Weather and sea conditions

Weather forecast

Always check the weather forecast before setting out on the sea. Yr.no and the Meteorological Institute provide detailed sea warnings with information on wind strength, wind direction, wave height and visibility. Pay particular attention to gale warning and storm warning.

The Beaufort scale

The Beaufort scale is used to indicate wind strength from 0 to 12.

For leisure boats, it is recommended to stay in port when there is a light gale (6 Beaufort) and above.

Fog

Fog is one of the most dangerous conditions at sea because it drastically reduces visibility. Fog often occurs in spring and summer when warm air meets cold sea water. In case of fog, you must:

• Reduce speed to safe speed
• Give sound signals with a whistle or horn
• Use radar and GPS if available
• Listen for other vessels

Wind changes and gusts

Along the Norwegian coast wind shifts can come suddenly, especially near fjords and mountains. Gusting winds occur where the terrain channels the wind and can be significantly stronger than forecast. Keep an extra distance to land in narrow straits and fjords.

Waves and sea going

Sea passage is affected by wind strength, wind duration and stretch length (fetch). Crossing waves and swells from different directions can make the sea unpredictable. Be especially careful at shallows and narrow straits where the waves can break.

Knowledge of weather is an important syllabus for the boat driving test . Also read about safety at sea and anchoring . Practice with free theory test .