Safe Boating Weather Tips
. . . Because you know the weather
You know the weather. . .
It can be both friend and foe. Calm winds and seas make for enjoyable
power boating, waterskiing, and fishing. A fresh breeze and a light chop
provide an invigorating sailing or wind surfing experience. But the sudden
emergence of dark clouds, shifting and gusty winds, torrential downpours
and lightning can turn a days pleasure into a nightmare of distress.
Here are some tips on how to keep your pleasure and safety to a maximum.
Plan for boating fun. . .
Several days ahead of time start listening for the National Weather Service
extended 5-day outlooks on NOAA Weather Radio, AM/FM radio, and TV. The
outlooks give general information to help you decide whether or not to continue
making plans.
Before Setting Out. . .
Pay close attention to the TV weathercast and listen to detailed marine
weather forecasts on NOAA Weather Radio. Take note of small boat cautionary
statements, Small Craft Advisories, or Gale or Storm Warnings in the forecasts.
The Advisories and Warnings (see definitions) alert mariners to higher winds
and waves either occurring now or forecast to occur up to 24 hours from
now. Advisories and Warnings for conditions expected later give mariners
time to take action to protect life and property.
After setting out . . .
Dont touch that dial! Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio. You know
the weather--it changes! The change often occurs out of your sight and may
be headed your way. Updated warnings and forecasts are aired immediately
on NOAA Weather Radio, alerting you to changes that may require action on
your part. But you can help yourself . . . Its up to YOU!
While on the water, stay alert. . .
- Check NOAA Weather Radio for latest warnings and forecasts.
- Watch for signs of approaching storms:
- dark, threatening clouds that may foretell a squall or thunderstorm
- a steady increase in wind or sea
- lightning flashes.
- An increase in wind opposite in direction to a strong tidal current
may lead to steep waves capable of broaching a boat.
- Heavy static on your AM radio may be an indication of nearby thunderstorm
activity.
- If a thunderstorm is approaching, head for shore if possible. Get out
of your boat and away from the water. Find shelter immediately.
- If a thunderstorm catches you while afloat, remember that gusty winds
and lightning pose a threat to safety.
- put on your personal flotation device and prepare for rough seas.
- stay below deck if possible.
- keep away from metal objects that are not grounded to the boat's protection
system.
- don't touch more than one grounded object at the same time (or you
may become a shortcut for electrical surges passing through the protection
system).
Radio Tips
If you have a VHF transceiver with built-in NOAA Weather Radio channels,
use them. If your VHF radio is not equipped with weather channels, you may
want to buy a VHF weather radio--theyre readily available. Keep in
mind, however, broadcast reception varies with the location of you and the
transmitter, the quality of the radio, and any obstructions. A broad, average
range is 20 to 40 miles. If you venture beyond that range, you should consider
buying a good quality HF single sideband transceiver to add to your VHF.
It may be more expensive, but it is worth it to be able to get the information
that may save your life and property.
Weather Information Broadcasts*
Source
|
Frequencies
|
NOAA Weather Radio |
162.400 MHz |
(continuous broadcasts) |
162.425 MHz |
|
162.450 MHz |
|
162.475 MHz |
|
162.500 MHz |
|
162.525 MHz |
|
162.550 MHz |
Coast Guard Marine |
Selected frequencies |
Information Stations |
within the MF/HF marine bands: 2-20 MHz |
Coast Guard NAVTEX |
518 kHz |
Coast Guard VHF (Channel22A) |
157.1 MHz |
National Institute of Standards and Technology |
2.5 MHz, 5 MHz |
Time and Frequency |
10 MHz |
Stations WWV and WWVH |
15 MHz, 20 MHz |
Commercial AM and FM Radio Stations
*See Marine Weather Service Charts listed under "You
Need This..." and other publications for specific locations, schedules,
and frequencies.
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
NOAA PA 94058
June 1998
Definitions
Small Craft Advisory: Observed or forecast winds of 18 to 33 knots--Small
Craft Advisories may also be issued for hazardous sea conditions or lower
wind speeds that may affect small craft operations. Issued up to 12 hours
ahead of conditions. (There is no legal definition of the term "small
craft.")
Gale Warning: * Observed or forecast winds of 34 to 47 knots.
Storm Warning:* Observed or forecast winds of 48 knots or greater.
Tropical Storm Warnings: * Observed or forecast winds of 34 to 63
knots associated with a tropical storm.
Hurricane Warning: * Observed or forecast winds of 64 knots or higher
associated with a hurricane.
Special Marine Warning: Observed or forecast winds of 34 knots or
more associated with a squall or thunderstorm and expected to last for 2
hours or less.
*Issued up to 24 hours ahead of conditions.
Contact the National Weather Service office nearest you for the
following brochures:
- A Mariner's Guide to Marine Weather Services
- NOAA Weather Radio
You Need This . . .
National Weather Service publishes Marine Weather Service Charts for
the following segments of the U.S. coastline.
MSC-1 |
Eastport, ME to Montauk Point, NY |
MSC-2 |
Montauk Point, NY to Manasquan, NJ |
MSC-3 |
Manasquan, NJ to Cape Hatteras, NC |
MSC-4 |
Cape Hatteras, NC to Savannah, GA |
MSC-5 |
Savannah, GA to Apalachicola, FL |
MSC-6 |
Apalachicola, FL to Morgan City, LA |
MSC-7 |
Morgan City, LA to Brownsville, TX |
MSC-8 |
Mexican Border to Pt. Conception, CA |
MSC-9 |
Pt. Conception to Pt. St. George, CA |
MSC-10 |
Pt. St. George, CA to Canadian Border |
MSC-11 |
Great Lakes |
MSC-12 |
Great Lakes |
MSC-13 |
Hawaiian Waters |
MSC-14 |
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands |
MSC-15 |
Alaskan Waters |
MSC-16 |
Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands |
These placemat-sized charts contain information about warning and forecast
products and list all NWR, U.S. Coast Guard, and private marine radio stations
broadcasting weather for the area covered by the chart. To order a chart,
send $1.25 (check or money order) to: National Ocean Service, Distribution
Branch, N/ACC33, Riverdale, MD 20737-1199 or http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov
Recommended Information:
Selected Worldwide Marine Weather Broadcasts
Lists stations, schedules, frequencies, etc., for all major marine weather
broadcasts in voice and print modes in English. To order, contact U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, (202) 512-0000.
Office of Climate, Weather and Water Services
National Weather Service
1325 East-West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3283
Questions or comments: melody.magnus@noaa.gov
Last Modified: 09/07/01
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