OutrunMarine
Search

Emergency Reference

SEVERE WEATHER ENCOUNTER

Technical visualSevere-weather priorities
Severe-weather prioritiesA vessel faces an approaching storm while a sequence emphasizes life jackets, securing people and equipment, current official information, and vessel-specific speed and heading decisions.1PFD2SECURE PEOPLE+ EQUIPMENT3CURRENTINFORMATION4VESSEL-SPECIFICACTION
Severe-weather prioritiesA vessel faces an approaching storm while a sequence emphasizes life jackets, securing people and equipment, current official information, and vessel-specific speed and heading decisions.1PFD2SECURE PEOPLE + EQUIPMENT3CURRENT INFORMATION4VESSEL-SPECIFIC ACTION
There is no universal wave angle or maneuver for every vessel and condition.

Put on PFDs.

Secure people and loose equipment.

Monitor current NWS and VHF information.

Close or secure openings appropriate to the vessel.

Reduce unnecessary exposure on deck.

Alter speed and heading according to the vessel, sea state, depth, traffic and manufacturer's limitations.

Seek safe harbor early if a safe route remains available.

Keep clear of exposed shorelines, shoals and lee shores as circumstances require.

Maintain collision avoidance and lookout.

There is no universal "take waves at X degrees" rule appropriate to every boat.

6. WEATHER & WATER

Outrun Marine should describe conditions, trends and hazards. It should not issue a universal "GOOD FOR BOATING" verdict.

The same 4-foot sea can be manageable for one properly operated vessel and inappropriate for another.

All Learn references