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Weather Emergencies

Weather Emergencies

Weather can change very rapidly and create unexpected situations. Always monitor weather developments. One way is to tune into the frequencies listed below on a VHF radio.

VHF Frequencies Broadcasting NOAA Weather Reports      

  • 162.400 MHz       
  • 162.425 MHz       
  • 162.450 MHz       
  • 162.475 MHz       
  • 162.500 MHz       
  • 162.525 MHz       
  • 162.550 MHz   

Recreational boaters are given access to the VHF channels shown in the table below:

Channel # Purpose of Channel
Channel 6 Intership safety communications only
Channel 9 Communications between vessels (commercial and recreational), and ship to coast
Channel 13 Strictly for navigational purposes by vessels at bridges, locks and harbors
Channel 16 Distress and safety calls to Coast Guard and others, and to initiate calls to other vessels
Channel 22 U.S. Coast Guard broadcasts of severe weather warnings and other safety warnings
Channels 24 through 28 Public telephone calls (to marine operator)
Channels 68, 69 and 71   Recreational vessel radio channel and ship to coast

What to Do If Caught in Foul Weather

  • Put on personal flotation devices (life jackets) and make sure they are properly secured.
  • If there is fog, sound your fog horn.
  • Head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach.
  • Head the bow into the waves at a 45 degree angle. PWCs should head into the waves at a 90 degree angle.
  • Reduce speed.
  • Seat passengers on the bottom of the vessel, as close to the centerline as possible.
  • Minimize the danger of having your vessel struck by lightning by seeking shelter in advance of a storm. If caught on open water during a thunderstorm, stay low in the middle of the vessel.
  • Secure loose items. Have emergency gear ready.
  • Keep the bilge free of water.

If the engine stops, drop anchor from the bow. If you have no anchor use a "sea anchor," which is anything (a bucket on a line, a tackle box) that will create drag, and hold the bow into the wind.