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Recreational Boating in New York Harbor
Safety and Ettiquette for Power and Sail
In the thirteen seasons Barbara and I have sailed in New York Harbor, the recreational use of the waters has increased several-fold. However, it is still a working commercial harbor, so safety and on-water etiquette are particularly important. A working knowledge of the Rules of the Road is vital, of course. I will suggest safety procedures first.
Remember that you are playing, and the tug and ship skippers are working. Whether you are power or sail, you are the give-way vessel. By anticipating the needs of the large vessels, you can avoid give-way even looking like an issue, and both you and the big guys will be comfortable.
Always monitor VHF 13. This is the bridge-to-bridge channel for commercial vessels. Coast Guard emergency announcements are given on 9, 13, and 16, so you won't miss those if your radio doesn't scan.
If you do scan, you may find VHF12 and 14 useful. They are the channels used by Vessel Traffic Services. When a vessel calls VTS to announce his intentions (required of large vessels ant tows), VTS responds with a summary of other vessel movements that might be a problem.
"Remember that you are playing, and the tug and ship skippers are working."
Keep a chart ready and learn the common names of harbor locations and channels. By hearing and comprehending security calls and passing agreements, you can avoid getting in a hazardous situation. NB: On the water, the Hudson is often called the "North River," its traditional name.
Know where you can pass channel markers on the side away from the channel. This is possible nearly everywhere. Ships and barges will normally stay in the channel except when entering or leaving anchorage areas.
An exception is the Bay Ridge flats, the largest designated anchorage in the harbor. Loaded tank barges may be pushed from Kill van Kull to Buttermilk Channel across the flats.
If you are lucky you may see a carfloat crossing the harbor with a load of freight cars. When I was a child there would be several in motion at a time, all day long.
You should not find any need to transmit on VHF 13, except in two places. Hell Gate is one, and Constitution Island, just north of West Point, is the other. These are blind, narrow, corners. If you hear a tow approaching on the other side, and you are likely to meet right it the corner, you should identify yourself as a "sailboat" or whatever the case may be, and ask which side he wants to see you on.
That way you don't suddenly pop up. They will appreciate that call.
This is less important for power boats that can quickly get out of the way. It is possible to go north of Mill Rock if necessary.
Unless your superstructure is lower than 23 feet, you can't transit the Harlem River. The bridges only open for barges on 24 hour notice. The only exception is the Spuyten Duyvil Amtrak swing bridge, which opens whenever no train is coming.