Marine Operations
Heavy Weather Navigation Climate change and its consequences such as frequent and severe storms in all oceans, rogue waves, heavy rainfall leading to stronger river currents and ocean currents are some of the adversities that modern seagoing personnel have to endure. Heavy weather encounters can cause damage ranging from minor deformations By Andreas Chandris of deck fittings to cargo holds flooding and, in extreme cases, the sinking of a ship. As such, weather can kill the unprepared, the unaware and the complacent. This has been documented in numerous cases of severe injuries and the deaths of seamen that tried to access the forward part of the ship during bad weather. Bridge team members must be proactive and take full advantage of the available technology in passage planning in order to avoid heavy weather encounters and the associated risks. Modern technologies, including improved communication and internet access, weather forecasts, weather routing services, weather faxes, Navtex and Navtor’s Navstation
Ballast tank dome: Cover securing arrangement deformed
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Issue 76-June 2021
weather overlay are essential tools to aid the navigator. The responsibility of monitoring weather forecasts must be shared by all bridge team members. Passage planning may require timely adjustments according to the updated weather reports to avoid bad weather and, therefore, avoid subjecting the crew to additional risks and the ship to additional stresses. Even with the best passage planning, heavy weather encounters, as in the case of rogue waves, may be unavoidable. So, the ship must be prepared before sailing the high seas by closing watertight doors, securing all loose gear and mooring ropes, verifying proper lashings, and before placing extra lashing on anchor cables etc. Ship personnel must be fully aware of the procedures in the Safety Management System pertaining to heavy weather navigation, securing the ship for sea and access to the decks during heavy weather. Please be alert and proactive, work in a team and do not force the seas! Or as we say: “Be Aware, Take Care, Everytime, Everywhere” Wishing you fair winds and following seas!!!
Pilot ladder winch: Deformed drum
