Definition
A linear feature, typically a depth contour, a coastline, a river bank or a line of buoys, is followed as a guide. Contour handrailing is practical with an echo sounder: hold the vessel on, say, the 20 metre line by steering to keep the sounding constant. The technique demands care where the contour is steep-to or where the same depth occurs on both sides of a channel, which can produce a plausible but wrong track.
Want to apply this on the water?
Ask Saily out loud for an example, a scenario or a simpler explanation.
Talk to Saily