According to these officials, you always should check the official weather forecast before you go boating and watch for development of any of the following dangerous conditions while on the water:
* Fog, dark clouds, and lightning
* A falling barometer (a signal you can expect rain)
* A noticeable halo around the sun or moon (also usually indicates rain)
* Changes in the direction and temperature of the wind (a drop in temperature indicates a storm)
* Puffy, vertically rising clouds
* Any changes coming in from the West (usually portends foul weather) or East (storms from this direction are usually the most powerful)
Knowledge of upcoming weather (regardless if from the National Weather Service, a VHF-FM marine radio, a small battery-operated weather radio, or your cellphone) is vital to ensuring a safe trip on the water. Advance knowledge can offer a means of advance preparation, which could mean survival of your property and/or life of yourself and your passengers.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides the following warning levels:
Small Craft Advisory. A warning of weather conditions that may be dangerous for small boats. This warning indicates winds of at least 18 knots (24 mph) and rough wave conditions.
Gale Warning. A warning of strong winds within the range of 34 to 47 knots (39 to 54 mph).
Storm Warning. A warning of winds within the range of 48 to 63 knots (55 to73 mph).
Hurricane Warning. A warning that indicates hurricane winds of 64 knots (74 mph) or higher. This warning identifies a combination of dangerously high water and rough seas are expected to impact a specified coastal area.
Thunderstorms usually mean a triple threat: (1) heavy, flooding rain, (2) unusually heavy and sudden winds, and (3) potentially destructive lightning.
If you get caught in a storm, take the following actions:
Step 1. Make sure every passenger is wearing a life jacket.
Step 2. Reduce your speed and maintain your forward movement.
Step 3. Turn on your required navigation lights. You may not be the only boater out there.
Step 4. Seat your passengers on the bottom of the boat, along the centerline. This will help stabilize the boat and prevent your passengers from falling overboard.
Step 5. Stow away any loose gear. A wakeboard or fishing pole can catch the wind and fly at you or your passengers.
Step 6. Cut through large waves at a 45-degree angle. This will reduce the chance of your boat being swamped. If you're operating a personal watercraft, cut through the waves at a 90-degreee angle to help maintain lateral stability.
Step 7. Keep the bilges free of water in order to stay well above the water level. Make sure you have a good bailer or working bilge pump onboard.
Step 8. If it's safe to do so, head toward shore.
If you get caught in a storm, and you're unable to return to shore safely, you should anchor your boat, according to the following instructions:
Step 1. Angle the boat as though you're still moving, at a 45-degree angle, headed into the waves. This positioning will prevent the boat from drifting or being swamped by waves.
Step 2. Drop the anchor from the bow of the boat.
Step 3. Stay low in the boat and turn off electrical equipment while you wait for the storm to pass.
Step 4. Use your sound signaling device to indicate to other boaters that you're at anchor. To do this, sound a signal rapidly for about five seconds, in intervals of not more than one minute.
Step 5. If you find yourself in need of rescue, use the appropriate visual-distress signal equipment.
Step 6. If you find yourself without an anchor, the Coast Guard recommends using a bucket and rope as an emergency anchor.
If you cannot reach your destination safely, seek shelter for the duration of the storm. Safe shelters include marked areas for mooring or bays and docking areas that are protected by breakwaters.
Knowing that weather is on the horizon and being prepared for running into storms while on the water can help keep you, your passengers, and your vessel safe.
No comments:
Post a Comment