Bar crossings
Throughout Australian waterways there are many shallow sand bars, formed at the point where rivers, creeks, lakes or harbours meet the sea.
This shallow water combined with ocean swell produces a nasty surf-like break. Even in apparently calm conditions, vessels can be swamped, damaged or wrecked – and too many lives have been lost.
The worst time to cross a coastal bar is during an outgoing, or ‘ebb’, tide. It’s recommended that you only cross coastal bars during calm weather.
A coastal bar in Lakes Entrance, Victoria
To be safe when crossing a coastal bar, you should have:
- Experience and local knowledge; this is invaluable
- A vessel suitable for the conditions at hand
- Everyone on-board wearing a lifejacket rated at Level 100 or greater. Lifejackets are compulsory when crossing any coastal bar.
When attempting a bar crossing, it is important to watch the conditions:
- If you need to cross a bar, it is preferable to do this during a rising tide
- Avoid crossing a bar on an ebb tide (outgoing tide) – this is the most dangerous time to cross a bar, as the water is at its shallowest, and dangerous waves may occur with the tide working against incoming waves
- Onshore winds and large swells can affect wave heights at a bar. Carefully check the weather, swell forecasts and talk with experienced locals about bar conditions before you attempt to cross it.
- The vessel should travel at the same speed as the waves. The worry here is the waves breaking on top of you, filling your vessel with salt water. In a following sea situation, your aim should be to maintain a position behind a wave, but not too close.
If it’s too dangerous to cross, consider waiting for conditions to calm, a change of tide or just seek alternate safe harbour.
Attempting the licence exam
Option A
VicRoads testing: Simply turn up to any VicRoads centre in Victoria for instant licence testing. You can do this anytime, using this course to get the knowledge to smash the test. Immediately get your licence. It’s common for students to take Option A as it is a faster option.
To fast-track straight to the Option A practice exam, click here.
Option B
Zoom revision + testing: Complete this full training course then attend the comprehensive meet and greet zoom revision and testing session, which will take about 2 hours after this course’s education. Certificate will be mailed to you so you can take it into VicRoads to purchase the licence.
For those seeking a deeper dive into maritime safety and responsibility, we offer an exclusive personalised Zoom revision & testing session (Option B). This 2 hour meet and greet experience allows you to meet your trainer, discuss complex case studies, and attempt the licence exam with us instead of VicRoads. It is the ideal choice for students who want to go beyond the basics and gain maximum educational value from their training.
Our personalised Zoom sessions offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with your trainer before you dive in to the licence exam. This 2-hour interactive meeting is designed for more than just a “meet and greet”; it’s your chance to revisit core course topics, ask specific questions, and share a passion for boating with an expert. By the end of the session, you’ll be able to sit the official licence exam. If you prefer, you also have the option to complete your testing at a VicRoads location, skipping this meeting.