Boating Basics: On the Water

Weather Emergencies

Weather can change very rapidly and create unexpected situations. Monitor weather developments by tuning a VHF radio to one of the frequencies listed below:

VHF Frequencies Broadcasting NOAA Weather Reports
162.400 MHz	162.500 MHz
162.425 MHz	162.525 MHz
162.450 MHz	162.550 MHz
162.475 MHz

What To Do If Caught in Foul Weather

Put on personal flotation devices (PFDs) and make sure they are properly secured.
Seek shelter in advance of a storm. If caught out in a thunderstorm, stay low in the middle of the vessel.
If there is fog, sound your fog horn. Read more about sound signals.
Head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach.
Head the bow into the waves at a 45-degree angle. PWCs should head directly into the waves.
Reduce speed.
Seat passengers on the bottom of the vessel, as close to the centerline as possible.
Secure loose items. Have emergency gear ready.
If the engine stops, drop a “sea anchor” on a line off the bow to keep the bow headed into the wind and reduce drifting while you ride out the storm. In an emergency, a bucket will work as a sea anchor.
If the sea anchor is not sufficient, anchor using your conventional anchor to prevent your boat from drifting into dangerous areas.

These are the most commonly used VHF channels on United States waters.

VHF Channels for Recreational Boaters
6	Intership safety communications only
9	Communications between vessels (commercial and recreational), and ship to coast (calling channel in designated USCG Districts)
13	Navigational use by commercial, military, and recreational vessels at bridges, locks, and harbors
16	Distress and safety calls to U.S. Coast Guard and others, and to initiate calls to other vessels; often called the “hailing” channel. (Some regions use other channels as the hailing channel.) When hailing, contact the other vessel, quickly agree to another channel, and then switch to that channel to continue conversation
22	Communications between the U.S. Coast Guard and the maritime public, both recreational and commercial. Severe weather warnings, hazards to navigation, and other safety warnings are broadcast on this channel
24-28	Public telephone calls (to marine operator)
68, 69, 71	Recreational vessel radio channel and ship to coast
70	Digital selective calling “alert channel”

Delaware Division
of Fish & Wildlife

Overview

Boating Basics

It's the Law!

Required Equipment

It's the Law! (cont.)

Helpful Information

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Online boating safety handbook last modified: June 16, 2008
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