Chapter 3

Chapter Three                                         Weather Terms and Considerations

    The weather is a major consideration in the safe operation of a pleasure craft. Weather has an enormous impact on the water and thus on the safe operation of a pleasure craft. Those who live in the snow belt know to always check the weather before heading out during the winter months to learn about the forecast for the length of the excursion. The weather can be unpredictable to those not accustomed to it and the weather on the water can be vastly different from the weather conditions on land. 

     In September 1999, there was a tragic boating accident on James Bay when eight members of a family drowned. According to The Toronto Star, "strong winds and dangerously choppy waves sent water splashing in over the boats sides." The article goes on to quote a cousin of the victims, "They probably thought they could handle the weather. They had taken the exact same route for years." 

    An operator of a pleasure craft should check the weather forecast information before making the decision to head out so as not to put the craft and persons on board at risk. There are several reliable sources of weather forecast information; these include: personal observations, newspapers, radios, television weather channels, radio telephones and Meteorological Service of Canada. They also need to know how to get updates while out on the water, which requires the knowledge and skill to use a marine radio. A receiver of continuous marine weather forecasts is also available, and it is distributed through marine supply outlets.

    When you get to the water, make sure that the conditions you see match those predicted. Once under way, remember to "keep your eye on the sky". If the sky looks dark and cloudy and conditions are changing rapidly, head for shore (check your charts in advance to know where to seek shelter). Summer thunderstorms can strike quickly and unexpectedly. Other good indications of approaching bad weather are falling barometric pressure, increasing winds and changes in wind direction, which generally lead to increased wave action.

    When checking the weather forecast, you will hear the following phases: light winds, moderate winds, strong winds, gale warning, storm warning and small craft warning. 
Meteorological Service of Canada defines these phases as: 

a)   light winds : wind speeds less than 15 knots
b)   moderate winds: wind speeds between 15 and 19 knots
c)   strong winds/small craft warning: sustained wind speeds between 20 and 33 knots
d)   gale warning: sustained winds speeds between 34 and 47 knots
e)   storm warning: sustained wind speeds between 48 and 63 knots

Remember that a knot is one nautical mile per hour, which is equivalent to 1.85 km/h or 1.1 mph.