IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE — PLEASE READ BEFORE USE

Merrimack Wave Calculator is an informational tool that estimates wave height and bar crossing conditions at the mouth of the Merrimack River in Newburyport, Massachusetts. It is provided for general informational purposes only and must not be used as the sole basis for any navigation or crossing decision.

AI-Assisted Development
This application was developed with the extensive assistance of artificial intelligence. While the underlying physical model is based on established coastal engineering principles, AI systems — including those used in the development of this application — are known to produce errors, omissions, and confident-sounding but incorrect outputs, a phenomenon commonly referred to as "hallucination." The wave height model, its calibration constants, and its methodology have not been independently certified, peer reviewed, or validated against measured Merrimack bar conditions. Users should treat all outputs as estimates subject to significant uncertainty.

This application is not:
· A certified or official navigation product
· A product of NOAA, the US Coast Guard, or any government agency
· A substitute for official National Weather Service marine forecasts
· Independently validated or peer reviewed
· Free from errors that may result from AI-assisted development

The Merrimack River Bar
The Merrimack River bar is one of the most dangerous inlet crossings on the New England coast. People have died attempting to cross it in conditions that appeared manageable. No application, forecast, or instrument replaces direct visual observation of bar conditions, local knowledge, and the judgment of an experienced mariner.

Before crossing the Merrimack bar, mariners should:
· Stop and visually assess conditions at the bar before committing to a crossing
· Monitor VHF Weather Radio for the current NWS Ipswich Bay marine forecast (ANZ251)
· Consult local knowledge and mariners experienced with this specific entrance
· Contact Newburyport Harbor Master or US Coast Guard Sector Northern New England if conditions are uncertain
· Never attempt a crossing in conditions that exceed the capability of your vessel and crew

Assumption of Risk & Limitation of Liability
By using this application you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer, that crossing the Merrimack River bar involves inherent and serious risk, that this application may contain errors, and that you assume full and sole responsibility for all navigation and crossing decisions. The author and operator of this application, Caleb Barlow, and any associated parties accept no liability whatsoever for injury, death, vessel damage, or any other loss arising from decisions made in reliance on its output.

This application is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Use at your own risk.

© 2026 Caleb Barlow. All rights reserved. Proprietary wave height methodology. Not an official NOAA or Coast Guard product.