The Coastal Waters Forecast is a forecast of winds and sea state on the coastal waters out to five days. It is issued four times daily at 230/330 am/pm and 830/930 am/pm PST/PDT. The forecast covers the coastal waters from Pt. Piedras Blancas to San Mateo Pt. out to 60 n. mi. Within the body of the forecast a Small Craft Advisory may be headlined when winds begin to present a hazard for small vessels. The following rare warnings, Gale, Storm, Tropical Storm, or Hurricane, may be headlined when very strong winds and/or stormy seas are expected.

When the weather over the water becomes severe, a Special Marine Warning is issued. Coastal flooding caused by very high tides and/or large surf is covered by a Coastal Flood Watch and subsequently a Coastal Flood Warning. If a seaquake occurs along the Pacific Rim, a Tsunami Warning may be issued by the Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska if favorable conditions for a tsunami are met. If Southern California impacts are expected, this warning is reissued with more local details by the Los Angeles Forecast Office.