Crossing A Bar? We Can Help

Bar crossings can be one of the trickiest, and riskiest parts of boating in Aotearoa. They change fast, they don’t always play nice, and they’ve caught out even the most experienced skippers. Each year, we see serious incidents and tragedies happening on our bars, so it’s super important to know your stuff before you head out.

That’s where we come in. Join us at the Whangarei Maritime Festival for a free seminar. You’ll hear straight from local Coastguard skippers who’ll share their real-world tips, local knowledge, and a few stories from the water. If you cant make the presentation(times TBC) then pop over to our stand and have a chat to our experienced team who can give you some great pointers before taking on the bar.

For more details, check out https://www.whangareimaritimefestival.co.nz/ or keep an eye out on social media for updates.

Here’s what we’ll cover (and chat about):

Understanding the local features of your bar

Reading and interpreting the conditions when planning a trip
Getting your boat and your crew bar crossing ready
How to handle your boat while crossing
How to do a bar crossing report (and why it’s worth it)
What to do if things go pear-shaped

It’s interactive, so bring your questions, share your own experiences, and have a yarn with others in the boating community.

Bring your mates too! Whether they’re brand new to boating or have been around since the days of paper charts and handheld compasses, there’s something in here that could save a trip… or a life.

Why it matters:

In 2024, 23% of craft-related drownings happened during bar crossings.
5 lives were lost due to capsizing while crossing a bar.
Older blokes are still the most at-risk – but everyone can make safer choices with the right knowledge (and a lifejacket on).

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