https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=dBJM5yV7T-M
This video provides a compilation of ships struggling with big waves during storms. Ships in storms can be a scary but spectacular sight. However, a ship’s master should always be aware of the weather forecast when moves in dangerous areas and be ready to appropriately handle the vessel.
Heavy weather combined with inappropriate manipulations may lead to damage of a vessel, threatening the cargo, the environment or, even worst, human life. Most common weather threats that can harm the vessel, are hurricanes, squalls, typhoons or tropical cyclones.The ship’s master should always be aware of the weather forecast when moves in dangerous areas and be ready to appropriately handle the vessel under circumstances of bad weather in case that violent wind, torrential rain or surging waves appear.Commercial vessels that face the highest risk through heavy weather are container ships, heavy lifts and Ro-Ro vessels. For bulkers the most common cargo damage is the leaking of cargo hatches. However, under heavy weather conditions navigation becomes more difficult as inadequate visibility would cause other accidents such as collision or grounding.
Preventive actions to be taken for heavy weather damage
- Always the cargo to be loaded as per Cargo Security Manual.
- Speed of the vessel need to be adjusted with the course and slow down if needed
- Consideration of the actual stability conditions
- Maintaining of the lashing equipment to be in a good condition (container ships or Ro-Ro vessels)
- Hatch covers and seals must be in good water-tight condition (bulk carriers)
- Officers to be aware and well trained to handle the mentioned risks
- Alternate route through a less risky course
