When there are currents opposing the
wind direction, the seas build even
faster.
When waves run over shallow bottoms
they tend to break, making
pointed chop that can be difficult to
handle. Breaking waves produce a
white foam, called whitecaps, that can
be used as a telltale of the conditions.
Marine weather forecasts generally
will tell you the predicted wind speed,
direction, and wave heights. Look out
on the water; check for whitecaps. If
you are in a harbor, it pays to drive to
Section 3: Going Boating 37
a vantage spot where you can see open
water. Remember that winds blowing
off shore produce smaller waves near
shore than in open water. It pays to
look out some distance for whitecaps.
The primary factors in what sea conditions
are acceptable is what your boat
was designed to handle and the experience
of the crew (Figure 3-5). A 1 to 2
foot chop may swamp an open runabout,
but have little effect on a 30-foot cruiser.
3. File a Float Plan. Airline pilots are meticulous
about filing flight plans. So should
boaters be meticulous about filing float
plans. Someone responsible
(neighbor, close relative, spouse,
mature off-spring) needs to
know what you are planning,
where you are going, and when
you intend to return. If you
don’t show up as planned, then
the authorities will have some
idea where to look. Figure 3-6
shows a filled-in float plan. A
blank Float Plan form is provided
in Appendix D. Feel free
to make copies and use it.
4. Double-Check your Equipment.
It should go without
saying–you can’t pull up
to a service station when
you’re out on the water.
Make double-sure you have
what you need before you
leave and that it is working
(Figure 3-7). This includes
an adequately charged battery.
5. Passenger Communication.
You are the captain and you
are responsible. Don’t be
`18
19
Figure 3-5. Favorable sea conditions (left); Heavy seas (right)
Figure 3-6. Sample float plan
Figure 3-7. Double-check
your equipment. Make
sure you have what you
need before you leave.
20
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23
Instant
information:
Add the USCG
“Boating Safety
Mobile App” to
your cell phone.
Includes individual
state boating
information, safety
check information,
float plan, rules of
the road, NOAA
buoys, ability to
report hazards, a
pollution report,
and ability to
report suspicious
activity. The local
state “accident
reporting form”
is available by
touching the
STATE BOATING
INFORMATION
button.