BC’s coastal forest industry harvests more than 565 million cubic feet (16 million cubic metres) of softwood annually, down from 20 million in 2013. Most of this material is shipped on the water, and most of it shipped in log booms. Lumber prices have declined and fewer trees cut down mean fewer logs lost. But lower prices mean salvors get less for their recovered logs and are less likely to round them up. The salvage business, which has always been tough, dangerous and spasmodic, is now almost entirely gone. Lost large cedars used to be worth good money but today it’s mostly softwood for pulping and chips. Despite many efforts to better organize it, salvors are usually single, independent operators working when they can and always at the mercy of the wood buyers in the large lumber companies. Today, it is a business run by people who love the water, usually have other sources of income or salvage because they have always done it. In other words, it is not a viable business that is worthy of investment and scaling up. So, barring some environmental lobbying force and action by the provincial government to force lumber companies to be responsible for their debris, the problem of logs on the water is not going away.
On a clear and calm sunny day, floating logs can usually be seen a mile away. No problem so long as the helmsman is constantly on the lookout. On a grey, wet day, with windshield misted over and a good chop, every wave can look like a log and every log can look like a wave. Constant and studied vigilance is essential and the person at the wheel has to be ready to change course in an instant. When visual conditions are difficult, it is always best to slow down to five knots or less. A boat travelling at 10 knots seeing a log 200 feet (60 metres) away has one second to avoid a hit, at five knots the skipper has two seconds to abruptly change course. It can make all the difference between a miss, a direct hit or a glancing blow.
So now what? Obviously first take the boat out of gear or let the sails fly and come to a stop. Immediately check all bilges for water ingress. Depending on the severity, ensure everyone is wearing a life jacket. Act as necessary to stem the flow of water, if required. Take note of your surroundings and any nearby threats. If there is no water ingress then put the engine back in gear and listen carefully to the rotation of the prop checking for vibration as you slowly increase speed. Even a minor vibration can cause wear to the shaft and bearings over time. Then check the steering for stiffness and effectiveness through a full rotation. If all is well, you have probably escaped unscathed. Proceed cautiously to port but when there, check everything again when you are calm and collected. If all is good, thank your lucky stars.
Tips to Avoid Collision
1. Look Out Make sure you have a clear view of the water ahead of you. In poor light, fog, or rain, reduce or eliminate all onboard illumination from screens and instruments. Clean the windshield. If your wheel is astern, post a lookout up at the dodger where a better view can be had in driving rain, or open the dodger for an even clearer sighting. Better yet, if you are desperate to maintain speed post a lookout at the bow—if you can find one! Either way, never take your eyes off the water.
In bright sun, the glare is intense coming from direct sunlight bouncing off the water and off anything white and reflective on the boat. This will reduce visual acuity and your ability to see logs. It is also damaging to your eyes. Wear polarizing sunglasses that both reduce the light by 90 percent and cut the glare. Cover white fibereglass in your line of sight with dark cloth.
If you think you have seen a log, you probably have. And if you have seen one, there are usually others around, so be particularly vigilant. If you spot a big deadhead, call it into the coast guard, they may flag it as a hazard.
2. Slow Down Reducing speed will give you more distance and time to avoid a log spotted at the last second. Equally important, it will reduce the impact force. This can mean the difference between a log rolling under your boat to hit the prop or steering gear, or being nosed to the side. Also, eliminate distractions from music and chatter that cut into your ability to concentrate.
3. Plan you Avoidance Tactic If sailing, it’s best to turn to windward which will slow you down and avoid a broach, which could happen if you sailed to leeward. Best not to sail wing on wing in difficult conditions if you want to avoid the chaos of a rapid avoidance maneuver. If motoring, plan a move that will take you away from traffic, shallow water, or obstructions. Don’t forget to take your autopilot off before hauling on the wheel or you won’t be turning as fast as you think.
If you are towing a dinghy remember it may not follow your dodging maneuver and may hit the log you just cleverly avoided.
Post Collision Checklist
A small hole in a boat can let an enormous amount of water into the hull in a short period of time, so as soon as it’s safe to do so you should:
- Make sure all guests have their lifejackets on.
- Search the lockers and bilges for water.
- If you find water locate the source as quickly as possible.
- Stop the leak or reduce the flow.
- Empty the boat of water using hand bailers, pumps and electric bilge pumps.
- If you can’t stop the flow or reduce it enough to safely get underway contact the coast guard.
- If all seems well and you get back underway recheck your lockers and bilges periodically until you are able to check your hull for damage.