In American Samoa, call 911, the national emergency number, and say you are at sea. Offshore, the search is run by RCCNZ (Maritime NZ): +64 4 577 8030. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Source: dhs.gov · authority’s own page · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
dhs.gov/see-something-say-something/reporting/american-samoa (checked 2026-10-14) — “If there is an emergency, call 911.”; FCC NET 911 report, American Samoa 2019 (archived 2025-08-27) — “There is a single primary PSAP in the territory housed in the Department of Public Safety.”; SRR: LINZ NZ Nautical Almanac 2026–27 §4 NZSRR polygon
The Coastal Waters Forecast is issued by the NWS Weather Service Office in Pago Pago; the High Seas Forecast for the South Pacific is issued by NWS Honolulu. NOAA Weather Radio stations WZ2529 (162.550 MHz) and WNG710 (162.400 MHz) serve American Samoa.
NOAA National Weather Service, WSO Pago Pago · NOAA National Weather Service, WSO Pago Pago ▾
weather.gov (2026-10-14): “The Coastal Waters Forecast is issued by WSO American Samoa. The High Seas Forecast for the South Pacific, which includes the waters around American Samoa is issued by WFO Honolulu.”
weather.gov (2026-10-14): “Stations WZ2529 and WNG710 serve American Samoa. WZ2529 broadcasts on 162.550 MHz and WNG710 broadcasts on 162.400 MHz.”
The official hurricane (tropical cyclone) season for American Samoa runs 1 November – 30 April.
NOAA National Weather Service, WSO Pago Pago (Public Information Statement, 13 Oct 2026) ▾
forecast.weather.gov (2026-10-14): “Hurricane Season for American Samoa officially begins November 1 and runs through April 30.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
US federal boating rules apply in US territories: every recreational vessel must carry at least one wearable PFD for each person, and children under 13 must wear an approved PFD while under way unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin. Foreign boats temporarily using US waters are exempt.
US Code of Federal Regulations, 33 CFR 175 (eCFR) · US Code of Federal Regulations, 33 CFR 175 (eCFR) · US Code of Federal Regulations, 33 CFR 175 (eCFR) · US Code of Federal Regulations, 33 CFR 2.38 (eCFR) ▾
ecfr.gov (2026-10-14): “(1) At least one wearable PFD is on board for each person;”
ecfr.gov (2026-10-14): “No person may operate a recreational vessel under way with any child under 13 years old aboard unless each such child is either— (1) Wearing an appropriate PFD approved by the Coast Guard; or (2) Below decks or in an enclosed cabin.”
ecfr.gov (2026-10-14): “(a) Foreign boats temporarily using waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction;”
ecfr.gov (2026-10-14): “and waters within the territories and possessions of the United States.”
Arriving by boat
Yachts must contact the Harbor Master on VHF 16 before entering American Samoan waters and then proceed directly to Pago Pago Harbor for Immigration and Customs clearance.
American Samoa Visitors Bureau · American Samoa Visitors Bureau ▾
visitamericansamoa.org (2026-10-14): “All yachts and boats that are planning to enter the beautiful waters of American Samoa are required to make contact with the Harbor Master on VHF Channel 16 prior to their entry.”
visitamericansamoa.org (2026-10-14): “yachts and boats should proceed without delay to the Pago Pago Harbor, where the necessary Immigration and Customs clearances along with processing will be completed.”
What number do I call for help at sea in American Samoa?+
In American Samoa, call 911, the national emergency number, and say you are at sea. Offshore, the search is run by RCCNZ (Maritime NZ): +64 4 577 8030. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in American Samoa?+
911 is the number the authorities in American Samoa give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for American Samoa.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in American Samoa?+
The official hurricane (tropical cyclone) season for American Samoa runs 1 November – 30 April.
Are life jackets compulsory in American Samoa?+
US federal boating rules apply in US territories: every recreational vessel must carry at least one wearable PFD for each person, and children under 13 must wear an approved PFD while under way unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin. Foreign boats temporarily using US waters are exempt.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for American Samoa?+
The Coastal Waters Forecast is issued by the NWS Weather Service Office in Pago Pago; the High Seas Forecast for the South Pacific is issued by NWS Honolulu. NOAA Weather Radio stations WZ2529 (162.550 MHz) and WNG710 (162.400 MHz) serve American Samoa.
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