What To Know About Boating Safety Weather Forecasts

Just about everyone has an interest in the weather. As a frequent boat angler, I’m constantly checking for current and forthcoming wind and wave conditions and directions, as well as forecasts of upcoming events that may impact on-the-water activities, including where, and sometimes how, I fish.

It’s the safety side of things that is especially important, however, and boating safety weather forecasts, aka marine weather forecasts, are critical sources of information, since the weather can change quickly and being aware of current and future conditions or events allows boaters to respond accordingly.

Weather Information Sources for Boaters

1. National Weather Service. A vital component of the taxpayer-funded National Oceanic and Atmospheric Service (NOAA), the National Weather Service (NWS) is the most important source of free local, regional, and national weather information for boaters. Go to their website, find the locality you’re interested in, then bookmark it for easy reference. Real-time NWS marine weather forecasts are also available via radio, apps, and email, and on the weather channel(s) of VHF radios.

2. U. S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard broadcasts free urgent marine or boating safety weather forecasts on VHF radio channel 22A from over 200 sites covering the coastal areas of the U.S., including the Great Lakes, major inland waterways, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam. Such broadcasts are first announced over Channel 16.

3. Weather Apps/Websites. Many apps or websites provide weather information, although they’re usually not specifically boating safety weather forecasts. Nevertheless, they can be helpful in planning a boating or fishing outing. I don’t know if these are the best boating weather apps or sources, but I look at SailFlow, Windy, and Windfinder, and know people who check others. Basic info is available via a free download (or website visit) from some, but more detailed forecasts may require a subscription.

4. Local News Media. Most people regularly receive general local weather information from a media outlet such as a local television station. These can be especially helpful when they provide localized thunderstorm, tornado, flooding, and heavy rainfall info. They’re of supplemental value info-wise to boaters and usually not as detailed about maritime conditions.

What To Monitor and Understand

Marine, wind, wave, and storm forecasts are provided by NWS. Within these are advisories, watches, and warnings, and you should understand what they mean. Check boating safety weather forecasts before and during outings, especially if you’re on a long trip, notice conditions changing, or are expecting changes. Digest all of the information; projected wave height, for example, may not seem an issue, but factor in the direction of the wind, whatever current may exist (including tidal flow), and the size of your boat to determine of this is something you should be boating in. It’s common to encounter rougher-than expected water when the wind and the tide oppose each other.

Here are some forecast elements to review with regard to your navigational plans and personal safety:

• Wind speed and direction

• Wave height

• Visibility

• Lightning

• Water temperature

• Precipitation

Additionally, NWS boating safety weather forecasts include these warnings of potentially hazardous conditions:

• Small Craft Advisory (SCA) - while there is no definition of small craft per NWS, it issues an SCA when sustained wind speeds of 20-23 knots (24 to 38 mph) are expected.

• Gale Warning - issued when sustained wind speeds of 34-47 knots (39-54 mph) are expected.

• Storm Warning - issued when sustained wind speeds exceeding 48 knots (55 mph) are expected.

• Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings.

By staying informed of current and future weather conditions, you assure safe and pleasurable boating. And, of course, make certain you have the proper safety equipment onboard.