Table of Contents #1.4 The operator is able to:
A: Determine whether conditions are favorable for the length/time of the trip... B: by obtaining weather conditions and forecasts, and evaluating weather, hazards to navigation, and other environmental factors.
Understanding the Element
It is important to properly assess the risks posed by weather conditions before undertaking a trip.
• Consider including actual and forecasted weather (visibility, wind and sea state), traffic (amount and type), tides and currents, Aids to Navigation (ATONs) out of position or exhibiting wrong characteristics, and other potential hazards to navigation (e.g., presence of dams, locks).
• The operator should know where and how to get this information. For example, the operator should be able to consult weather forecasts (such as by use of marine weather radio), determine the status of ATONs (e.g., by listening to Broadcast Notices to Mariners or downloading the local notices to mariners from the USCG NAVCEN web site), and evaluate hazards to navigation (e.g., from nautical charts).
Environmental factors (congested waters, dam/lock, force of wave/wake, hazardous waters, missing or inadequate navigation aids, and weather) were the primary contributing factor in roughly 17% of boating fatalities.
• Judgment is required. The experience of the operator, available equipment (e.g., radar, depth sounder, GPS, chart plotter), and boat characteristics (e.g., freeboard, boat design, and size) are important factors to consider. Some conditions, such as a small craft advisory, call for a “no go” decision. The domain of application specifies acceptable weather conditions and boat type and size. For more information about boating safety related to weather, see
https://help.coastguardfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Boating-Safety-Guide.pdf.
Designing Instruction Include instruction on how to gather and interpret key information (particularly forecast and actual weather).
Assessing Performance Level
Successful Performance
3 Needs 2 Improvement
Unacceptable (Unsuccessful) Performance
1 The operator:
Has evidence showing current forecast weather conditions. Has forecast to cover full time plus reasonable extra time to be spent on water. Checks current weather conditions for consistency with forecast. Has assessed weather in relation to the type (openness) of the waters on which the boat will be operating. Is aware of navigation hazards and environmental factors that the boat may encounter during the trip.
The operator:
Has incomplete or inaccurate evidence showing weather conditions and is only partially aware of its contents. Has forecast to cover only partial time on the water with no allowance for extra time that might be spent on water. Does not fully check current weather conditions for consistency with forecast. Has only partially assessed weather in relation to the type (openness) of the waters on which the boat will be operating. Has only partial awareness of navigation hazards and environmental conditions that the boat may encounter during the trip.
The operator: Cannot present evidence showing current forecast weather conditions. Has forecast that fails to cover entire period of trip. Fails to check current weather conditions for consistency with forecast. Has not assessed weather conditions in relation to the type (openness) of the waters on which the boat will be operating. Has not evaluated navigation hazards and environmental conditions that the boat may encounter during the trip or has overlooked one potentially dangerous hazard or condition.
Proficiency description
This Technical Support Document was produced in part through USCG grant funds to develop National On-Water Skills Standards. 21 ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
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