Knowing what to expect from the weather on a boating day is an important safety factor to always consider. In a fast-paced world, being able to hop on your boat and set sail for the day can be the most rewarding (and relaxing) experience. When you're in a blue state of mind, your brain takes time to rest from its busy day and reset. However, Mother Nature can turn a beautiful day into a stormy one, and weather safety is important for all boaters.
Simple Weather Safety Steps Boaters Can Take
Weather safety importance for boaters means planning ahead. Even if you don't intend on being on the water the entire day, you should take the same precautions as if you were. Safety is a top priority when it comes to boating, and taking the proper steps can ensure you have a great time on the water.
Weather Safety Step 1: Know Before You Go
The first simple step for weather safety is to check the marine forecast. A marine forecast will give you significant weather coverage including the roughness of shore waters, wave heights, and wind speed and direction. Websites including NOOA can help you track current hurricanes and navigate to the National Weather Service. You can also refer to Windy for a detailed and visual weather forecast.
Weather Safety Step 2: Assign a First Mate
The next simple weather safety step is to assign a first mate. Having a second in command is significant when cruising the big blue. Your first mate should be able to operate all marine electronics, steer, and maintain the safety of the vessel and all aboard. If the captain or main operator becomes incapacitated in any way, it's crucial that somebody else can navigate the boat and bring it safely to shore.
Weather Safety Step 3: Proper Marine Electronics Equipment
Having the proper marine electronics equipment can also help you navigate the open seas while giving you the advantage of tuning into weather coverage. A quality VHF radio can keep you connected to the Coast Guard should trouble arise and you cannot safely make it back to shore. Your VHF should have built-in NOAA weather channels as well as U.S., Canadian, and international marine channels. A VHF with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) is ideal because it broadcasts your boat's position so that other ships are aware of your location, and it can also display across your chart plotter.
Because the weather can change in an instant (and drastically), having advanced technology can deliver the marine forecast before you wind up in the midst of a squall. For optimal coverage that can tie into your navigation system, a Garmin GXM 54 can provide detailed weather information, coverage that spans up to 150 nautical miles, and entertainment with Sirius XM radio that is compatible with various chartplotters.
Weather Safety Brings Peace of Mind on the Water
Weather safety is important for all boaters. Whether it's an hour or the whole day, taking precautions and knowing what the marine forecasts predict can ensure you have a great time on the water.
The Mobile Mariner is here to bring you the peace of mind you deserve when you're out on the water. From marine electronics repair and service to new marine electronics installations, we can help you know the weather before you go and remain confident at sea.
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