Master Cited for Crossing A Restricted Bar

[USCG Yaquina Bay]

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District



Press Release Date: March 30, 2005

Contact: Petty Officer Mike Zolzer
206-220-7237

CHARTER VESSEL CITED FOR VIOLATIONS

SEATTLE - The master of a 26-foot charter vessel was cited by the Coast Guard today after he disregarded a restriction notice issued by the Coast Guard and crossed the Chetco River bar.

At about 8 a.m., today, a Coast Guard tower watchstander at Station Chetco River, Ore., noticed the Strictly Salmon crossing the bar that was restricted to vessels 26-feet and under.

Station Chetco River contacted the Strictly Salmon on VHF-Channel 16 and notified the master of the restriction. Despite warnings from the Coast Guard, the master of the vessel continued across the bar. He was then ordered by the Coast Guard to return to port and moor at the station.

The master of the vessel complied and returned to the station where the vessel was met by a Coast Guard boarding team. The master was cited for crossing a restricted bar, negligent operations and gross negligent operations.

Boaters should check weather and bar conditions with their local Coast Guard station prior to heading into a bar area. Lighted signs indicate when a bar restriction is in effect and boaters should confirm prior to crossing if the restriction applies to them. Fines for gross negligent operations could be up to $6,250, according to the Oregon Marine Board.

The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.

If ever in doubt about a restriction, please contact your local Coast Guard Station. Thanks R.

[wak'm&stak'm]

Thanks for the reminder.

To those who have yet to deal with this new enforcement of bar restrictions. (I say new because it was not a big issure till lately).
Please be sure to call the Coasties. Generally speaking they are plenty generous with the restrictions, and most the time it would not be fun fishing if it was questionable anyway.

This year I got stuck outside when they put 40ft and under restrictions in place. It was just a radio call, and a few minutes later they said I could cross while they watched.

Personally...I am glad they are watching out for my safety.

[ron m]

He should have known better, particularly if he's a charter operator. Their requirements for licensing must go way beyond what private boaters are required to learn and know. If he had customers on board, I bet they won't go with him again even if he still has his license.

This does bring up a question though. It's possilbe that even though I'm careful and watch the forecast before I go out, it's possible the bar could become restricted while I'm out fishing. If so, is the standard procedure to do what Wak did and call on the radio for permission to cross the bar? and what if I had my radio on another channel while fishing and didn't know the bar was restricted? Am I in deep doodoo if I cross the bar? (I mean successfully cross, I know I'd really be in if I wasn't successful! -not deep--my life jacket would keep me afloat)

[Mr. Krabs]

I have a question regarding Yaquina Bay. I think a few others may not know this, so I'll ask...

Exactly where is the "bar"? This past week I was sightseeing in the bay with some out of state visitors who really wanted a picture of the bridge from the ocean side. I obliged, but was worried whether the bridge defined the bar, or is it somewhere nearer the jetties' tips?

Thanks.

[Mark Mc]

Mr Glasgow, maybe you could clarify this.

The bar restrictions...to whom do they apply, and not apply?

Is it like this....

Do not apply to:
- commercial vessels (does it matter if it's documented or not?)
- charter vessels with a COI

Do apply to:
- recreational vessels
- charter vessels without a COI (uninspected)

Thanks for the help.......... Mark

[USCG Yaquina Bay]

