Landfall

The first sighting or close approach to land after an open-water passage.

The term can describe the event, the intended area of coast or the act of making landfall. It does not require physically reaching or going ashore, and in poor visibility the navigational transition may occur by radar, soundings or other verified information before land is seen.

Landfall planning considers position uncertainty, conspicuous marks, safe approach sectors, off-lying hazards, tidal streams, weather, visibility and an alternative destination. A deliberately broad, easily identified approach can be safer than aiming directly for a small feature after a long passage.