Weather

A PWC operator or other boater should not go out on the water when dangerous weather or water conditions are forecast. Check local forecasts for news regarding strong winds, storms, lightning, hurricanes and fog. Avoid these conditions at all times.

Since weather can change very quickly in some parts of the country, be aware of the weather while you are on the water. Adverse weather conditions can cause all kinds of dangerous situations for boaters. If you see the weather conditions changing, turn back to shore. If you are caught in bad weather, reduce speed and proceed with caution. If possible, head for the nearest safe shore. Boats should head into the waves at about a 45 degree angle, not square on. If you encounter problems, stay with your PWC. Do not attempt to swim to shore. A PWC or other boat is easier for rescuers to see than just a swimmer's head.

How To Handle Bad Weather Conditions

Bring along a portable radio and tune it to a local station that provides weather updates. The VHF-FM radio stations that broadcast National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather reports, updated each hour, are listed below. Be alert to the weather you can see. Developing clouds, turbulent winds and darkening skies signal weather changes. If there is a barometer on the craft, track the movement. A rising barometer indicates fair weather. A falling barometer indicates foul weather. Sudden wind shifts usually indicate a weather change. Thunderstorm clouds and the associated weather is quite violent. Waves are created by the wind blowing across the water. The stronger the wind and the longer the time and distance it blows on the water, the larger the waves will be. You can effectively determine your distance from a thunder storm by counting the number of seconds between a lightening flash and the clap of thunder. Light travels far faster than sound. Divide the number of seconds by five. The result is roughly the distance in miles you are from the storm.

Watch for lightning or rough water. Remember that boats, particularly sailboats, or large pleasure boats with metal masts, are vulnerable to lightning if not grounded. Watch for weather coming from all directions. Fog can also create serious problems. Usually, fog forms in the early morning or evening and often takes a long time to burn off. If the PWC or boat operator has the proper navigation equipment, local charts and experience, they should proceed to a safer moorage. Exercise caution, sound the proper sound signals and reduce to a safe speed (a speed at which you can stop within half your visual range).

Minimize the danger of having your boat 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 boat. If you observe lightning, disconnect all electrical equipment. Stay as clear of metal objects, or masts, as possible. Secure loose items and have emergency gear ready.

Keep bilges free of water. Be prepared to remove water by bailing if needed. If the engine stops, drop anchor from the bow. If you have no anchor, use a "sea anchor," which is anything that will create drag and hold the bow into the wind while you ride the storm out. Without power, most powerboats will turn stern to the wind and waves, and could be more easily swamped. Do not attempt PWC repairs under these conditions.

VHF-FM Stations For NOAA Weather Reports

NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, weather forecasts and warnings using these frequencies:

• 162.400 MHz

• 162.425 MHz

• 162.450 MHz

• 162.475 MHz

• 162.500 MHz

• 162.525 MHz

• 162.550 MHz

Bad Weather Operations

Since PWC operators are required to wear a PFD, they should make sure it's secure. Operators of other boat types should put on a PFD at the first sign of bad weather. Keep a constant lookout for other boats and debris. In fog, sound your fog horn or whistle. If your boat has a more than one fuel tank, switch to a "full" fuel tank.

All recreational boats should head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach. If the storm is already upon you, it may be best to ride it out in open water rather than trying to approach the shore in heavy wind and waves. Nearly all boats should head the bow into the waves at a 45 degree angle; however, PWC should head directly into the waves because they are less stable and have higher chance of tipping at 45 degree angle. Boaters should close all hatches, windows and other openings to reduce the chance of swamping. Reduce speed, but keep enough power to maintain headway. Passengers should be seated on the bottom of the boat, as close to the centerline as possible.

KEEP ALERT: In some parts of the country, weather can change quickly. If you see the weather conditions changing for the worst, turn back to shore.

Leeway

Leeway is caused by either wind or current pushing the boat off course. Leeway is the difference between your desired course and your actual course. A boat that has a deep draft and a small cabin will be greatly affected by current or moving water. On the other hand, a shallow draft boat, like a PWC, will be primarily affected by the wind. The greater your speed compared to leeway, the smaller the tacking angle. A slow boat in a strong wind or current will need to go into the wind and current at a large angle to compensate for leeway. In planning your course, always take leeway into consideration.

Tides

In coastal areas, tides are important. They significantly change the water level. This change may lead to groundings in areas that were safely navigated only a few hours earlier. Tidal change must be taken into account when anchoring or docking to a fixed dock. Familiarity with the impact of local changes is essential. Check with local marinas or the Coast Guard for information. Learn to read and understand tables and current charts.