Alteration of course in heavy weather

 

bullet Dangerous/critical period when sea comes from beam.
bullet Wave group consists of about 8 waves.
bullet Lull period 1-2 waves  among wave groups.
bullet Alter the vessel during lull period.
bullet Before turning, inform all department heads, take necessary precautions.
bullet No one is allowed on deck.
bullet Understand turning ability of the ship.
bullet Study wave development cycle carefully to find out calm period.
bullet To minimize danger of being capsized or swamped, the timing of turn to be coincide with calmer waves when abeam.
bullet Consider possibility of misjudgment of lull period and turning ability of the vessel.
bullet About 2/3 waves before the calm wave, start turning slowly with extreme caution.
bullet If turning misjudged, come back to previous heading.
bullet If turning is correct, continue the turn as fast as possible.
bullet When critical period is passed, increase the turning rate.
bullet Steady to next course and observe situation carefully.
bullet Adjust speed if necessary for following and quartering sea.

 

 

Updated: Saturday, 15 September 2007