Day Skipper training module 13 of 17

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Meteorology

Shipping forecasts, Beaufort scale, weather systems, and broadcast meteorological information.

Shipping forecast terms and Beaufort scaleSources of broadcast meteorological information
3 outcomes for this module
  • Explain shipping forecasts, Beaufort scale, weather systems, and broadcast meteorological information.
  • Apply Shipping forecast terms and Beaufort scale to a realistic onboard situation.
  • Recall the core check: check the weather forecast BEFORE every passage.
Preview the onboard scenario

You are preparing a real trip and shipping forecast terms and Beaufort scale changes the decision. Use this module to explain the cue, the risk, and the next safe action before you move on.

6 lesson sections · 12 quiz questions · 12 flashcards

Lesson summaries

Use this module hub to choose the right lesson, then open the dedicated lesson page for the complete explanation, worked examples, FAQs, and practice questions.

Weather and the Sailor

Weather is one of the most critical factors in safe seamanship. Wind strength and direction determine sailing conditions, sea state affects comfort and safety, and visibility impacts navi...

  • Check the weather forecast BEFORE every passage
  • Monitor conditions and forecasts throughout the passage
Read the full lesson: Weather and the Sailor

The Beaufort Scale

The Beaufort Scale describes wind force from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane). It links wind speed in knots to the conditions you can observe at sea, such as wave size, whitecaps, spray, and wh...

  • Force 0: Calm (< 1 knot), sea like a mirror
  • Force 3: Gentle breeze (7–10 kn), large wavelets
Read the full lesson: The Beaufort Scale

Shipping Forecast Terminology

The BBC Shipping Forecast covers 31 sea areas around the British Isles. It reports wind direction (the direction it blows FROM), wind speed (in Beaufort scale), weather (rain, fog, etc.),...

  • Veering = wind shifting clockwise
  • Backing = wind shifting anticlockwise
Read the full lesson: Shipping Forecast Terminology

Pressure Systems

High pressure (anticyclone) brings generally settled, fair weather with light winds. Wind circulates clockwise around a high in the northern hemisphere. Low pressure (depression or cyclon...

  • High pressure = fair weather, light winds, clockwise circulation (N hemisphere)
  • Low pressure = unsettled, windy, anticlockwise circulation (N hemisphere)
Read the full lesson: Pressure Systems

Fronts

A warm front marks the leading edge of warm air advancing over cold air. It brings a gradual deterioration: high cirrus cloud, then lower cloud, steady rain, poor visibility, and a rise i...

  • Warm front: gradual deterioration, steady rain, poor vis, temp rises, wind veers
  • Cold front: sharper change, heavy rain, squally, temp drops, vis improves after
Read the full lesson: Fronts

Sources of Weather Information

BBC Radio 4 broadcasts the Shipping Forecast at 0048, 0520, 1201, and 1754. The Inshore Waters Forecast (for within 12nm of the coast) is broadcast at 0048 and 0535 on Radio 4, and is oft...

  • Shipping Forecast: BBC Radio 4 at 0048, 0520, 1201, 1754
  • Inshore Waters Forecast: Radio 4 at 0048, 0535 (most relevant for Day Skippers)
Read the full lesson: Sources of Weather Information

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