Checking Local Weather and Water Conditions
Before any boating trip, you should check the short-term and long-term local weather forecast as reported on the radio, TV or Internet. You should always factor these weather forecasts into your preparations as you make your trip plan. For example, you’ll want to avoid certain types of weather whenever possible, such as heavy fog or strong winds. You’ll also want to pay particular attention to hurricane warnings; you should never go boating if there is a hurricane warning in effect.
Once on the water, tune a portable radio to a VHF-FM weather station that broadcasts the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to get accurate, detailed and up-to-date weather information. N-O-A-A Weather Radio is frequently updated and covers the coastal areas of continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Mariana Islands with continuous weather broadcasts. It’s your best resource for weather information while on the water. You’ll find the NOAA broadcasts on the following frequencies:
WX1 WX2 WX3 162.550 MHz 162.400 MHz 162.475 MHz
These broadcasts include weather information like temperature, humidity, wave conditions, barometric pressure, as well as wind speed and direction- all important factors for determining when and where to boat, and when to head for shore.
Monitor Weather While on the Water
Since the weather can change very quickly, particularly when you’re out on the water, it is vital that you pay close attention to weather forecasts and anticipate weather changes whenever possible.
Here are some tips for keeping on top of weather changes while out on the water:
- Always keep an eye to the sky. Fog, dark clouds and lightning are clear signs that bad weather is approaching.
- Monitor barometric readings. A rising barometer is a sign that good weather is coming while a falling barometer indicates that foul weather is likely.
- Pay close attention to shifts in the wind direction and temperature; these are signs that the weather is changing.
- Be mindful of the West as bad weather usually approaches from this direction. Storms from the East often pack quite a wallop.
- Continually monitor your radio and weather channels and ask for information about local weather patterns by radio, especially if you’re in unfamiliar waters.
Finally, take note of what other boaters are doing. If they’re heading for shore, it can give you a heads up about coming weather changes.
Boating in Rough Water
If you’re out on the water and a storm is heading your way, you should prepare yourself, your passengers and your boat by taking the following steps:
- Make sure that everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket and that it is secured properly.
- Reduce your speed and continue with caution, keeping an eye out for other boats and floating debris.
- Close all hatches and ports to avoid swamping.
- For stability and safety, get your passengers to stay low in the boat near the centerline.
- Secure any loose items to avoid losing them overboard.
- Pump out the bilges so that your boat sits higher in the water.
- Check marine charts to find the nearest shelter, noting any hazards in the area;
- And proceed cautiously to the nearest safe shoreline.
If a storm has already hit, here are some additional tips to ensure the safety of everyone on board:
- If there is lightning, unplug all electrical equipment. Stay low in the boat and away from metal objects.
- Head the bow of the boat into waves at a 45-degree angle. This will keep the boat in the most stable position.
- If your engine stops, drop an anchor from the bow to combat drifting and swamping. Never drop anchor from the stern.
