Do regulations for non-fixed AICW bridges specify that once they start to open they have to open to the full-open position even though all traffic has already passed through?
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Ummmm..
I don't know if there is such a regulation or not. I suppose you could ask a bridge tender or call the Coast Guard. But, as practical matter, I suspect that how far a bridge opens (or doesn't open) is up to the descreation of the bridge tender and the nature of the paticular bridge.
I don't know if there is such a regulation or not. I suppose you could ask a bridge tender or call the Coast Guard. But, as practical matter, I suspect that how far a bridge opens (or doesn't open) is up to the descreation of the bridge tender and the nature of the paticular bridge.
I've heard...
a local NC b/t say on the radio that his bridge has to cycle through a complete opening. Then he hits the button to start the closing cycle. Makes sense that the gov'ts would have this setup as a safeguard. Suppose the b/t thinks everyone has passed and stops the opening too soon. But, someone cuts the corner, etc. HUGE liabiilty issues if he didn't fully open.
a local NC b/t say on the radio that his bridge has to cycle through a complete opening. Then he hits the button to start the closing cycle. Makes sense that the gov'ts would have this setup as a safeguard. Suppose the b/t thinks everyone has passed and stops the opening too soon. But, someone cuts the corner, etc. HUGE liabiilty issues if he didn't fully open.
Yes - Bridges must open fully
From CFR Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters PART 117 - DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS: - Section 117.5 “... Except as otherwise required by this subpart, drawbridges shall open promptly and FULLY for the passage of vessels when a request to open is given in accordance with this subpart ...” http://www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/cfr/title33/part117.html
From CFR Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters PART 117 - DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS: - Section 117.5 “... Except as otherwise required by this subpart, drawbridges shall open promptly and FULLY for the passage of vessels when a request to open is given in accordance with this subpart ...” http://www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/cfr/title33/part117.html
It may be required
but they don't always do it. I used to live between bridges in the ship canal and it depends on the operator in my experience. I have had bridges here open for me even when they did not need to and I did not signal for it. They just saw me approaching and opened. That was when I was in a boat which would pass under with 5 feet to spare.
but they don't always do it. I used to live between bridges in the ship canal and it depends on the operator in my experience. I have had bridges here open for me even when they did not need to and I did not signal for it. They just saw me approaching and opened. That was when I was in a boat which would pass under with 5 feet to spare.
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