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Boating can undoubtedly be a thrilling experience that offers a chance to escape life’s daily hustle and bustle and enjoy the serenity of water. However, when stormy weather strikes, it can quickly turn into a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
High winds, heavy rain, and rough waves pose a significant threat to the vessel and the passengers aboard. Unsurprisingly, it’s a fact that boating accidents are more likely to occur during stormy weather conditions, making it crucial for operators to take the necessary precautions.
Following a few essential tips can keep yourself and your passengers safe while enjoying your time on the water. So, which safety precaution should be taken first by a boat operator when boating in stormy weather? Let’s find out.
First Things First
Before anything else, your first responsibility is to ensure everyone, including the passengers on board, is wearing US Coast Guard approved life jackets or PFDs. You should make sure that they’re approved by the US Coast Guard and also fit correctly.
Even though there are some exceptions, such as for children under the age of 13 – they’re required to wear a US Coast Guard-approved PFD as long as the boat is in motion. However, we’d still recommend you wear protection all the time.
Whether the boat is anchored down or moving, you should always prioritize safety by wearing a PFD, no matter what. Also, if you’re cruising with minors, educate them about the potential dangers of stormy weather and the importance of wearing a PFD too.
Precautions To Take When Boating in Stormy Weather
The weather can be unpredictable, and no matter how hard we try to avoid bad weather, we’d still get caught up in a storm that develops quickly. For such situations, it’s crucial to take necessary precautions to keep everyone safe, such as:
Keep all Hatches and Openings Closed
One of the most common reasons that lead to sinking and capsizing is swamping. You should always close all the doors, hatches, windows, or any other openings to prevent the water from getting inside the boat and causing swamping.
Moreover, as water can keep building up in a storm or rough waters, you should also consider checking the bilge and pumping it periodically.
Securely Store Loose Items
Stormy weather may cause your vessel to become unsteady and shaky, which may also make it difficult for people to stay still and cause the items on the boat to move around. In that case, it’s advisable to secure loose items and store them safely.
Ask Passengers to Stay in The Centre
You should keep the passengers near the vessel’s center to keep it balanced. Even the cargo should be centered in the boat and ensure it stays there, as any sudden shift in weight may cause the boat to lose balance, tip over, or even sink.
Know Where You Are
It’s also important to know where you are while boating to prevent getting lost. Even if you aren’t aware of your exact location, you should still have a general idea about your whereabouts to save time. You can also reach out to the coast guard for assistance in certain situations.
Keep An Eye on The Weather
When you’re in the middle of a boat trip, you should keep monitoring the weather to keep out of the storm’s way. Even though it can be a bit complex to do so when caught in a storm, keeping track of the weather will be really helpful out on the water.
5x Tips to Keep in Mind While Boating in Stormy Weather
In case you get caught in stormy weather, here are seven tips that you should keep in mind:
- Check The Weather Reports: Before you set off for a boat trip, always check the weather reports to avoid boating in stormy weather and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Ensure You Have Sufficient Fuel: It’s necessary to have enough fuel to help you cover any eventualities in case you get caught in a storm, as running out of fuel can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
- Don’t Panic: When in danger, it’s a natural human response to panic, but it can eventually lead to poor decision-making, which is why it’s essential to stay calm and think rationally to make the best decision for everyone’s safety.
- Pay Attention to The Waves: During stormy weather, you should slow down and pay attention to the behavior of the waves. This will allow you to prevent capsizing or swamping and ensure the safety of everyone onboard.
- Approach Waves and Wakes at an Angle: Approaching waves and wakes at an angle is comparatively safer than going head-on. This way, you can handle the waves better and reduce the risk of capsizing.
Anchoring in a Storm
With the potential risks of a storm looming, it’s essential to prioritize your and your passengers’ safety. Nevertheless, in certain situations, anchoring might prove to be the best course of action for you. You should maintain a 45-degree angle concerning waves.
Doing this will ensure that you stay in an optimal position to anchor your boat correctly. After you’ve deployed the anchor, make sure to switch off any electric equipment, maintain a low profile, and activate your signaling device.
How To Maneuver Your Vessel in Severe Weather
When you face severe weather conditions, we’d advise you to maneuver your boat at a 45-degree angle to the waves. Doing so allows you to gain better stability and control over the boat in turbulent waters and helps reduce its speed.
This also prevents it from being swamped by large waves that may potentially cause capsizing.
Final Words
When boating in stormy weather, taking necessary security measures should be your top priority. By following the precautions and tips mentioned above, you can always ensure optimal safety for you and your passengers while boating in stormy weather.
