Marine Links

Weather

As a leader in specialty marine for over 20 years, Markel has shown a proven commitment to the Marine Insurance Marketplace. We will show our commitment to you under both stormy and sunny skies. Let your Markel Marine Policy be your anchor in stormy weather and your propulsion when the seas are calm.

Don't become a victim of foul weather

  • During your outing, observe local weather reports on VHF radio.
  • Make sure you understand the direction from which storms usually approach in your area, and look in that direction frequently to give yourself the earliest possible warning.
  • If you are caught in foul weather:
    1. Slow down.
    2. Put on PFDs.
    3. Keep the bow into the wind. Only position your vessel broadside to the wind during lulls.
    4. Head cautiously to the nearest anchorage.
    5. Have your anchor ready for emergency use.

Visit these links for up to the minute weather conditions

  • NOAA's Interactive Marine Weather - Zero in on a particular buoy along any of the North American coastlines or Great Lakes region.
  • Storm Warning - Get the latest details on developing storms.
  • Tide Predictions - This system will allow you to obtain tidal predictions computed by CO-OPS for more than 3000 water level stations.
  • Earthwatch - Satellite & radar images, current conditions, and forecasts across the U.S. You can also get information specific to any zip code.
  • Twisters - This interactive map lets you focus on a particular city or town to get current weather conditions from the National Weather Service.

Safety

Whether in calm or rough waters, your Markel Helmsman Yacht Policy will help safely guide you and your vessel to your next destination. The Markel Style includes the ability to make decisions or to alter a course quickly. Your Markel Helmsman Yacht Policy promises to aid you in your navigation and steer you on a course that is both enjoyable and safe. To help make distress signals a thing of the past, we have included a few links that may be of use to you. Please feel free to use all of these items and make your voyages safe ones!

  • Tres Martin's Performance Boat School: Focus on multi-step hull Vee bottom and Catamaran configurations.
  • Boat Ed: Official boating safety courses and online tests for your boat license or boater safety certification.
  • CG Vessel Safety Check: A courtesy examination of you boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and Federal regulations.
  • Boating Safety Resource Center: The U.S. Coast Guard's Safety Division (CG-5422) is dedicated to reducing loss of life, injuries, and property damage that occur on U.S. waterways by improving the knowledge, skills, and abilities of recreational boaters.
  • U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary provides information for safety, boating regulations, etc.
  • Commander Bob: Safety tips and techniques for those heading out to sea.
  • NSBC: National Safe Boating Council - The mission of the NSBC is to reduce accidents and enhance the boating experience. The NSBC is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education.
  • On Water: Recognizes the importance of boater safety and offers information covering all boater topics from safety to regulations.
  • BoatSafe: Boating safety courses online, coastal navigation courses, boating articles and news.
  • NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's national weather service provides weather forecasting and preparation.
  • SAMS: Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, Inc. - SAMS is an international society dedicated to the advancement of the profession of marine surveying.
  • NAMSGlobal: The National Association of Marine Surveyors - NAMSGlobal is a non-profit professional organization that certifies marine surveyors and provides continuing education opportunities.
  • Useful Knots: Covers a number of knots you are sure to encounter in day to day boating.
  • Safe Boating Kidsite: A fun, interactive website for kids.
  • Sanibel Boating Safety Guide: Susan McCallion has complied loads of great boating safety information.