In 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.
Samoa's waters lie inside the area of Fiji Meteorological Service's South West Pacific marine bulletin (Equator to 25°S, 160°E–120°W). The UK FCDO points to the Samoa Meteorology Division and Fiji Met for cyclone updates.
Fiji Meteorological Service (RSMC Nadi) · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
met.gov.fj (2026-10-14): “South West Pacific Marine section provides weather bulletins for islands from Equator to 25S, between 160E and 120W.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization, the Samoa Meteorology Division or the Fiji Meteorological Service.”
The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to the end of April, with most rain from December to March.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · Fiji Meteorological Service (RSMC Nadi) ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to the end of April, but most rain falls from December to March.”
met.gov.fj (2026-10-14): “While the TC season in the region is between November and April, occasionally cyclones have formed in October and May and rarely in September and June.”
Official warnings
Tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons, and many waves break directly onto reefs where currents can be harsh.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Samoa’s tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Many waves break directly on to reefs and the currents can be harsh.”
Arriving by boat
Apia, on Upolu, is Samoa's only official port of entry for international yachts. Visiting yachts must complete a Master's Declaration Form at least 24 hours before arrival, and Samoa Tourism says to obtain a Cruising Permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Apia.
In 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 Samoa?+
911 is the number the authorities in Samoa give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for 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 Samoa?+
The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to the end of April, with most rain from December to March.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Samoa?+
Samoa's waters lie inside the area of Fiji Meteorological Service's South West Pacific marine bulletin (Equator to 25°S, 160°E–120°W). The UK FCDO points to the Samoa Meteorology Division and Fiji Met for cyclone updates.
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