Great questions by everyone regarding the Bar at Yaquina Bay. So here is the "Readers Digest" version: The Yaquina Bay Bar is really a Regulated Boating Area, and was established in the 70s, it is in 33 CFR 177.08(I'm at home and can't quote the exact cite). The area which is within the Bar goes from the bridge over Hyw 101 west to the beach, North and South from the channel (about one mile), and out about about one mile West of the jetty tips. Restrictions? The CFR allows the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Stations in both Oregon and Washington to "Restrict" their Bars when certain conditions exist. The decision to "Restrict" the Bar is made based upon the recommendations of two other people (besides the CO). The first recommendation comes from the Surfman who is on the Motor Lifeboat that goes across the Bar (usually around LB3), there he passes back the current condtions and a recommendation to the SDO (Senior Duty Officer) a Senior Surfman, the SDO then makes a recommendation to the Commanding Officer. We also take into consideration the formula which is located in 33 CFR 177.07 (once again I'm at home and may miss the specific cite), there it gives the following formula for figuring the maximum wave height a boat should be in (on the Bar): Length devided by 10 + freeboard = Wave Height. An example would be a 22' boat with a 2' freeboard shouldn't go into waves larger than 4.2'.
Now with that said we typically restrict vessels by length and also take into consideration both inspected and uninspected commercial vessels. Certain commercial vessels can't be restricted by the Coast Guard. These are normally operated by professionals who gererally exercise good judgement. Today (Saturday 02 April) the Bar was restricted to All Recreational Vessels 40' and Less. That lasted until around 1130 when we were called away from training to escort a commercial vessel across the Bar. We had two 47' MLBs on the Bar (one at LB3 and the other just inside the tips), I happened to be on the one at LB3. During the next two hours we escorted eight vessels carring more than 60 people aboard across the Bar. There were some 24' breaking waves at LB3 and some a little larger at the tips. About mid-way through the escorts I restricted the Bar to All Uninspected and Recreational Vessels.
What do you do when you are caught offshore when the Bar is restricted? First off I would recommend that you keep your Marine Radio on CH 16 (156.8), that is the frequency which all CG units start their Marine Information Broadcast, we then shift to CH 22. If you are caught out you need to contact the Coast Guard and await their instructions. Most times we will escort you across the Bar, but there may be times when we have you remain offshore until there is more water on the Bar (flood tide). Either way, if you are unsure call us and we'll get a boat out to you to assist.
I would also recommend that you put on your lifejacket when you are crossing the Bar. Lifejackets are like Safety Belts in your car. When your car is leaving the road at 45 mph going towards that really big tree, well its a little late to be thinking about putting on a safety belt, a lifejacket is the same...
Well maybe this wasn't the "Readers Digest" version, but if you have more questions, come by or drop me a line. There is no charge for us to escort you or tow you in, we just want to minimize the risk to you and our crews. Thanks. Rich

[Aufish101]

Great information, I always wonder what happened when you restricted the bar when you where outside.

Aufish101

[Mr. Krabs]

Thanks for replying.

But to show how dense I can be, I need further clarification on "crossing a restricted bar." By your definition, the bar is not a single line delineating the ocean from the bay, rather it's an area (approx. 1+ miles wide measured East to West).

So if I enter into this area when the bar is restricted (i.e. pass under the bridge) am I in violation?

Thanks again!

[tracker]

My boat is a 2601. So when the bar is restricted to 26 and under I can go if I so choose. At least that is my understanding. Is that correct? Dont think I ever would but just for argument sake!

[ron m]

There was a thread a few months back about the bar and the restrictions on it. A search might turn up the info. As I remember it, where the restriction applied depended on the CG judgement. It could be at the bridge, but it could also be at the first buoy after the bridge or at the hump (where the north jetty becomes parallel to the south jetty). I think the thread included a diagram showing the possible "lines" where the restrictions could start.

ron m

[USCG Yaquina Bay]

#1Fish - Actually if you are operating your boat within the Regulated Boating Area is actually considered a "crossing" eventhough you may not be going all the way across. Yes, you would be in violation of the law, however the odds are that you will just be asked to return to safer waters. But if you resist or give one of the officers some grief, well you'll probably be cited. That hardly ever happens though. Most boaters ask for and receive an explanation. We also have flyers that indicate where the restriction is and other interesting information. Send me a note with your address and I'll ensure you receive one, or call Station Yaquina Bay (541) 265-5381 and they can send you one.
What we do when we place a restriction on the Bar is to also take into consideration the current and forecasted weather conditions including if it is on the flood or ebb. The Coast Guard allows me to move the "line" where the Restriction begins (from the Bridge) to different locations up to and including Marker 4 on the South Jetty. When we make the broadcast restricting the Bar we normally indicate where the Restricton begins i.e. The Restriction begins at (any of the following): Bridge; LB7; Elbow; Hump (aka the turnaround) and lastly Marker 4.

[USCG Yaquina Bay]

Ifisher: By the letter of the law you would not be in violaton, but I'll bet that you are not willing to bet your life and that of anyone else on your boat that nature considers your .1? Thanks for bring it up.
R

[USCG Yaquina Bay]

Ron M: Great idea, it was a thread a few months back. I'm going to get with the Operations Officer at the station and get the flyer published on this site. He is an expert with the computers - I only know how to break them.

R

[Mr. Krabs]

That helps quite a bit. I'll listen closer to future bar restriction announcements for the details about where they are in effect.

