Current Sea Condition:

EAST/WEST CAUTION

OR CALL 634-4081, OPTION 1 FOR LATEST SEA CONDITION.
Sea conditions can change rapidly and vary significantly based on your location and weather conditions.  Always use good risk assessment to determine local conditions.

Condition Definition/Criteria Rule

SC-Caution (C)- Conditions which may damage property or cause minor injury Issued after 18-knot winds, including gusts, have been observed for six hours or otherwise adverse sea conditions have been reported. Exercise caution if entering water. Only personnel who can accurately assess local conditions should enter the water.

SC-Warning (W)- Conditions which may be life threatening. Issued after 25 knot winds, including gusts, have been observed for at least three hours or otherwise dangerous sea conditions have been observed and reported Exercise extreme caution if entering the water. The only personnel who should enter the water are those who can accurately assess local conditions, have extensive experience in water activity, have a need to enter the water or if their water activity warrants the action.

SC-Red(R)- Conditions which are deemed to be life threatening and will cause damage to property or cause life-threatening injury. Issued after 34-knot winds, including gusts, have been observed on Okinawa and are to persist for at least three hours or during Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness Caution, island-wide. No entry into the water. Appropriate military recreational facilities close or will not issue rentals, refill tanks or continue water-related classes or activities.

Sector Location Wind Direction Affecting Sector

West (W)- East China Sea shoreline, Hedo Point (Northern tip) west down to Cape Kiyan (Southern tip) North, Northwest, West and Southwest

East (E)- Pacific Ocean shoreline, Hedo Point (Northern tip) east down to Cape Kiyan (Southern tip) Northeast, East, South and Southeast

Most DANGEROUS water spots
Some areas have been the site of more of the U.S. military's fatalities and near misses. Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Installation Safety lists the seven most dangerous spots as:

  • Camp Zampa Misaki, also known as Bolo Point, is just west of Torii Station.
  • Maeda Point is near Onna Village.
  • Miyagi Island is part of the Ikei Island chain. The popular Big Time Resort is here.
  • Hedo Misaki, also called Hedo Point or Cape Hedo, is at the island's northern tip.
  • Onna Point is in Onna Village.
  • Hiji Falls is near Okuma Military Resort.
  • Ikei Island Bridge is near White Beach Naval Facility.

Warning signs for SOFA personnel are posted at all above locations except for Hiji Falls where signs strictly prohibit SOFA personnel from entering the water.

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