“Fare wind and Calm Seas” – this is what a seafarer hopes for when he is sailing at high seas. However, nature is bound to show ups and downs, and rough weather may hit a vessel in open sea with no time to react. Even if there is a practice of sending pre weather warning to ships for route change or speed alterations, every seaman has experienced high swell and unfriendly side of the sea.
Time is a critical factor for reacting in a situation like rough weather. If a pre warning is available with the ship, then staff can do the preparation; but if the warning period is short or if there is a sudden struck of rough waves and bad weather then handling of the ship depends on the knowledge, training, skills and, team efforts of ship’s staff.
It is very important for a seafarer to know what to do in rough weather situation so that mistakes can be avoided and in minimal time, ship can be prepared for rough sea.
The following are some basic precautions to be taken when in rough weather:
Steering control
Machinery control
Other common precautions
