How To

Three Ways an Eclipse Can Affect Boaters

By Kevin Falvey

Updated: August 17, 2017

Gorey Harbour, Jersey at low tide. The photo was taken from Mont Orgueil.

Increased Tidal Range An eclipse occurs when the sun, moon and earth are in line. A new moon ( solar eclipse) and full moon (lunar eclipse) are the times of highest tides—called spring tides. Boaters should watch for debris which increased tide levels may carry off beaches and also for shoaling in areas where lower than normal tide occurs. Tidal currents may be stronger, as more water is moving around. FoxyOrange

Thunderstorms A solar eclipse, like the one visible from North America, August 21, 2017, can drop the local temperature by as much as 15 degrees, according to meteorologists. It is possible that this suddenly cooled air could sink, fan out and interact with warmer air to create the conditions that generate a thunderstorm. How To Survive a Thunderstorm On A Boat Boating Magazine

Lowered Visibility Visibility will be reduced to dusk-like levels. Boaters should be prepared to keep a sharp lookout, turn on navigation lights and to proceed with all the caution they would exercise during any low-visibility situation (night, fog). Tips for Navigating at Night Grafton Marshall Smith

Takeaway Never view an eclipse directly unless you are wearing special glasses or viewers that meet the standards of ISO 12312-2