Bad Weather

Getting a good weather report is essential when you go out on the water. It can make a huge difference between a relaxing day on the water and a disastrous one. Bad weather can cause a boat to capsize or sink. Getting a good weather report can also help you stay out of trouble if the weather suddenly becomes worse.

Before you head out on the water, it’s important to check the weather forecast and listen to radios. Bad weather can occur at any time, and you want to be prepared to respond appropriately. If you suddenly experience a storm, head back to shore as soon as possible. If you have to, stay low in your boat, close all hatches and avoid driving too fast.

driving

If you’re driving a small craft, the National Weather Service will issue advisories when the speed is between 20 and 33 knots. This can be a warning that you need to cut your trip short. You should also take note of the wind gusts. Storms can pack wallop, and sudden high winds can blow crew members into heavy equipment.

visibility difficult

Bad weather can also make visibility difficult. If there are dense fog, you may be unable to see your surroundings. Also, fallen leaves can obscure lane markings. You should also pay close attention to your NOAA weather radio, which will provide you with the weather forecast and local water conditions.

Another thing to remember when operating a boat is that you should never leave passengers seated in areas where they could fall overboard. It is also important to do a quick head count of everyone on board.

vessel

If the vessel has been swamped, it is important to maintain the steerageway and steer away from shallow water.

pleasant

Storms can turn a pleasant day on the water into an emergency. A sudden storm can cause large boats to capsize and may cause crew members to fall overboard.

Propellers

Propellers can also inflict injuries to people who are on land. They can be hit in the head, or even knocked overboard. This can cause serious injury, especially to children.

Operating

Another important thing to remember when operating a boat is to not operate near swimmers. Never ride on the bow or gunwales when moving. You should also avoid riding on the seatbacks, or if you do ride on these seats, make sure that you are seated inside the boat.

Storms can also cause fires or explosions if there are flammable materials onboard. If you’re involved in an accident due to bad weather, you may be entitled to compensation. You can learn more about your legal rights by completing a free case review. It is also important to avoid operating near divers. Many boaters circle around to pick up jet skiers without checking to make sure that the engine is not running. This can cause serious injuries to both divers and passengers.

Storms

operating

The most important thing to remember when operating a boat is to keep your eyes on the water. Don’t get distracted by the engine, or even by other boats in the area. It is also important to be aware of the warning labels on the propellers. If you notice any signs that aren’t clear, stop the engine immediately.