{"id":831,"date":"2015-03-25T08:35:49","date_gmt":"2015-03-25T12:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/?post_type=article&#038;p=231"},"modified":"2020-05-07T17:14:19","modified_gmt":"2020-05-07T17:14:19","slug":"checking-the-weather","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/knowledge-base\/article\/checking-the-weather\/","title":{"rendered":"Checking the Weather"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Local Forecasts<\/h2>\n<p>Understanding weather and water conditions is vital to boating safely. You should always check the local weather forecast to obtain current, relevant information\u00a0before heading out on the water. Operating your vessel without prior knowledge of potential weather hazards may put your vessel and passengers at risk. Local forecasts are available from:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Local newspaper<\/li>\n<li>Local radio<\/li>\n<li>Television weather forecast<\/li>\n<li>Radiotelephone<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"The Meteorological Service of Canada\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ec.gc.ca\/meteo-weather\/\">The Meteorological Service of Canada<\/a><\/li>\n<li>weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/o6s8dal04q?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-original=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/76ed0ae0b6ad544d842a4ade44dfda9ae0f65d29.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>VHF Weather Forecasts<\/h2>\n<p><a title=\"Environment Canada\" href=\"http:\/\/weather.gc.ca\/canada_e.html\">Environment Canada<\/a> provides marine weather forecasts on the following frequencies:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Atlantic coast and Great Lakes<\/strong><br \/>\nVHF Channel 21B, 25B and 83B<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pacific coast<\/strong><br \/>\nVHF Channel 21B and Wx1, 2, 3<br \/>\nContinuous weather broadcast information is available by telephone at (604) 666-3655 (Vancouver Region)<\/p>\n<h2>Personal Weather Observations<\/h2>\n<p>In addition to checking the weather before you head out, you can use personal observations to monitor changing weather conditions:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/03\/PersonalWeatherObservations21.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-238\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/03\/PersonalWeatherObservations21-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Bad weather approaching a marina\" width=\"700\" height=\"394\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep an eye to the sky: Fog, dark clouds and lightning are obvious indications that bad weather is approaching<\/li>\n<li>Barometric readings: A rising barometer indicates fair weather, while a falling barometer indicates foul weather<\/li>\n<li>Pay particular attention to\u00a0shifts in wind direction and temperature\u2013both indicate that weather is changing<\/li>\n<li>Be mindful of the West: Foul weather usually approaches out of the west; however, storms from the east tend to be more powerful<\/li>\n<li>Be vigilant of\u00a0other boaters&#8217; movements\u00a0and monitor radio and weather channels frequently\u2013ask for recommendations via radio if in unfamiliar waters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Wind<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/7m9wjwbjrf?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/11b47e2d4a9f7c22a587e5e387492528394580a4.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0Meteorological Service of Canada\u00a0classifies all wind speed and weather warnings in Canada. The service has identified five categories of wind conditions that are defined in terms of their wind speed and the water conditions they create. Wind speed is measured in knots\u20131 knot is equivalent to 1.85 km\/h.<\/p>\n<h2>Light Winds<\/h2>\n<p>Light winds have a wind speed\u00a0of less than 12 knots\u00a0(22 km\/h) and water surface conditions that are\u00a0calm or have waves up to 1.5 m in height.\u00a0Light wind conditions are suitable for most vessels and those operators with a moderate level of boating experience.<\/p>\n<h2>Moderate Winds<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/3jv8zva87u?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/a4d92d3ff8b2bd58700eedf5661f749c65c03410.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Moderate winds have a wind speed of\u00a012 to 19 knots\u00a0(22 to 35 km\/h) and water surface conditions that are rough\u00a0with waves from 1 to 3 m in height.\u00a0Inexperienced operators or vessels less than 6 m in length should not operate during such conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Operators of small vessels caught in a moderate winds advisory should attempt to cross waves at a 45\u00b0 angle until sheltered waters are found. Ensure all passengers are wearing <a href=\"http:\/\/usa-life-jacket-and-pfds\" data-wplink-url-error=\"true\">approved flotation devices<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Strong Winds and Small Craft Warnings<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/0kpgfvtwm0?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/f5940fafadc5e68bbe277fffea7c3f03966f3722.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Strong winds have sustained wind speeds in the range of\u00a020 to 33 knots\u00a0(37 to 61 km\/h). Water surface conditions during a strong winds advisory are\u00a0very rough\u00a0with waves 3 to 6 m in height. Environment Canada issues a\u00a0Small Craft Warning\u00a0when winds reach such levels. It is not safe to operate a pleasure craft under these conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Operators of vessels caught in a strong winds advisory or small craft warning should take immediate action to ensure their safety. Turn on all navigation lights and attempt to cross waves at a 45\u00b0 angle until sheltered waters are found. Reduce speed and proceed with caution, keeping a look-out for approaching boats and floating debris. If wind and wave conditions make it difficult to proceed, attempt to anchor your vessel until the storm subsides. Ensure all passengers are wearing approved flotation devices and keep passengers low in the boat and near the centreline.<\/p>\n<h2>Gale Warning<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/pabrldcz9v?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/d89d0a3151d313070f97b97d1b0cb3f71be5a3eb.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Gale winds have a continuous speed of\u00a034 to 47 knots\u00a0(63 to 87 km\/h). Water surface conditions during a Gale Warning\u00a0are\u00a0extremely rough\u00a0with waves 6 to 9 m in height. During such conditions, Environment Canada will issue a Gale Warning.\u00a0It is not safe to operate a pleasure craft under these conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Operators of vessels caught in a\u00a0Gale Warning\u00a0advisory should take immediate action to ensure their safety. Turn on all navigation lights and attempt to cross waves at a 45\u00b0 angle until sheltered waters are found. Reduce speed and proceed with caution, keeping a look-out for approaching boats and floating debris. If wind and wave conditions make it difficult to proceed, attempt to anchor your vessel until the storm subsides.<\/p>\n<p>Ensure all passengers are wearing approved flotation devices and keep passengers low in the boat and near the centreline. If your <a href=\"http:\/\/swamping-or-sinking\" data-wplink-url-error=\"true\">boat is taking on water<\/a>, pump out bilges to keep the boat high in the water. Use an approved distress signal to signal your need for assistance if you are unable to make safe passage.<\/p>\n<h2>Storm Warning<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/sr03wa6vqt?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/99e693afc94712c71a7c8c4c0d72f4229876f47f.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Storm winds have a continuous speed of\u00a048 to 63 knots\u00a0(89 to 117 km\/h). Water surface conditions during a storm warning are\u00a0extremely rough\u00a0with waves over 8 m in height. During such conditions, Environment Canada will issue a Storm Warning. It is not safe to operate a pleasure craft under these conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Operators of vessels caught in storm warning conditions should immediately signal distress and need of assistance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","article-category":[9],"article-tag":[212],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Checking Weather and Water Conditions When Boating<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the importance of checking weather and water reports before going boating, including local forecast information and types of weather conditions.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow\" \/>\n<meta name=\"googlebot\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"bingbot\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/knowledge-base\/article\/checking-the-weather\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Checking Weather and Water Conditions When Boating\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn the importance of checking weather and water reports before going boating, including local forecast information and types of weather conditions.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/knowledge-base\/article\/checking-the-weather\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BOATsmart! 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