Reply With QuoteAir Draft and stage of the tide
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Minimum acceptable clearance when passing under fixed objects such as bridges
What is the normal or minimum acceptable clearance when passing under fixed objects such as bridges? Does this clearance determine by the master, operator or the shipowner?
gCaptain Crew
Re: Minimum acceptable clearance when passing under fixed objects such as bridges
Air Draft and stage of the tide
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Re: Minimum acceptable clearance when passing under fixed objects such as bridges
Very dependent on the circumstances but I have been on vessels where we literally had 6" to clear and made it. We had a mate at the highest point calling down the approaching clearance as the vessel got closer to the bridge (the twin bridges in Houma actually). Personally, if I were the master I would not do it if the vessel's airdraft was within 95% of the total clearance (ie. a 5% margin). Sometime though you just don't get such luxuries.
gCaptain Crew
Re: Minimum acceptable clearance when passing under fixed objects such as bridges
I had an old fleet supervisor who's motto was "lose the mast, find a job"....
gCaptain Crew
Re: Minimum acceptable clearance when passing under fixed objects such as bridges
Totally subjective and depends not just on the actual clearance mid-span, but also how wide is the area of max clearance, how much current is pushing me around, and how well do I know the vessel.
Ultimately, as long as my heart rate stays below 100bpm, then we have plenty of room.
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Re: Minimum acceptable clearance when passing under fixed objects such as bridges
When in doubt: The faster you go, the more you squat.
Ports with have written policies on bridge clearances; if the air draft exceeds a certain height then a surveyor must come out and take an exact measurement. Even then, assuming the port signs off on the transit, it is ultimately up to the pilot and the master whether or not to proceed.
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