Nobody ever wants to get stuck in a storm when they are powerboating in South Africa. But sometimes seas can be moody. They can quickly put you in a dire situation if you are unaware. So, let’s consider that you are stuck in a storm with your family in a powerboat—it does not matter how you got into this situation. The only goal ahead is keeping you and your family safe in this situation. In this article, let’s talk about storm survival at sea in South Africa.
Storm Survival at Sea in South Africa
Facing a storm in South African seas is no joke. The waves can be as tall as 2 to 3 metres which proves to be extremely dangerous for smaller vessels like a powerboat. For an idea, check this report from 2005 that describes the rough stormy conditions of southern seas in South Africa.
Besides that, a storm usually brings strong winds, torrential rain, and in some cases, thunderstrikes, which further add fuel to the fire of the situation.
Now, what would you do to keep yourself safe and afloat?
Assess the Situation
When you find yourself unable to escape from the storm, you have no other choice but to weather it out. This is where lifejackets will play an important role. Make sure everyone is wearing them properly and prepare to face the storm.
The very first thing to assess is the boat engine. You should keep the boat engine running to maintain control over your powerboat. If your boat engine seems to be malfunctioning, you may want to consider turning it off. If possible, you should make basic engine repairs to keep it going. Keeping your engine running is generally advisable as it gives you more control over the situation.
Secondly, assess the situation around you; especially how rough the seas seem to be. It helps you understand whether you have to weather out the storm or drive away from it.
It is also important to check on your family or other passengers. Calm them down and reassure them but do not sugarcoat the situation.
If possible, ask someone to assist you with watchkeeping so that you can tend to other important matters listed below.
Ask for Help
Depending on the severity of your situation, you may consider contacting the emergency hotline.
Activate your EPIRB/PLB beacons if applicable, or use the VHF radio to call the emergency line for help.
Related: The VHF Radio Course in South Africa
DO NOT CONTACT EMERGENCY LINES IF THE SITUATION IS MANAGEABLE AND YOU CAN SAFELY WITHSTAND THE STORM.
The emergency frequency in South Africa is Channel 16. It is always a good idea to test if your radio is working before you leave the dock. You can do so by contacting Channel 16 and stating your purpose. They will be happy to assist you with the test. However, never abuse this line for chatter or other purposes. It is strictly to be used for emergency purposes.
There are two keywords you must remember.
- Mayday: You are in a serious situation where you have lost control of your vessel, your vessel is damaged, and there is immediate danger to your and your passengers’ lives, then you use a mayday call.
- Pan-Pan: Similar situation as described in ‘Mayday’ but there is no immediate danger to any lives onboard.
Apart from the VHF Radio, you may consider your cellphone for emergency contacts. Or, if you have a satellite phone, then you should use that. But stick to VHF Radio Channel 16 for primary emergency communication.
Flares also come in handy in such situations, especially if it is dusk/nighttime.Â
Positioning and Anchoring
Depending on how rough the seas are, you may want to consider taking your boat away or anchoring it in a place.
Before you anchor, position your boat in a way that the bow (front side of the vessel) faces the waves. This will significantly reduce the capsizing chances of your boat. And then anchor your boat to avoid drifting in unwanted directions.
If you must drive your boat, never ever let the broadsides of your boat face the waves directly. This makes your boat likely to get capsized and in turn, endanger lives onboard. Make sure to be on the lookout for any potential dangers, such as other vessels, protruding corals or stones, or shorelines.
Consider closing all the hatches and doors to prevent water ingress.
The Storm Survival in South Africa: Final Notes
The key to successful sea storm survival in South Africa is staying calm and composed. HOWEVER, THE BEST WAY IS TO NEVER FACE THE STORM, stay updated with weather forecasts, and enjoy a safer boating experience by staying near the shorelines.
However, if you are stuck in a storm and the rescue is coming for you, be on the lookout for any signs of other boats around you. If you must abandon the boat, prepare others mentally and gather all the necessary items in a sealed bag before doing so. Stay close to each other to reduce the risk of hypothermia and increase visibility for rescuers.
Situations like this are where courses like the VHF Radio Course and the RYA Diesel Engine Course pay off. These are one-day affordable courses that prove crucial for sea storm survival in South Africa. For more info, consider contacting us today or check out our website.