Safe Boating Weather Tips
/sailboat drawing . . . Because you know the weather/
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/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 day?s pleasure into a nightmare of
distress. Here are some tips on how to keep your pleasure and safety to
a maximum.
drawing of speedboat
/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.
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/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 . . ./
Don?t 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 . . . It?s up to YOU!
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/While on the water, stay alert. . ./
* Check NOAA Weather Radio for latest warnings and forecasts.
* Watch for signs of approaching storms:
o dark, threatening clouds that may foretell a squall or
thunderstorm
o a steady increase in wind or sea
o lightning flashes.
drawing of lightning
* 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.
o Put on your personal flotation device and prepare for rough
seas.
o Stay below deck if possible.
o Keep away from metal objects that are not grounded to the
boat's protection system.
o 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).
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/Radio Tips/
drawing of NOAA Weather Radio with weather symbols above
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--they?re 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.
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/Weather Information Broadcasts*/
*Source *
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*Frequencies*
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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
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*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
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/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
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/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.
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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