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	Rule of Thumb for Local Tide Prediction   Don't have a tide-table? No access to the newspaper or the internet to check tides? No worry! Here's a time-tested method of estimation much-loved by local fishermen, boatmen and divers alike: Always remember... 1) High tide occurs approximately at noon (and midnight) on every 3rd and 18th day of the lunar month (Chinese Calendar). 2) There is an approximate 45 minutes of delay in high tide on each subsequent day. 3) This naturally put low tide 6 hours before and after the high tide. It is because there occurs two daily lows and highs here in Singapore [semi-diurnal tidal system]. Important note: Please DO NOT apply this rule of thumb in other countries. Tide varies from place to place. Wherever you are -- in other parts of the world -- you may very well be confronted by a diurnal tidal system (i.e. one low and one high per day). Check with the local people or authority. Lastly, please be reminded that the above method is only a RULE OF THUMB... a local estimation. For safety at sea, always use your own discretion, and always... always... RESPECT THE SEA. Credit note: My sincere thanks goes to Dr. Tan Wee Kiat for teaching me this ruleof thumb and providing me with the opportunity to archive a piece of local knowledge of heritage value for posterity. Thank you once again, Dr. Tan.
	©Joseph Lai 2003