Sophie Marrow What is a small craft advisory? It is a marine weather forecast product issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when sustained winds or frequent gusts between 25 and 33 knots are expected within the next 12 to 18 hours. Any vessel or craft less than 24 meters (80 feet) in length is considered to be a small craft. These advisories are meant to alert mariners to hazardous weather conditions that could affect their safety.
Small craft advisories are typically issued for coastal waters, but they can also be issued for inland waters such as lakes and rivers. The NWS will consider factors such as wind speed, wave height, and visibility when issuing a small craft advisory.
Examples of Small Craft Advisories
Here are some examples of small craft advisories that might be issued by the NWS:
- Small Craft Advisory for the coastal waters of North Carolina from Cape Hatteras to the South Carolina border, including Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound. Winds south-southeast 25 to 30 knots with gusts up to 35 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Expect occasional rain showers.
- Small Craft Advisory for Lake Michigan from Grand Haven to Muskegon. West winds 25 to 30 knots with gusts up to 35 knots. Waves 2 to 4 feet. Scattered thunderstorms possible.
- Small Craft Advisory for the Ohio River from Cincinnati to Louisville. Southwest winds 25 to 30 knots with gusts up to 35 knots. Visibility 1 to 3 miles in fog. Expect isolated thunderstorms.
Tips for Staying Safe During a Small Craft Advisory
If you are planning on being on the water during a small craft advisory, there are some things you can do to stay safe:
Tip 1: Check the latest weather forecast before you go out.
Tip 2: Avoid small or open boats.
Tip 3: Wear a life jacket at all times.
Tip 4: Stay close to shore.
Tip 5: Be aware of your surroundings and watch for changing weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about small craft advisories:
What is the difference between a small craft advisory and a gale warning?
A gale warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts between 34 and 47 knots are expected within the next 12 to 18 hours. A small craft advisory is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts between 25 and 33 knots are expected within the next 12 to 18 hours.
What should I do if I am caught in a small craft advisory?
If you are caught in a small craft advisory, you should take the following steps:
- Head for the nearest safe harbor.
- If you cannot reach a safe harbor, stay close to shore.
- Wear a life jacket at all times.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for changing weather conditions.
What is the penalty for ignoring a small craft advisory?
There is no penalty for ignoring a small craft advisory. However, if you are caught in a small craft advisory and you do not take the necessary precautions to stay safe, you could be cited for reckless operation of a vessel.
Small craft advisories are an important tool for mariners to stay safe on the water. By understanding what they are and what to do if you are caught in one, you can help to reduce your risk of injury or death.
Conclusion
Small craft advisories are issued by the National Weather Service to warn mariners of hazardous weather conditions that could affect their safety. These advisories are typically issued for coastal waters, but they can also be issued for inland waters such as lakes and rivers. If you are planning on being on the water during a small craft advisory, there are some things you can do to stay safe, such as checking the latest weather forecast, avoiding small or open boats, wearing a life jacket at all times, staying close to shore, and being aware of your surroundings and watch for changing weather conditions.
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