In Tanzania, call 112 and ask for sea rescue. Fire and rescue (Zanzibar: distress line): 114. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Source: polisi.go.tz · authority: use the emergency number · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
polisi.go.tz (Tanzania Police Force; checked 2026-10-14) — “Emergency Numbers … Police 112 … Firefighters 114 … Ambulance 115” (Swahili: “Namba za Dharura Tanzania … Polisi 112 … Zimamoto 114”); zma.go.tz/Plans/Zanzibar Search and Rescue Plan.pdf: “the coordination of Maritime SAR services in Zanzibar are performed by the Zanzibar Maritime Authority as Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC)”, “Land line distress call a) ZDMC – 190 b) KZU – 114”; gov.uk FCDO (2026-10-09): “Emergency services in Tanzania Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)”
112Ask for sea rescueFire and rescue (Zanzibar: distress line): 114
Boating in Tanzania: what to know
From official sources · checked 2026-10-14
Weather and season
The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (meteo.go.tz) issues marine forecasts for ports, coastal waters and the high seas of the Indian Ocean, and warnings of strong winds and large waves.
Tanzania Meteorological Authority · Tanzania Meteorological Authority (English version of the page) · Tanzania Meteorological Authority ▾
meteo.go.tz (2026-10-14): “Mamlaka ya Hali ya Hewa hutoa huduma za hali ya hewa kwa watumiaji wote wa Bahari na Maziwa Makuu.”
meteo.go.tz (2026-10-14): “The marine meteorological services are issued to Ports and Harbours, Coastal and High Seas of Indian Ocean and Inland waters (Lake Victoria, Lake Nyansa and Lake Tanganyika)”
meteo.go.tz (2026-10-14): “Tahadhari hizo na ushauri hutolewa kila yanapotarajiwa matukio ya, upepo mkali na mawimbi makubwa kwenye Maziwa na Bahari”
Rainy seasons usually run from the end of March to May and from October to mid-December. Heavy rain and strong winds can disrupt travel; check the Tanzania Meteorological Authority for updates.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The length of rainy seasons can vary, but they generally run from: the end of March to May October to mid-December”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Heavy rainfall and strong winds can affect travel.”
Official warnings
Piracy off Somalia is still a significant threat. The international naval forces' advice is that sailing yachts on their own passage should avoid the designated high-risk area or accept the risk of hijack and kidnap for ransom.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The threat assessment of the combined international naval counter-piracy forces is that all sailing yachts under their own passage should avoid the designated high-risk area or accept the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Report journey information regularly to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)”
Several ferry disasters have killed hundreds of people, including between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar and between the Zanzibar islands. Do not board a ferry that looks overloaded or unseaworthy, and find the life jackets when you board.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “In the last few years there have been several ferry disasters. Hundreds of people have died when travelling:”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “If you think a ferry is overloaded or not seaworthy, do not get on.”
What number do I call for help at sea in Tanzania?+
In Tanzania, call 112 and ask for sea rescue. Fire and rescue (Zanzibar: distress line): 114. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Tanzania?+
Yes. 112 is an official emergency number in Tanzania.
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 Tanzania?+
Rainy seasons usually run from the end of March to May and from October to mid-December. Heavy rain and strong winds can disrupt travel; check the Tanzania Meteorological Authority for updates.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Tanzania?+
The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (meteo.go.tz) issues marine forecasts for ports, coastal waters and the high seas of the Indian Ocean, and warnings of strong winds and large waves.
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