Potential navigation safety issues with electronic charts, night arrival and crew fatigue…
Reports from several sources in the San Blas indicate that four yachts have been grounded there so far this year and all were total losses. The crew survived after abandoning ship with their passports, pets and little else. CSSN encourages those arriving in the San Blas archipelago to approach with care, particularly if approaching for the first time.
Several common factors seemed to create these sad situations:
- Nighttime entry/arrival to the banks (consider remaining well off until light permits eyeball navigation)
- Misuse of electronic navigation charts (be certain all crew understand the scale settings on echarts)
- Sleep deprivation/crew fatigue
Any commercial chart will get you to the San Blas area, but navigation within the island chain is much more difficult. Noonsite and others have reported that the Bauhaus guides and electronic equivalent for the San Blas are considered the best available, but not perfect. Use good judgment and all navigation tools with understanding and care.
CSSN wishes you safe cruising.
Know Before You Go!