Boat name-dink bottom

All the drawbridges I've been through on the Atlantic ICW ask for name and hailing port. The ones on the St. Johns River in FL did not.

rwidman said:

All the drawbridges I've been through on the Atlantic ICW ask for name and hailing port. The ones on the St. Johns River in FL did not.

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I've been through maybe 50 on the AICW, only been asked that one time. However, I've always had our alternate name and hailing port up which is easy to see with a pair of glasses. If they want to know, then should I state my vessel name whenever I request an opening? I usually just say "I'm a Southbound trawler approaching, and I'd like to request your next opening.." and they usually reply "we'll turn you around in a few minutes Cap!" or "4 PM is the next opening an that is in about 20 minutes."

Egregious said:

I've been through maybe 50 on the AICW, only been asked that one time. However, I've always had our alternate name and hailing port up which is easy to see with a pair of glasses. If they want to know, then should I state my vessel name whenever I request an opening? I usually just say "I'm a Southbound trawler approaching, and I'd like to request your next opening.." and they usually reply "we'll turn you around in a few minutes Cap!" or "4 PM is the next opening an that is in about 20 minutes."

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It's been my experience they just write down your name if they can see it...they request it when they can't.

I searched the CFR bridge regs and didn't see the requirement to keep a log but I know many do for some reason. Maybe it's the radio log they are keeping...either way if they ask...I answer and I've never heard one complain that they couldn't read your name for any reason...they just ask if they want to.

Egregious said:

I've been through maybe 50 on the AICW, only been asked that one time. However, I've always had our alternate name and hailing port up which is easy to see with a pair of glasses. If they want to know, then should I state my vessel name whenever I request an opening? I usually just say "I'm a Southbound trawler approaching, and I'd like to request your next opening.." and they usually reply "we'll turn you around in a few minutes Cap!" or "4 PM is the next opening an that is in about 20 minutes."

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I don't have to have them opened for my boat, but I spend a lot of time where I can hear the VHF exchanges, and from my experience, anyone who asks to have the Ben Sawyer or Wappoo Cut bridges in the Charleston, SC area (on the ICW) will be asked for the boat's name and home port.

I have no idea why, but it happens.

rwidman said:

I don't have to have them opened for my boat, but I spend a lot of time where I can hear the VHF exchanges, and from my experience, anyone who asks to have the Ben Sawyer or Wappoo Cut bridges in the Charleston, SC area (on the ICW) will be asked for the boat's name and home port.

I have no idea why, but it happens.

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Ron, has the work on the Ben Sawyer Bridge been completed?

Moonstruck said:

Ron, has the work on the Ben Sawyer Bridge been completed?

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I honestly don't know. I don't get out as much as I should and it looks like our next trip will be heading south again.