b'R U L E S & R E G U L AT I O N SMovable Bridges The raising and lowering of train and traffic bridges are regulated by the US Coast Guard. You need to understand some critical information to safely pass under these bridges:Bridge clearance - is the distance between the water surface and the lowest portion of the bridge over the chan-nel. This distance is measured in feet and can be found on the chart that the bridge is shown. Bridge clearances are referenced at mean high tide, with clearances changing throughout the tidal cycle. At low tide there will be more clearance than at an above average high tide.Many fixed and all moveable bridges will have a clear-ance gauge on each side of the bridge. This gauge will indicate the bridge clearance at the specific time you are passing under the bridge. Each gauge is installed on the end of the right channel pier or pier protection structure facing approaching vessels and extends to a reasonable height above high water so as to be meaningful to the viewer. Other or additional locations may be used under particular condi-tions or circumstances.Air draft of a vessel - or vertical clearance is amount of vertical space that the boat needs to pass safely under an object. This distance is measured from the boats waterline to the top of the highest structural object on the boat. By federal regulation, movable antennas that are not essential to navigation and fishing poles cannot count in the measure-ment. They must be lowered. If after lowering all of the non-structural and nonessential navigation components of your vessel, you still cannot pass under the bridge, you will need to contact the bridge tender. phone, hailer, or other device capable of producing the Signaling the Bridge:described signals loud enough to be heard by the draw-Moveable bridges must open promptly and fully for thetender. The sound signal to request the opening of a draw is passage of vessels when a request or signal to open is given.one prolonged blast followed by one short blast sounded not However, there are bridges that have set opening and closingmore than three seconds after the prolonged blast.schedules to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic so you mayIf the tender can open the bridge immediately, the reply have to wait. sound signal is one prolonged blast followed by one short There are several acceptable methods to contact theblast sounded within 30 seconds of the requesting signal. bridge tender to discuss scheduled openings and to requestWhen the draw cannot be opened immediately, the tender an opening. The best method is by VHF marine radio viashall reply with five short blasts sounded in rapid succession channel 13 using low power (one watt).within 30 seconds of the vessels opening signal. The signal The vessel and the bridge tender shallshall be repeated until acknowledged in some manner by the monitor the frequency used until the vesselrequesting vessel.has cleared the draw. The visual signal to request the opening of a draw is a Using the radio, identify the name ofwhite flag raised and lowered vertically or a white, amber, the bridge (repeated three times) you needor green light raised and lowered vertically. The tender shall opened and the name and description ofreply in kind if the bridge can be opened or raise a red flag your vessel (eg. sailboat, 30 foot powerboat). Let the bridgeor swing a red light back and forth horizontally in full sight of tender know the direction you are headed and when youthe vessel within 30 seconds of the vessels opening signal request the opening. When radiotelephone contact cannot beor show a fixed or flashing red light(s) within 30 seconds of initiated or maintained, sound or visual signals shall be used. the vessels opening signal and repeat until acknowledged in Sound signals shall be made by whistle, horn, mega- some manner by the requesting vessel.582020 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'