How to Read the Shipping Forecast
How to Read the Shipping Forecast — Plain English Guide
The Shipping Forecast is one of the most distinctive broadcasts on British radio. Heard on BBC Radio 4 four times a day, its rhythmic recitation of sea area names — Viking, North Utsire, South Utsire, Forties, Cromarty — is iconic enough to be used in poetry and art. It is also one of the most practically useful safety tools available to anyone going to sea around the UK.
Most people have heard it. Few people know how to use it. Here is the plain English guide.
When Is the Shipping Forecast Broadcast?
BBC Radio 4 on 198 kHz longwave and FM:
0048 — the longest and most complete forecast, immediately after the national anthem
0520 — early morning forecast
1201 — midday forecast
1754 — late afternoon/evening forecast
The 0048 broadcast is the most detailed and covers the period through the following day. It is the one serious passage planners listen to before an offshore departure. You can also find the forecast online at metoffice.gov.uk and via the BBC Radio 4 website and app.
The Sea Areas — What They Are
The Shipping Forecast divides the sea around the British Isles into 31 named sea areas. Each has a name — many of them place names or historical references. The areas cover the waters from Iceland in the north to Finisterre in the south, and from the east coast of Ireland to the Norwegian coast.
The areas relevant to most UK sailors are: Viking, Forties, Cromarty, Forth, Tyne, Dogger, Fisher, German Bight, Humber, Thames, Dover, Wight, Portland, Plymouth, Biscay, FitzRoy, Sole, Lundy, Fastnet, Irish Sea, Shannon, Rockall, Malin, Hebrides, Bailey, Fair Isle, Faeroes, Southeast Iceland.
The Structure of Each Area Forecast
Each sea area gets a forecast in the same format:
Wind — direction and Beaufort force. For example: Southwest 4 to 6, occasionally 7 later.
This means: wind from the southwest, Force 4 to 6, with gusts to Force 7 developing later.
Weather — the general weather conditions. Rain or showers or fog or fair.
Visibility — good (more than 5 nautical miles), moderate (2 to 5 miles), poor (1,000 metres to 2 miles), fog (less than 1,000 metres).
What the Terms Mean
Veering — wind direction changing clockwise. Southwest veering westerly means the wind is rotating from SW to W.
Backing — wind direction changing anticlockwise. Westerly backing southwesterly means rotating from W to SW.
Increasing — wind getting stronger.
Decreasing — wind getting lighter.
Gale warnings — given at the beginning of the forecast for any area expecting Force 8 or above. Take these very seriously. Force 8 is 34 to 40 knots — serious offshore conditions even for well-found vessels.
Imminent — within 6 hours.
Soon — within 6 to 12 hours.
Later — after 12 hours.
The Inshore Waters Forecast — More Useful for Most Sailors
The Shipping Forecast covers offshore sea areas. For coastal sailing within 12 miles of shore — the Inshore Waters Forecast is more relevant and more detailed. It covers the UK coastline in 19 sections and is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 after the 0048 and 0520 shipping forecasts, and available at metoffice.gov.uk. It is also available on your VHF radio.
FAQs
Do I need to understand the Shipping Forecast to go sailing?
For day sailing in coastal waters close to shore — the Met Office inshore waters forecast and the Windy app are more immediately useful. For offshore passages — understanding the Shipping Forecast is genuinely important.
What does Force 6 mean in the Shipping Forecast?
Force 6 is a strong breeze with wind speeds of 22 to 27 knots. At sea this produces waves of 2.5 to 4 metres. Challenging conditions for recreational sailing. Not suitable for paddleboards, kayaks, or small open boats.
Where can I find the Shipping Forecast online?
At metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialist-forecasts/coast-and-sea/shipping-forecast — updated four times daily matching the broadcast schedule.
Always obtain the latest marine forecast before going to sea. The internet is not part of the Maritime Safety Information system and should never be relied upon as the only source.
