Module 13 - Meteorology
Shipping Forecast Times and Weather Sources for Sailors
What you will learn
Choose the marine forecast, warning and delivery route that fit a coastal decision, verify issue and coverage, and keep an independent way to receive updates.
Source choice is part of seamanship. Use the authoritative product for the route and timescale, then check how it reaches the vessel and what will still work if mobile data or one broadcast is unavailable.
The Met Office prepares UK marine forecasts and warnings on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The Shipping Forecast covers 31 larger sea areas; the Inshore Waters Forecast divides coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles offshore into 19 areas and includes wind, sea state, weather and visibility. Choose the product whose coverage matches the route rather than assuming the best-known bulletin is the most local.
Delivery method matters. The MCA describes NAVTEX as the principal UK Maritime Safety Information route: international 518 kHz transmissions are in English, while national 490 kHz schedules include selected inshore forecasts and strong-wind warnings. VHF and MF radiotelephony complement NAVTEX. A receiver must be configured for the relevant station and message area, and no nominal range guarantees reception on one vessel.
Internet pages and apps are convenient but the Met Office warns that the internet is not itself part of the Maritime Safety Information system and should not be the only means of obtaining the latest forecast and warnings. BBC schedules have changed: the dedicated long-wave service ceased in 2024, and the current MCA schedule should be checked rather than recalled from an old course note. Whatever the channel, verify the issue time, valid period, area and warning status.
| Source or route | Best use | Check before relying on it |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Forecast | Wider sea-area wind, weather, visibility, synopsis and gale warnings | Correct sea area, issue and 24-hour validity |
| Inshore Waters Forecast | Coastal route up to 12 M offshore, including sea state and strong-wind information | Correct one of 19 areas, issue and outlook |
| International NAVTEX 518 kHz | English-language MSI including warnings and forecast products | Relevant station identifiers, message categories, schedule and reception |
| National NAVTEX 490 kHz | Selected inshore forecast, strong-wind warning and coastal observations | Relevant transmitter, area and current schedule |
| Coastguard VHF/MF RT | Complementary scheduled MSI broadcasts | Current local channel, announced working channel and coverage |
| Website/app/BBC | Convenient access and briefing ashore | Fresh page, issue time and a non-internet fallback for MSI |
| On-board/local observations | Validate whether actual conditions match the forecast | Do not treat one observation as a complete forecast |
Build a two-route weather-information plan
A coastal passage starts with mobile coverage but spends several hours beyond reliable data. The yacht has VHF and a NAVTEX receiver.
1. Before departure
Save the current Shipping and Inshore Waters forecasts, warnings, issue times and validity for the route.
2. Configure
Select the NAVTEX station identifiers and message areas for where the vessel is and where it is going.
3. Schedule
Use the current MCA/Met Office information to note relevant NAVTEX or radiotelephony broadcasts; do not rely on an inherited timetable.
4. Cross-check
Compare received updates with barometer, wind, cloud, visibility, sea state and local harbour information.
Sense check: A forecast downloaded before departure is not a continuing update plan when the route later loses mobile data.
Common mistake or limitation
- Using the public internet page as the only route to warnings despite its explicit MSI limitation.
- Memorising an old BBC, NAVTEX or Coastguard schedule without checking the current service and local channel information.
- Selecting a broad Shipping Forecast area when the Inshore Waters area and local information better match the coastal decision—or using local detail without the wider synopsis and warnings.
Recap
- Match the product to the route: Shipping Forecast for wider areas, Inshore Waters for coastal detail.
- Plan at least two delivery routes and configure receivers for both the current and destination areas.
- Verify issue, validity, coverage and warning status; do not rely on an old schedule or the internet alone.
Optional quick check
Section 6 of 6
Which weather-information plan is strongest for a passage that may lose mobile data?
Common questions
What is the current BBC Radio 4 Shipping Forecast schedule?
The MCA schedule reviewed on 19 August 2026 lists 00:48 and 05:34 local time on weekdays and weekends, plus 17:54 at weekends, on Radio 4 FM or BBC Sounds. Schedules can change, so verify the current MCA or BBC listing before relying on it; dedicated long-wave broadcasting ceased in 2024.
What is the Inshore Waters Forecast?
It is a coastal forecast for waters up to 12 nautical miles offshore, so it is often more directly useful for Day Skipper coastal passages than the wider sea-area forecast.
Which weather sources should a Day Skipper check?
Use the current Shipping and/or Inshore Waters forecast and warnings appropriate to the route, then plan a reliable update route such as correctly configured NAVTEX or scheduled Coastguard radio information where fitted and available. Compare them with observations and current local information.
Keep revising this topic
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 19 August 2026 - Day Skipper Revision.
Practice weather decisions
The meteorology module links forecasts, Beaufort force, pressure systems, fronts, and practical passage choices.