Boating Basics: On the Water

Weather Emergencies

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

What To Do If Caught in Severe Weather

Prepare the boat to handle severe weather.

Slow down, but keep enough power to maintain headway and steering.
Close all hatches, windows, and doors to reduce the chance of swamping.
Stow any unnecessary gear.
Turn on your boat's navigation lights. If there is fog, sound your fog horn.
Keep bilges free of water. Be prepared to remove water by bailing.
If there is lightning, disconnect all electrical equipment. Stay as clear of metal objects as possible.

Prepare your passengers for severe weather.

Have everyone put on a USCG-approved life jacket (PFD). If passengers are already wearing their PFDs, make sure they are secured properly.
Have your passengers sit on the vessel floor close to the centerline for their safety and to make the boat more stable.

Decide whether to go to shore or ride out the storm.

If possible, head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach. If already caught in a storm, it may be best to ride it out in open water rather than try to approach the shore in heavy wind and waves.
Head the bow into the waves at a 45-degree angle. PWCs should head directly into the waves.
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.

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

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

Channel #	Purpose of Channel
6	Intership safety communications.
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, and 71	Recreational vessel radio channels and ship to coast.
70	Digital selective calling "alert channel."

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 (39-54 mph).
	Storm Warning: Winds 48 knots (55 mph) and above. If the winds are associated with a tropical cyclone, this warning forecasts winds of 48-63 knots.
	Hurricane Warning: Winds of 64 knots (74 mph) and above, displayed in connection with a hurricane.

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Online boating safety handbook last modified: September 29, 2010
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