A Coast Guardsman perspective on crossing the stream
Senior Chief Tom’s advice on crossing the Gulf Stream:
1. Have access to current weather: internet(cell phone or hot spot) satellite (iridium go), winlink hf grib / Computer, Sirius wx via chart plotter. Time frontal passages and do not go if the wind is anywhere out of the north.
2. Plan on waiting on a weather window on BOTH SIDES of the stream.
3. Do not go on a schedule.
4. Buddy boat if possible.
5. Carry an EPIRB
6. Carry life jackets and flairs.
7. File a float plan with a trusted friend.
8. Carry a life raft.
Tom Kjerulff
QMCS USCG ret.
Former Operations Center Supervisor/Senior SAR Coordinator
Coast Guard Group Miami
1993 - 1999
S/V Moondancer
KG4SUS
Thoughts?
Should explorer charts consider these recommendation in their guide to crossing the stream?
if not, why not?