How to survive on a yacht during a thunderstorm?

According to insurance cases, the chances of a boat being struck by lightning is 1:1000. In this case, the coefficient depends on the geography & type of vessel. In this article, we will tell you how to minimise the chances of lightning striking your yacht, how to survive the crew and how to keep phones or walkie-talkies working during a thunderstorm.

Do you know what advice the National Weather Service gives? Hear the thunder, try to leave as soon as possible! By the way, did you know that you can swim in the water either fish 30 minutes after the last thunder strike?

So, the first thing you read about on all sites is to watch the weather. The best way to do this is with a pre-installed app on your phone, such as NOAA. If there is no Internet, then going out on the water on a clear, cloudless day does not always guarantee the absence of a thunderstorm. Look around for clouds in the distance that look like an anvil or Aladdin’s lamp. If you see them, feel free to seek cover. The nose of the anvil indicates where the storm will go.

We are on the water, lightning has covered the whole sky

Large covered boats or sailing are equipped with a ⚡ protection system from the factory. What does it mean? The highest point of your vessel is a thunderbolt that will take a lightning-strike. The rod is connected by a copper wire to a grounding plate located in the underwater part of the body.

Does that mean you can relax – continue drinking prosecco? Far from it. Ask guests to avoid touching the metal parts of the yacht and to position themselves as low as possible in the centre of it.

If you have open cabin. First rule, don’t use the walkie-talkie (don’t turn it off, just don’t hold it in your hand). Second, don’t stand still, as you may become the highest point. Some other shipowners recommend operating the boat with one hand using a wooden spoon or wearing special rubber gloves. The fourth point, ask guests to remove crosses, earrings, other jewellery. Fifth, it does not hurt to put on a life jacket, go down to the centre, drop anchor (depending on the situation).

How to save phones, laptops, other electronics during a thunderstorm?

The microwave solves all problems. It works on the principle of a Faraday cage, that is, everything inside is protected. That’s why some captains put portable VHF stations, GPS, either even an engine control board in the microwave!

Lightning hit the boat, what should I do?

First, we check to see if there are people on board who have been injured or have lost consciousness. If the person is lying unconscious (not moving, pulse, breathing), start artificial respiration without slowing down. Do not be afraid, you will not be shocked – lightning has already found the shortest path to water and is no longer a threat.

Next, check the lower deck for holes. If the hull is pierced, turn on the bilge pumps of the holds & help with buckets. Make an emergency call on VHF. If the radio is burned out, light the flare.

Article prepared by Mike Telleria of Boating magazine.