The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin this month, reminding mariners of the hazards when crossing bars in the Pacific Northwest. MSIB Number: 01-20 contains information about bar closures and restrictions, night time bar operations, and rough bar escorts. In addition, there are links to guidance on specific bars, as well as current observations of conditions.
This is a timely reminder, given the recent loss of the F/V Pacific Miner and miraculous rescue of its crew. It seems that every year there are vessel casualties on PNW bars and all too often, lives lost. Get the information you need for planning a safe bar crossing.