Following options are available to the master, in case of bad weather:
Head to sea, or wind and sea on fine bow, at reduced speed: |
Most suitable for deep draft vessels. |
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Leeward drift is minimized (vessel is liable to sustain considerable pounding). |
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Weather is allowed to pass over the vessel. |
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The speed is considerably reduced. |
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It affects the period of encounter of the oncoming wave formation and subsequently reduces pounding. |
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Course and speed to be altered to remove possibility of hogging, sagging and synchronism. |
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Situation becomes uncomfortable when violent pitching results in ‘racing propellers’, puts excessive stress on engines. |
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Absolute control of rudder power is essential. |
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Power should be reduced to minimum necessary to maintain steerage way and avoid undue stress on machinery. |
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Two steering motors to be operational. |
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Critical rpm to be avoided. |
Stern to sea, at reduced speed, running before the wind: |
When bad weather overtakes vessel, she will find herself running before the wind. |
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Preferable to take a course with wind on the quarter rather than stern, which may cause ‘pooping’. |
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Vessel will not move as violently as a vessel head to sea. |
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Speed adjustment together with long period of encounter will probably reduce wave impact without any great delay. |
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A distinct danger with stern to sea is when the vessel required to turn across the wave front is ‘broach to’. |
Heaving to, preferably on the lee of an island: |
Necessary when due to the stress of the weather the voyage is required to be temporarily discontinued. |
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The vessel is maneuvered so as to ride the sea in the most favorable position. |
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Problems may be encountered associated with crew fatigue or damage to cargo for a lengthy period of time. |
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Most effective when taken advantage of a lee of an island or land mass. |
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Action will depend on the type and form of the vessel. |
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A reduction of speed will probably be the earliest action to reduce motion of the vessel and avoid cargo shift. |
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Power not to be reduced to an extent of stalling the main engine or revolutions are critical. |
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If it is decided to stop the vessel, sufficient sea room should be available. |
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Heavy rolling can be expected. |
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There is risk of synchronism and cargo shift. |
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Vessel needs to have a good water tight integrity and adequate GM. |
Anchoring in shallow waters: |
Used when the vessel in shallow water. |
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Employed to prevent blown down to a lee shore. |
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Two anchors may be used. |
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Engines can be used to reduce stress on the cable. |
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Anchor will reduce the rate of drift. |
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If grounding is not prevented, refloating may be assisted by heaving on the cables. |
Altering course to avoid bad weather: |
To be used before encountering bad weather. |
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Take an alternative route to destination. |
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Take evasive actions to be away from bad weather. |
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Likely to result in more distance. |
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If alteration is not well planned or substantial, bad weather may suddenly change direction and vessel may be caught into it. |