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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.