Marine Weather Services

Learn About Marine Forecasts and Warning Products Provided by the National Weather Service

Aug 21, 2006 Alan Sorum

Good information concerning marine weather and possible trouble is available at your fingertips. Find out more about the National Weather Service and their products.

Weather is one area of significant importance to boaters. Weather conditions effect enjoyment of activities on the water and impact the safe operation of your vessel. The National Weather Service (NWS) provides an array of marine weather products readily available to any boater. A few are highlighted here and much more information is available at your local weather service office or through access to the internet.

Marine Warnings - NWS forecasts include information on marine weather warnings of interest to boaters. There are six notices that can be included in a marine weather forecast. Wind speed is measured in knots or nautical miles per hour. A nautical mile is one minute of latitude or just a little more than a statute mile (1NM = 1.15SM).

• Small Craft Advisory - Winds are forecast to be between 18 and 33 knots. Winds at these levels could impact the safe operation of small boats.
• Gale Warning - Winds are forecast to be between 34 and 47 knots.
• Storm Warning - Winds are forecast to be over 48 knots.
• Tropical Storm Warning - Winds are forecast to be between 34 and 63, and are associated with a topical storm.
• Hurricane Warning - Winds are forecast to be over 64 knots and associated with a hurricane. In Alaska we have started hearing the phrase, "Hurricane Force Winds" to describe dangerous high wind conditions. The term is used in an area like this that doesn't have hurricanes because people understand the severity of hurricane generated winds.
• Special Marine Warning - A broadcast warning of a short-term marine hazard occurring on the water.

Marine Forecasts - A number of forecasts are prepared by the NWS to serve specific areas of the ocean. They are based on your distance from shore. These include coastal marine, offshore, and high seas forecasts. Reports are published to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and distributed through several other channels.

Distribution of NWS Weather Products - The Weather Service uses a number of resources to broadcast information concerning marine forecasts and warnings to boaters. These include:

• NOAA Weather Radio - There are three marine VHF channels dedicated to broadcasting weather forecasts. More information can be found in the article on VHF Marine Radio Channels.
• USCG VHF Voice - The Coast Guard makes regular Broadcast Notices to Mariners that include weather forecast information that is transmitted on VHF channel 22A.
• Internet Web Sites:
• National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Home Page
• National Weather Service Home Page
• National Ocean Service (NOS) Home Page
• Marine Weather Dissemination Home Page
• U.S. Coast Guard Home Page
• NWS Publications.

Check out these resources available to all mariners. NWS products are provided for the free use of all boaters. Take advantage of these important contributions to boating safety and your tax dollars at work!

The copyright of the article Marine Weather Services in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Marine Weather Services in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

NWS Forecast Radio Station

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