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WEATHER
When deciding to go boating, each boater must make an informed decision based on forecasted local weather, water conditions, skill level, vessel range and capability pertinent to those conditions. Never go boating when there is a chance of dangerous weather (i.e., strong wind, storms, lightning, hurricanes, fog) or dangerous water conditions (i.e., high water, sand bars, currents, large waves).
Boaters should never intentionally launch when there is any chance of
a pending storm, severe weather, lightning, or conditions that reduce
visibility (rain, fog, snow, etc.).
Stay informed of the weather - listen to the local AM or FM radio, watch TV reports or tune into the National Weather Service broadcast on your VHF-FM radio.
Storm Safety
From spring through fall, most storms generate from the west for boaters in America.
Keep an eye on the sky for changing cloud patterns. An increase in wind speed and a decrease in air temperature indicate a storm front is moving through the area. Take quick action when the weather turns foul.
- Put on life jackets.
- “Batten”
down the hatches (close all doors and windows, cover open areas).
- Secure all
loose objects as they may injure persons onboard – referred to as “missile
hazards”
- Strong winds caused by storms present danger to the boater as the
wind can create large waves. To reduce the chances of capsizing, reduce speed
and head into the seas. The angle you approach the seas depends on the type of boat
hull, the height of the seas and your seamanship skills. Some boats will
ride well going nearly straight into the seas (bow on), while others will need
to increase the angle of approach, up to as much as 45 degrees.
- Avoid taking
waves on the beam of the boat, or over the stern. Remember, the bow is
designed to ride up and over the wave. Go slow and keep a constant watch on the
wave height. Adjust boat speed to reduce wave impact.
- If in doubt as to the
safety of yourself or your passengers, notify the nearest marine patrol.
Lightning
- Never go boating if there is a possibility of lightning in the area.
- If caught in a lightning storm, let marine rescue know you are on the water. State your position.
- There are few actions a boater can take when caught in a lightning storm other than staying as low in the boat as possible and turning off all electrical equipment.
Hurricanes, Tropical Storms and Gales
The effects of strong gales, tropical storms or hurricanes can be devastating to a boat if the owner does not take the time to properly safeguard his or her boat prior to the onset of a storm. Take these precautions well before any strong storm is expected to make landfall:
| Hierarchy of Preparation for Severe Weather |
1. Remove the boat from the water.
2. If the boat cannot be trailered, contract a marina operator to have it hauled from the water and moved to storage.
3. If the boat cannot be removed from the water, move the boat as far inland as possible.
4. Anchor the boat in a protected harbor or cove. Use a minimum of 2 bow anchors with anchor line measuring at least 10 times the depth of the water.
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5. Moor the boat to a dock. A minimum of 8 mooring lines is recommended (2 bow lines, 2 stern lines and 4 spring lines), along with at least 4 fenders on each side of the boat.
6. Remove valuables and cover the boat.
7. If equipped with an automatic bilge pump, check to see that it is operating properly.
8. For insurance purposes, take pictures of the boat, before and after any pending storm.
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Reduced
Visibility (details in Chapter 4)
A boater’s ability to see can quickly become
impaired by rain, snow or fog.
- Always know where you are by using charts and, if available, a Global Positioning System (GPS).
- Slow down. Anchor if necessary. Listen and watch for other boats.
- Know and follow established navigation rules of the road when operating in reduced visibility, especially the proper use of sounds signals.
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