What is the best course for action if you see a thunderstorm approaching in a boat?

Answered on : 2024-07-11

Sources

Safe Boating and Thunderstorms - National Weather Service

weather.gov

Boating in a Thunderstorm: How to Stay Safe in a Storm

discoverboating.com

What to Do in a Lightning Storm on a Boat | Boating Mag

boatingmag.com

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Answer

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When you see a thunderstorm approaching while on a boat, it is crucial to prioritize safety and take immediate action to mitigate the risks. Here are the recommended steps:

### Preparation and Immediate Actions

1. **Put on Life Jackets**:

- Ensure that everyone on board is wearing a life jacket if they are not already.[9]

2. **Secure the Boat and Gear**:

- Secure all loose gear, close hatches and ports to prevent water from entering, and remove any metal jewelry to avoid attracting lightning.[3][6]

3. **Monitor Weather**:

- Continuously monitor the weather conditions using marine weather apps or NOAA’s Marine WX Radio to stay informed about the storm's developments.[2]

4. **Keep a Sharp Lookout**:

- Stay vigilant and keep a lookout for changes in the weather, floating debris, obstacles, and other boats.[7]

### Maneuvering and Positioning

5. **Head to Safety**:

- If possible, head to the closest port or dock. Turn on navigation lights, reduce speed, and position the bow into the wind at a 45-degree angle to maintain better control of the vessel.[7]

6. **Drop Anchor if Necessary**:

- If reaching shore is not an option, drop anchor to keep the boat steady. This is especially important if you are in an open boat without a cabin.[6]

### During the Storm

7. **Stay Low and Avoid Metal**:

- If your boat has a cabin, stay inside, away from metal objects, and avoid touching electrical devices. If there is no cabin, stay as low as possible in the center of the boat.[1][4]

8. **Disconnect Electronics**:

- Disconnect antennas and other electronics if possible to prevent damage from lightning.[6]

### Post-Storm Safety

9. **Wait Until It's Safe**:

- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before resuming activities to ensure the storm has passed completely.[3][6]

### Emergency Response

10. **Check for Injuries**:

- If struck by lightning, immediately check for unconscious or injured persons and start CPR if necessary. Call for emergency help using a VHF radio if available.[3][5]

### Summary

- **Put on life jackets**

- **Secure gear and close hatches**

- **Monitor weather continuously**

- **Head to the nearest safe port**

- **Drop anchor if shore is out of reach**

- **Stay low and avoid metal objects**

- **Disconnect electronics**

- **Wait until the storm has passed**

- **Check for injuries if struck by lightning**

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of staying safe during a thunderstorm while boating. Always prioritize preparation and quick response to ensure the safety of everyone on board.