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Keep an eye on weather and tides

Check the weather forecast with Marinecall

Weather, especially adverse weather, can spoil a day.  It can change such that conditions that were comfortable can be uncomfortable or even threatening. This is equally true for those on short or long passages, and knowledge of likely weather changes is an essential precaution that needs to be taken. Always check the weather forecast before you set off. Get regular updates if you are planning to be out for any length of time. Be prepared to change your plans or cancel the trip if the forecast is unfavourable.

In addition to national and local radio and TV forecasts, here is a selection of the best places to get weather information.

UK

  • Shipping forecasts on BBC Radio 4 LW only (1515m, 198KHz)
  • HM Coastguard broadcasts weather forecasts on VHF radio on various channels following an announcement on Ch16
  • Met Office online www.meto.gov.uk
  • Many harbour and marina offices display a written forecast
  • Marinecall mobile services via SMS, MMS or WAP – details online www.marinecall.co.uk
  • Navtext receivers provide printed forecasts and navigational information from radio signals.

Republic of Ireland

  • The Irish Meterological Service online www.met.ie
  • Weatherdial: 1550 123 855
  • Weatherfax: 1570 131 838
  • Irish Coast Guard weather forecasts are broadcast on each Coast Guard radio station's normal working channel following an announcement on VHF Ch16.

It is very important to ensure that your plans fit in with the tidal predictions for the day of your trip.

  • Most slipways and launch sites are tidal. Check the times of high and low water and assess how they will affect your trip when you launch and later head for home.
  • If the tide turns to wind-against-tide direction, the sea may become much rougher.
  • An ebbing tide may create dangerous areas of shallow water
  • Check whether it will be a neap or spring tide.
  • Beware of harbour entrances where tidal currents can be quite severe.
  • For a comprehensive tidal prediction service visit the EasyTide link at www.ukho.gov.uk

For more information on weather and tides or safety information in general visit www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety and follow the link for the Complete Safety Guide.

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