Boating Basics: On the Water With Your Vessel
Weather Emergencies

Weather can change very rapidly and create unexpected situations for vessel operators. Even meteorologists have trouble predicting rapid weather changes. You should always monitor weather developments. One way is to tune a VHF radio into the frequencies listed below.

What to Do If Caught in Foul Weather

Be sure your personal flotation device (life jacket) is properly secured on your body.
If there is fog, sound your fog horn.
Head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach.
Head the bow into the waves at a 45-degree angle. PWCs should head into the waves at a 90-degree angle.
Reduce speed.
Seat passengers on the bottom of the vessel, as close to the centerline as possible.
Minimize the danger of having your vessel struck by lightning by seeking shelter in advance of a storm. If caught on open water during a thunderstorm, stay low in the middle of the vessel.
Secure loose items. Have emergency gear ready.
Keep the bilge free of water.
If the engine stops, drop anchor from the bow. If you have no anchor, use a “sea anchor,” which is anything (a bucket on a line, a tackle box) that will create drag and hold the bow into the wind.

VHF Frequencies Broadcasting NOAA Weather Reports

162.400 MHz
162.425 MHz
162.450 MHz
162.475 MHz
162.500 MHz
162.525 MHz
162.550 MHz

VHF Channels for Recreational Boaters

Channel #	Purpose of Channel
6	Intership safety communications only
9	Communications between vessels (commercial and recreational), and ship to coast
13	Strictly for navigational purposes by vessels at bridges, locks, and harbors
16	Distress and safety calls to Coast Guard and others, and to initiate calls to other vessels
22	U.S. Coast Guard broadcasts of severe weather warnings and other safety warnings
24-28	Public telephone calls (to marine operator)
68, 69, 71	Recreational vessel radio channels and ship to coast

Weather Warning Display Signals

Daytime Flags & Nighttime Lights	What the Signals Mean
	Small Craft Advisory: Winds in the range of 21 to 33 knots (24 to 38 mph) which are conditions considered dangerous to small boats.
	Gale Warning: Winds in the range of 34 to 47 knots (39 to 54 mph).
	Storm Warning: Winds 48 knots (55 mph) and above. If the winds are associated with a tropical cyclone, this warning forecasts winds of 48 to 63 knots.
	Hurricane Warning: Winds of 64 knots (74 mph) and above, displayed in connection with a hurricane.