I'll also take you up on your offer and PM my address to you. Thanks!

[Nalu]

USCG Yaquina Bay- Thanks for the great clarification!

There was only one day out of Depoe last year that I chose to go out when the bar was closed to recreational(but not closed to uninspected commercial). And yes, I had the USCG Depoe Bay blessing by VHF, and the 47' outside gave me a friendly wave as I passed. Still, taken into account before my departure was the IMPROVING bar conditions, and what the tide would do to the bar in several hours.

It's nice to make sure people understand that there are varying degrees of bar closures, even for commercial craft. That being said, if the the Coasties close the bar in Newport to recreational 40' and less (but not to uninspected), the Sea-J would still be staying at the dock!

When people contemplate the bar in the morning, I certainly hope they put as much thought into what it will look like 4-8 hours later, and not just the present conditions. If the bar is marginal at 7:00am in the middle of a flood tide, what do you think it will look like at 1:00pm on full ebb? What if that ebb is a minus tide and the swell has grown? So many people are so focused in getting out that they don't ever seem to think about the most hazardous part, the return.

[NorthRiverRick]

Thanks for the great information. Some good points to keep in mind. I'll be looking forward to see that flyer.

Best Regards,

[USCG Yaquina Bay]

Nalu You have a really good point with taking into consideration what the Bar will be like when you return. Station Depoe Bay like Station Yaquina Bay always monitors CH 16, anyone can call and find out the current restrictons or conditons on the Bar. If ever in doubt, call and we'll send out a Motor Lifeboat to escort you across. R

[Chilly one]

Post deleted by Chilly one

[Mark Mc]

I didn't see that our friend Wak needed any "calming down" by his post :whazzup: . A chat board is not a good place to try and ascribe intent to somebody's message. So I won't assume you're trying to give him a hard time for some unkown reason.

[WP]

Last year I was warned by the CG at Depoe Bay about crossing a restricted bar. At the time the bar was almost flat and the restrictions were lifted before I got on the trailer. The Coasties were very polite but firm. A fellow boater was less than polite and angry, I guess he didn't understand that they are there to help and that warning him was a lot better than fineing them! What I got from this is that I now call the station at the port I am coming into, EVERY trip, to determine if there are any restrictions! The Coasties have a difficult enough job without having keep us from harming ourselves. It takes no time as I run in to verify the bar and the responses are always polite and friendly. If there are restrictions, I work with them to insure safe passage, either through escort or with them watching the crossing. Better safe than sorry, at least for me.
WP

[Lucky one]

I've got a question for the Yaquina Bay Coast Guard. If a newly arrived licensed captain wanted to ride along on one of your 47's would that be possible. I just wondered because I think it would be a great way of gaining knowledge about the area.

[Deepslayer]

I remember that trip Dave. The Coasties were very cordial. I too am happy to have them out there doing what they do best!
,Ed

[Bendman]

Wak, Have u been to the Chetco Bar and run it? I have many times....one local bar doesn't make u an expert Wak. Calm yourself down....... :smile:

WOW That’s impressive!

[wak'm&stak'm]

Chilly One....what the *&^% are you talking about...???

I will never claim to be an expert...I have fished the ocean for the last 40 years, and commercial fished in the 70's and 80's....and probably crossed the bar a 1000 plus times.

I am not sure if you have a point or just being some kind of dork :whazzup:
But thank you for your feed back...... you sound very smart and I will take your advice to heart.

[USCG Yaquina Bay]

Lucky One - We often do "ride alongs" but not when the Bar is Breaking. It comes down to a liability issue for the Coast Guard when we bring non-Coast Guard members aboard our boats. Not to say that we don't carry others aboard for PR reasons. But at a cost of more than $1,200.00 to keep a 47' MLB underway for an hour it can get expensive. If I were to take you out for a ride, then I'd probably have one or two others standing in line after you. Come on down to the station and we can talk about it. R

[Chilly one]

April Fools! Wak! Hey I was ribbin' ya ALL the way as I am good friends w/Dan who you work with who is my neighbor.We talk 'bout you often. I have wanted to run into ya and meet you sometime and this was my way of gettin' your attention. We will meet soon @SBeach Marina.
No problem intended. Regards...

[wak'm&stak'm]

Now I am totally confused....I'll buy the first round.
Lets see there is Dan MO... , and Danny Sh... and Dan Pa.... and Dann ly....... there are probably some Dans I missed as well.... ????