Weather Safety at Sea

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Objective (b) in the event of a loss of essential systems?

Options available for steering following the loss of directional stability

Jury Rig preparations

Actions to be taken in the event of loss of steering

Operation of emergency steering systems (correct)

What is the main concern in the event of a drifting vessel?

Loss of directional stability (correct)

Jury Rig preparations

Operation of emergency steering systems

Loss of essential systems

What is the purpose of conducting Steering Gear Tests?

To test rudder performance

To practice emergency steering drills

To identify potential steering system failures (correct)

To prepare for jury rig situations

What is the term used to describe a temporary fix to a steering system?

Jury Rig Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of Objective (a) in the event of a loss of essential systems?

Actions to be taken in the event of loss of steering Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a vessel that has lost its ability to steer?

Drifting Vessel Signup and view all the answers

When should preparations be made to secure the vessel for heavy weather?

Before departure and when the heavy weather is predicted. Signup and view all the answers

What should be stowed on deck when preparing for heavy weather?

All loose gear and emergency equipment. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to secure the vessel for heavy weather?

To avoid damage to ship, persons, and cargo. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a spurling pipe?

To allow an anchor chain to pass through to the chain locker below deck. Signup and view all the answers

What should be explained to the crew before heavy weather arrives?

What to do and what not to do during heavy weather. Signup and view all the answers

What should be covered or fitted before heavy weather?

Swimming pool, hot tub, and port lights with storm covers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of knowing meteorology in ship handling?

To avoid heavy weather and all that goes with it. Signup and view all the answers

Why should the crew be briefed before heavy weather?

To reassure them and explain the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of 'heaving to' in poor weather conditions?

To delay the vessel for an indefinite time but reduce the risk of damage to herself or cargo Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action to take when the wind veers or backs?

Adjust the vessel's heading Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to reduce revolutions in poor weather?

To maintain steerageway Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of plotting the storm's position on a regular basis?

To predict the storm's movement Signup and view all the answers

When should manual steering be engaged?

In ample time before bad weather arrives Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action to improve the vessel's stability in poor weather?

Improve the vessel's GM if appropriate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger of synchronous rolling?

Capsizing Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action to take when experiencing synchronous rolling?

Alter the vessel's course immediately Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preparing for Heavy Weather

Warn the engine room in advance to reduce revolutions and check distress rockets and Life Saving Appliances (LSA) gear.
Organize meal reliefs before bad weather arrives.
Consider "heaving to" to delay the vessel, reducing the risk of damage to herself or cargo.
Set the ship's head relative to the wind for a comfortable ride, adjusting as the wind veers or backs.

Stability

Improve the vessel's metacentric height (GM) if possible.
Remove free surface effects if possible.
Ballast the vessel down to reduce rolling motion.

Securing the Vessel

Pump out the swimming pool.
Inspect and check freeboard deck seals.
Close all watertight doors.
Stow all loose gear on deck.
Secure all gear to be left on deck, including tenders, jet-skis, and life rafts.
Secure and lock all watertight lids and doors, side doors, spurling pipes, and vents.
Rig safety lines/lifelines (fore and aft) or ban movement on deck.
Ensure emergency gear is accessible.
Prepare drogue and sea anchor.

Synchronous Rolling

Recognize synchronous rolling, a dangerous condition when the period of roll is equal to half the period of the waves.
Immediate alteration of the vessel's course can eliminate this condition.

Steering in Heavy Weather

Know the options available for steering following the loss of directional stability.
Be prepared to take action in the event of loss of steering, including emergency steering drills and steering gear tests.
Consider jury-rigging or alternate steering methods in the event of loss of rudder.

Drifting Vessel

Know the actions to be taken in a drifting vessel.

Meteorology and Voyage Planning

Meteorology is essential in ship handling and protecting passengers and cargo.
Preparations for heavy weather should be made before departure, when conditions are calmer.
Meet with the crew to explain the situation and reassure them, and ensure they know what to do and what not to do during extreme weather.