Upon receiving the weather report, I will:
Inform C/O, order him to
secure deck.
Inform C/E, order him to secure E/R.
Plot storm’s position and observe its movement.
Draw fan diagram to
determine safety sector.
possible course to avoid storm.
Ascertain ship’s position in relation to the
storm
Bearing of storm’s center.
From weather report.
Semi circle where the vessel is in.
Path of the storm.
Order OOW to
update and monitor weather information and
reports.
Record hourly in log book:
Wind direction and force.
Wind shift.
Barometric pressure.
Swell direction and height.
Arrange a FSA for storm.
Strengthen the bridge watch and ensure proper
look out.
Change over to manual steering if auto pilot
cannot cope up with weather condition.
Continuous watch as visibility can be reduced.
Instruct C/O to:
Check ship’s stability, draft, trim.
Press up tanks to reduce FSE and windage area
Propeller and rudder sufficiently immersed to
prevent
Loses of their efficiency
Racing of engines
Excessive vibration
Take heavy
weather precaution.
I will remain outside of a radius of 200nm from
storm center. If necessary:
Alter course to keep away from storm
Heave to, to let the storm pass by a safe
distance
Reduce speed, if helps to avoid storm.
Ensure vessel does not roll or pitch heavily,
as it may cause
May be damage to cargo
Shifting of cargo
Damage to ship’s structure
Damage to deck equipments, cranes, derricks
etc.
All preparations for heavy weather to be
entered in official log book in details and deck log book.
I will keep in mind:
Storm can be erratic and different from weather
forecast.
Engine and any navigational/ communication
equipment may fail any time.
Ensure personnel get enough rest, considering
fatigue due to storm.
No body to go on deck without C/O’s permission.
Instruct C/E to check steering gear and M/E
performance regularly.
Inform following parties about storm and
amended ETA:
Owner.
Charterer.
Agent of next port.