Hazard spot
Pentland Firth
One of Europe’s strongest tidal channels, with up to ten knots and standing waves. The passage works only with slack water, never against it.
- Cause
- Strong current and cross seas
- Main season
- all year
- Position
- 58° 45,0' N 003° 06,0' W
On the map
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How the place works
One of the strongest tidal races in Europe: between the Scottish mainland and Orkney up to ten knots run, and at the Merry Men of Mey and the Swelkie standing waves and whirlpools form against the wind. The passage works only with slack water, never against it.
What breaks there
Entering against the tide means not getting through and being set into the overfalls. Loss of steering and capsize are real possibilities here, and rescue resources are far apart.
What this means for your policy
This passage is a case for asking what the policy does about sea rescue: an RNLI launch is free to the casualty, a commercial salvage is not. Check whether salvage costs are covered and up to what amount.
Read this in fullCruising range
This spot lies in the cruising range the calculator lists under this step: EU inland waters
Calculate a premium for this cruising range
