Bad Weather Boating Tips for a Wet Winter in South Florida

As hurricane season winds down in Miami, boat owners have another weather phenomenon to worry about this year, “Super El Niño.” This year’s Super El Niño has so far protected us from menacing hurricanes. However, experts are predicting a much different story for 2016, making boat safety and maintenance essential as we welcome in the New Year.

In Miami, El Niño can bring more rain and cooler weather this winter than we’re used to — which can have a big effect on fishing and diving activities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center gives Florida a 70 percent chance of above-normal rainfall, which is on-par with what we’ve been experiencing this fall.

As a result of the increased storms, boaters can experience poor water conditions and low visibility without warning. Review out boating tips below about preparing yourself for bad weather during this Super El Nino year. The following tips were collected from various resources and our friends in the Marine and Boating Industry.

El Nino Boating Tips

1. Monitor the weather channel on your VHF radio.
2. Get a good fix of your position and plot it on your chart to safer waters or shore.
3. Talk to your passengers and make sure when that when bad weather arrives to keep low in the boat, don’t move around excessively and don’t go out on deck unless necessary.
4. Break out your storm gear and put it on before the weather gets poor.
5. Secure all hatches; close all ports and windows.
6. Pump bilges dry and repeat as required.
7. Secure all loose items above decks and below.
8. Ready emergency equipment like hand pumps, bailers, first aid kit, signaling device, and flare gun etc.
9. Make sure the life raft is in good condition and properly equipped with food and water.
10. Turn on navigation lights.
11. Keep away from metal objects.
12. Keep a lookout for floating debris and other boats.
13. Don’t operate your vessel from the tower.
14. Have semi-annual boat maintenance.

If you have questions about our Niño Boating Tips or want to know about the weather at our Miami Marina give us a call today at 786-728-9988.