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Emergency Contingency Procedures ECP Adverse Weather |
Doc No.: ECP 05-03
Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD |
5.3. ADVERSE WEATHER
(a) In extreme weather, it is of primary importance to reduce the strain on the ship. Consideration with regard to the cargo, the voyage route, and crew comfort may be regarded secondary.
(b) On the basis of his knowledge of ship characteristics and the forces of the environment on the ship, it is the Master who must decide which actions to be taken. Draft, Loading condition, stability, and propulsion power shall determine the characteristics of the ship under such circumstances. Master’s actions shall depend on external conditions characterized by high wind force, heavy and irregular seas, breaking waves and other conditions such as visibility, sea area, traffic, and distance to shore.
5.3.1. Precautions
| Sr.No. | Action | Responsibility | Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Watch for signs of abnormal meteorological conditions such as rapidly falling barometer reading, threatening sky formations, and other | Master / OOW | |
| 2. | Review latest weather report & synopsis, and compare with actual conditions; | Master | |
| 3. | If the actual conditions depart greatly from weather reports, determine the direction of the low-pressure area on the basis of wind direction and consider if rules for cyclone navigation should be followed; | Master | |
| 4. | Make attempts to contact other ships or coast radio stations in the vicinity to obtain weather report; | Master | |
| 5. | Establish communication watch to receive possible security messages. | Master | |
| 6. | If there is a suspicion of, or imminent risk of heavy weather, safety actions should be initiated. | Master |
5.3.2. Safety Actions
| Sr.No. | Action | Responsibility | Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | On Deck / under deck Inspection of following (as applicable) to be carried out:
|
C/O | |
| 2. | Check the Cargo tank pressure. If it rises consider starting of extra compressors for controlling tank pressure. (For Gas carriers only) | C/O | |
| 3. | Ensure the tank very high level alarms are inhibited or else vessel will have ESD frequently due to change in liquid level due to excess rolling and pitching. The inhibition of level gauge MUST be logged down and Master to be informed. (For Gas carriers only) | C/O | |
| 4. | Inspection and possible strengthening of lashings on:
|
C/O | |
| 5. | Rigging of safety line where required for access across open deck. | Master | |
| 6. | Tanks:
|
C/O | |
| 7. | Emergency equipment should be inspected and kept ready for use. | C/O & C/E |
5.3.3. Alerting
(a) Security Message
If heavy weather conditions are experienced which have not been forecasted (wind force 10 or more), ships in the vicinity and the nearest coast station should be notified.
(b) Urgency message
If the ship meets extreme weather, but is not in imminent danger with immediate need of assistance, but in a situation where the outcome is uncertain, an urgency message should be sent.
(c) The Company
When operating under extreme weather conditions, the Company should be kept continuously informed about the situation.
5.3.4. Ship handling / Maneuvering
(a) Steaming against the weather (slow speed)
- Advantages:
- Reduction in Rolling
- Small departure from the original position
- Disadvantages:
- Load on/ racing of main engine
- High longitudinal strain on hull
- Risk of heavy weather damages on deck
- Risk of bottom damages
If it is necessary to go against the weather, propulsion power only sufficient to maintain the course should be used. The ship should have a course with the wind and sea 15 to 20° on the bow.
(b) Going with the Weather (slow ahead)
- Advantages:
- Less loading on the machinery
- Less risk of heavy weather damages on deck
- Reduced danger of bottom damages
- Disadvantages:
- Risk of hull torsion
- Risk of waves breaking over the stern
- Risk for surfing, broaching and steering failure
When going with the weather, the speed should be adjusted so that surfing / broaching is avoided, and that the sea breaks behind the stern. Use of oil bags may be considered.
(c) Drifting
- Advantages:
- No strain on the main engine
- Reduced risk of heavy weather damage on deck
- Minimum strain on hull
- Disadvantages:
- Heavy rolling
- Shifting of cargo
- Risk of damage to cargo
- Much water on deck
Vessel heavily loaded and having high GM may have violent rolling. This may further cause heavy sea coming on deck. This may be avoided by going slowly astern, in order to keep the stern up against the wind and thus reduce rolling. Use of oil bags may be considered.
(d) Turning around in heavy weather
- i) Turning around against the wind while going against the weather, must be carried out very carefully. The speed must be reduced as much as possible, and the manoeuvre should be started at the end of a wave train so that the last part of the turn is carried out under the calmest possible condition.
- ii) The first part of the course change should be carried out with the rudder hard over and propulsion power should be adjusted so as to provide maximum turning without significant speed increase. The last part of the turn should be carried out with full engine power in order to meet the wave crest as head on as possible.
- iii) Turning around against the wind while going with the weather, should be started at the end of a wave train so that the ship will be broadside in the calmest period. The last part of the turn is carried out with hard rudder and full engine power. After completion of turn, the speed should be adjusted to the sea conditions.
5.3.5. Follow up & Record Keeping
(a) All safety measures taken for adverse weather shall be noted in the logbook.
(b) Once the weather has improved, a thorough inspection of all spaces shall be made and a detailed report of damages shall be sent to the company, soonest.
(c) In case of any damage or suspicion of damage, consider lodging a note of protest with the harbor master in the next port.