Boating Basics: On the Water

Weather Emergencies

Weather can change very rapidly and create unexpected situations for vessel operators. Even meteorologists have trouble predicting rapid weather changes. You should always monitor weather developments. One way is to tune into the frequencies listed below on a VHF radio.

VHF Channels Broadcasting NOAA Weather Reports

Channel	Frequency
WX1	162.550 MHz
WX2	162.400 MHz
WX3	162.475 MHz
WX4	162.425 MHz
WX5	162.450 MHz
WX6	162.500 MHz
WX7	162.525 MHz

VHF Channels for Recreational Boaters

Recreational boaters are given access to these VHF channels:

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 USCG 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

Be sure your life jacket (personal flotation device (PFD)) is properly secured on your body.
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 straight into the waves.
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 enough line to reach the water bottom. 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.

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Boating Basics

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Online boating safety handbook last modified: April 22, 2008
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