Ocean depth maps

[SurvivorSean]

I've got two topics but I'll keep them in 2 different threads. But they are a result of running tankers a ground in the middle of the night without proper warning. I'll leave damage for another thread.

I first headed west from the peninsula terminal to the cheaper of my oil platforms on the far west side. The quickest route was to run just south of Terminal Spycakes. Well oddly enough I seen something in the water and it was day but rainy. By the time I got in position to react I slammed straight into it coming to a full stop from about 18 knots.

I knew I would avoid this area on the way back so I though no problem I can run at night. Well I started running a ground in the middle between two channels and eventually ran aground just west of the refinery before running out of fuel.

I see what looks like depth maps around the islands on the map. However open water has nothing to indicate shallow water or when exposed rocks above the surface our present. Any idea why this is, or if there is a plan/suggestion to include something.

I'm not sure how much radar or sonar can help. I'm using the Luddline medium tanker and it warns me when the depth below is creeping up. But I'm not sure if I can get a more advanced warning in a straight direction.

[izmebee]

I use distance sensors set at the bottom of my boats looking straight ahead logic that warns at different distances and will try and avoid steering away from any obstacle and then return to its original course.

I also employ bouys just to remind me of dangerous pokie things and they have flashy lights that make navigating at night kind of pretty in a way that flashy lights do.

[Johannes]

I use the same. A distance sensor. At 30 sec from an impact it sounds an alarm, and if not disabled, at 10 sec before impact it reduces throttle (Ref Damen 4207)

[SurvivorSean]

That's cool ideas. How do you keep the flashy lights powered? Solar with a battery? Not sure how proximity to a device changes it's logic or characteristics. For example I know leaving a boat loading or unloading only works a certain distance. I've left boats in the ocean before to come back and find them capsized. Not to say that wouldn't happen unmanned but the seas remained calm from leaving to returning if I recall.

[SurvivorSean]

I guess I should mention I play in advanced. I found a few to download but not really in position to use them just yet anyways. Just got my money back up to 100K as I'm expecting to take a trip north tonight to buy the terminal with the oil. Still have lots to do at that end before I chart a channel. Seems on my map at least the eastern side of the map from peninsula down towards refinery is not as deadly. I do have a nice chopper that will wench a buoy or marker if I can get it to stay on and stay still.

[izmebee]

Im lazy and my flying skills are interesting. I tow so many things in this game. Just me and my tug. And yes, a small battery and some solar panels can power flashing lights through nights and storms, they use very little power.

I have one map save file where I lit up the bridges. Its a performance killer but pretty at night.

[SurvivorSean]

Yeah I was playing around with one last night and added some solar panels to a small battery. Just using the standard lights and not floodlights though you need binoculars to see them in advance.