Navigation ship heavy weather duties


Navigation of ship through heavy weather demands great attention and care from the ship's crew. During the 4 hours of watch of the officer on watch he is the full incharge of ship and  the representative of the Master. The Officer on watch (OOW) should collect the necessary information regarding weather conditions and the navigational warnings. Officer on watch should then inform the Master if there is any sudden change in the weather conditions.

Duties performed when the ship is navigating through heavy weather :

  • Inform about the situation to the Master, and all the department heads of the ship.
  • Close all the openings on board including watertight doors, portholes, vent pipes, sounding pipes, vents etc
  • Check if the cargo lashings are loose, if loose tighten them.
  • The derricks, cranes and davits to be secured
  • Secure all the movable objects( in deck, engine room, galley, accomodation etc) onboard because when weather deteriorates the ship will pitch and roll and may cause moving of those objects.
  • Ballast as required to reduce the free surface effect and increase the GM . Adjust the draft and trim according to the conditions.
  • Check if the anchor is stowed properly. Check all the lashings of the anchor as if it is tight or not. Ensure that the spurling pipe is cemented to prevent flooding .
  • Check if two power units of steering gear are working.
  • To minimize the affects of heavy weather, speed and course of the ship should be adjusted as necessary by advice of the master.
  • Advice the crew not to go to the weather deck, if any inspection is required inform the master and permission is to be granted. Then course alterations are made according to the side inspection takes place, so that it safe for the crew.
  • Arrange safety ropes and hand ropes at places where necessary.
  • If required load the heavy weather ballast in cargo tanks. This is done if the ballast tanks are already filled fully.
  • If the visibility deteriorates additional lookout should be posted.
  • Keep an eye on the weather reports and check for any dangers. Transmit the weather message if any danger newly found.
  • If any additional duties ordered by the master perform them.
  • Inform the engine room and ask them to keep the engines ready for immediate manuevre.