that.

Unfortunately, what happens next is all too common. Many, boaters will begin to doubt their compass and instead rely on their own instincts, which in many cases are wrong and they are unpleasantly surprised when they discover they were in fact headed farther out to sea.

In my opinion, the compass, along with marine radio, charts and a GPS, is one of the most important instruments on your vessel. If you do not have one you really need to go and purchase and install one now. I would not recommend buying the cheapest one, either. You can purchase a more reliable model for $40 to $80. Perhaps you feel that is a little pricy, but I can assure you that when you find yourself in heavy fog or caught out on the water after dark you will be very glad that you spent that extra buck or two.

Even the most expensive compass will not help you much if it is not properly mounted. Try to mount the compass so that the line on the compass, (lubber's line), which indicates the reading, is directly over or as close as possible to the keel or center line of your vessel. To reduce the possibility of compass error, mount it as far away as possible from any metal objects and electrical wiring. If you fail to do this, your compass will probably need to be readjusted from time to time for variation and deviation, (difference between true north and magnetic north), caused by the metal objects or electrical wiring.

Remember, too, all boaters should have area nautical charts on board their vessel. This is especially true if you are a visitor to our area waterways or you are operating in unfamiliar waters. The chart is the boater's road map and shows the locations of major landmarks, aids to navigation, depth of the water as well as the composition of the bottom. When you observe an approaching storm, the chart will also show you the location of protective bay.

If you would like to obtain instruction on the use of the compass, as well as other equipment and navigational aids, you can sign up for one of the many programs offered by Homosassa Flotilla 15-04 of your U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. You pay only for the cost of the study material, which is minimal, and I know after completing our program you will have more confidence in your boating skills. For information concerning the various programs offered, call Elaine Miranda at 564-2521.

--This is one of a series of guest columns which are run periodically. Today's column is written by Wilbur B. Scott, assistant public affairs officer for Flotilla 15-04 of Homosassa. Visit its Web site www.uscgaux.org/0701504/ To contact him, e-mail seacapt34448@yahoo.com or write to P.O. Box 2084, Homosassa Springs, FL 34447-2084.

[Last modified November 22, 2005, 02:15:27]