Caught in a Storm

When was the last time that you were on the water and got caught in a storm? It can be a scary and frightening experience. I know that feeling all too well. The picture above was taken on St. Pete a few years back while fishing with Chris, my son. Knowing what to do in this situation will make it less scary. Here are some suggestions on how to handle the situation.

Safety equipment

Preparing for a storm or any emergency at sea starts well before you ever get on the water. That means having the proper safety equipment on board. Make sure that you have a fully functional PFD for everyone aboard. If your PFDs have broken straps, rips, or tears in them, replace them.

You also want to have some kind of communication device onboard. This can be a mounted or portable ship-to-shore radio or at the very least a cell phone. Just remember that cell service can be unreliable when you’re out to sea. Your better bet is to have a ship-to-shore radio.

Having an EPIRB, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon on board is a great idea. EPIRBs are for use in maritime applications. They do two things. First, they transmit a digital identification code on 406 MHz. Second, they transmit a low-power “homing” signal at 121.5 MHz. The 406 MHz EPIRBs are divided into two categories. Category I activate automatically. Category II activates manually. Pricing on these units continues to come down in price and they really can make the difference in your survival in the event of a catastrophic event.

Check the marine forecast

Always check the local marine forecast and weather forecast before you head out on the water. NOAA has some very helpful websites where you can zoom in and get the marine forecast for your area. There is also an NOAA Marine Forecast App available on the App Store which can be very helpful. When the forecast looks questionable you might consider staying closer to shore or selecting another day. You don’t want to turn your fun day into a three-hour tour.

Continue to check the forecast throughout the day. Weather can change dramatically in a matter of hours.

If a storm takes you by surprise

First and foremost, don’t panic. Panic will only make matters worse. As captain of your vessel you’re responsible for the well-being of your passengers and crew so start by remaining calm. Next, make sure everyone else remains calm because panic never helps in any situation.

Don your lifejackets

Don’t wait. At the first sign of trouble, it’s prudent to have everyone on board don their lifejacket. The chance of survival greatly increases with a lifejacket. a PFD may save your life if you’re swept overboard or if your vessel goes down. PFDs only save lives when they’re worn.

Secure any loose items

This might sound like your mom but keeping your boat clean and free from debris is a good idea. If you’re in a storm or rough seas you’ll want everything in its place and everything secured. You don’t want loose items bouncing around inside the cabin or out on the decks. They could easily become airborne and injure a passenger or knock them overboard.

We also take down fishing rods, nets, etc. from the upper rod holders and secure them in the cabin. You don’t need anything sticking up from the surface of the water acting as a lightning rod.

Take shelter

If possible have your passengers and crew take shelter within the cabin or below decks. This will prevent anyone from being swept overboard by rouge waves or if the boat lunges.

If you see the storm approaching and you can’t make it to the safety of a port, consider heading towards the nearest land. Any straight stretch of beach will do. However, if you’re already in the storm then staying out to sea might be the better option to ride out the storm.

Watch your speed

The storm and wind may create rough seas. The slower that you can run your boat, the better control you will have on the rough seas. Remember that you have no steering without propulsion, so don’t go too slow. Keep enough speed to keep control of your vessel. You may want to use your sea anchor to help control your speed. Dragging a bucket secured on a rope behind the boat works as well.

Wind and waves

The wind and the waves are your biggest obstacles in a storm. Direct your boat into the wind as best as you can. You don’t want to take on the waves head-on. Try to angle your boat to about 15° to the oncoming waves. This will cut the strength of the waves. Taking a wave broadside can cause you to capsize and taking a wave to the stern may cause you to pitchpole. Both can be catastrophic.

After the storm passes

After the storm passes and you’re still afloat, check immediately for damage. Make sure that your bilge pumps are working properly and that you haven’t taken any damage to the hull. Once you’re sure that things are operating properly, you might want to call it a day. Time for a rest. Congratulations! As a result of your preparation, you’ve made it through the storm. We hope that these simple tips help the next time you get caught in a storm or any emergency at sea.

Book a trip with us

When you’re ready for the best sportfishing experience on Cape Cod, book a trip with us aboard St. Pete Sport Fishing.

Until next time then,
Tight Lines and Smooth Seas!