Boating Basics: On the Water

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 to the frequencies listed below.

VHF Channels Broadcasting NOAA Weather Reports

VHF Channels for Recreational Boaters

Recreational boaters are given access to these VHF channels:

What To Do If Caught in Severe Weather

• Be sure your life jacket (personal flotation device or PFD) is properly secured on your body.
• Turn on your boat’s navigation lights. 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 directly into the waves.
• Slow down, but keep enough power to maintain headway and steering.
• Seat passengers on the vessel floor, 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 bilges free of water.
• If the engine stops, drop anchor from the bow if you have enough line to reach the water bottom. 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.