Vancouver Yachting in Heavy Weather

Preparation for heavy weather

• Kept a proper lookout with a keen and well trained ‘weather-eye’

• Kept abreast of the latest developments over radio and other forms of mobile communications.

• Preparation will vary according to:– The type of boat– The size of boat – The design of the vessel– Should determine position of

storm– The direction of the wind– The wind speed – The estimated time that the

storm will take to get to you.

Predicting heavy weatherIt can be impossible to predict the weather so to speak, but it is possible to learn some tell-tale signs of a storm approaching before it hits. If you sale regularly, or spend a healthy amount of time outdoors then you will already naturally know some of this. There is a smell in the air, a change in the wind, a glimpse of something different on the horizon. As many farmers say, you can smell rain coming, and many seamen can smell a storm on the horizon.

Prepare crew and emergency equipment

Ensure that all crew members know what to do in the case of severe weather, and also make sure anyone aboard knows where to find their personal floatation device and any other safety equipment they may need. It is also key that people remember to keep low in the boat, not go out on deck unnecessarily, and not to move around too much.

Prepare crew and emergency equipment

Ensure that all hatches, ports, windows, and anything else that could swing open or move around is tightly secured. This ensures that there is no risk of injury from things flying around, and also crucially keeps all the water out. Make sure you have the right safety equipment that can help keep you safe in a storm such as a VHF radio, hand pumps, bailers etc. You should also ensure that people wear the correct safety equipment as soon as you know bad weather is afoot and that the first aid kit is accessible.

Prepare crew and emergency equipment

It is always the best idea to be prepared for bad weather when taking a boat trip. This also includes making sure you have enough food and water on board for if you happened to get stranded out on the water for longer than planned for whatever reasons. Running out of water is really not a fun place to be, nor is running out of food.

Things that skipper should consider

• When the storm hits, make a note of the boats positioning on the chart. Also make sure to take note of the time, your heading, and the speed at which you are travelling.

• If possible, turn to avoid the storm or head back to land

• Make sure the lifeboats are ready to be deployed if abandonment is needed at any point

Things that skipper should consider

• Turn navigation lights on and change to a full fuel tank where possible

• Be aware of floating debris and other boats that may have gone off course

• Make sure all aboard are briefed on what to do in case of emergency weather conditions before you set sail

1690 Stewart Ave Nanaimo BC, Canada V9S 4E1

Phone: 1- 250-754-8601 Toll Free: 1-877-754-8601

Fax: 1-250-714-0951www.nanaimoyachtcharters.com

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