Module 13 - Meteorology
Shipping Forecast Times and Weather Sources for Sailors
Quick answer
For UK coastal sailing, combine the Shipping Forecast, Inshore Waters Forecast, Coastguard VHF broadcasts, NAVTEX, and current Met Office coastal forecasts.
- Shipping Forecast: useful big-picture sea-area forecast.
- Inshore Waters Forecast: usually more relevant within 12 nautical miles of the coast.
- Keep monitoring updates during the passage, not only before departure.
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 often more relevant for Day Skippers than the main Shipping Forecast.
Other sources include: NAVTEX (automatic text receiver), VHF Coastguard forecasts (scheduled broadcasts on local channels), Met Office website and app, and marina/harbour forecasts displayed locally.
Key points
- Shipping Forecast: BBC Radio 4 at 0048, 0520, 1201, 1754
- Inshore Waters Forecast: Radio 4 at 0048, 0535 (most relevant for Day Skippers)
- Coastguard: scheduled VHF broadcasts on local channels
- NAVTEX: automatic text weather receiver (518 kHz)
- Met Office website and app: detailed coastal forecasts
Common mistakes
- Using only one forecast source.
- Confusing sea-area forecasts with local inshore detail.
- Forgetting that conditions can change faster than your original passage plan.
Common questions
What time is the Shipping Forecast broadcast?
The UK Shipping Forecast is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 0048, 0520, 1201 and 1754 local time.
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 more than one reliable source: the Shipping Forecast, Inshore Waters Forecast, Met Office updates, Coastguard VHF broadcasts, NAVTEX where fitted, and local harbour or marina information.
Keep revising this topic
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026 by Day Skipper Revision
Practise weather decisions
The meteorology module links forecasts, Beaufort force, pressure systems, fronts, and practical passage choices.