Heavy Weather

Incidents on deck and within the accommodation and engine room during periods of heavy weather.

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Guiding Principles

The company should implement procedures concerning heavy weather and actions to be taken by the crew – including weather limits for working on deck and other precautions to be taken.
‍Example Adverse Weather Checklist
Incorporate weather routing into passage planning to avoid adverse weather patterns. Current and forecast conditions should be monitored throughout the passage.
‍Example Company Standing Orders
Ensure good housekeeping and secure stowage of loose items around the vessel.
Limit work activities as appropriate.
Restrict access to outside decks during adverse weather. Ideally weather limits will be stipulated in company procedure or otherwise at the direction of the master.
Communicate – ensure all personnel (all departments) aware of the expected onset of heavy weather.
Consideration should be given to rigging jackstays on deck, to which crew can secure themselves in the event they need to go on deck during adverse weather
Ensure watertight integrity of the vessel, verify that all openings that are required to be closed when the vessel is at sea are closed.
If personnel are required to go on external decks during adverse weather, consideration should be given to adjusting speed and heading to provide safe conditions. Personnel on deck monitored at all times.
Crew should be aware of weather limits imposed onboard related to work on exposed decks. The vessel crew induction/familiarization should include this – what are weather working limits; how are crew informed when conditions are beyond the weather limit and who makes that decision.
‍Lessons Learnt: Crew Injured In Heavy Weather
Inspections of working and accommodation areas should be conducted routinely for example master’s weekly inspection. Inspections should include the state of housekeeping and securing of cargo, stores, and equipment. Don’t forget the galley! the deck logbook.
Records of inspections should be maintained and verified during audit. If company checklists are used, a record of such should be made in