Heavy Weather
Incidents on deck and within the accommodation and engine room during periods of heavy weather.
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
Resources
Guidelines for the management of distraction causing devices on board ships
The document provides voluntary guidelines for shipping companies to manage the risks associated with distractions from electronic devices on ships. It outlines a framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls to minimize distractions, particularly for key personnel in
Lifesaving appliance pocket checklist (Apple)
This is Lloyd's Register's Port State Control app, designed to streamline ship inspections and compliance processes. Created by the world's oldest marine classification society (established over 260 years ago), the app helps ship owners and crew manage port state inspections more efficiently.
Lifesaving appliance pocket checklist (Google Play store)
This is Lloyd's Register's Port State Control app, designed to streamline ship inspections and compliance processes. Created by the world's oldest marine classification society (established over 260 years ago), the app helps ship owners and crew manage port state inspections more efficiently by ensu
UK P&I Club Carefully to Carry General Container Operations
The document is a section from a maritime shipping manual focused on container operations and waste shipments. It provides detailed guidance on how to properly load, stack, and secure cargo in shipping containers, with specific emphasis on waste transport regulations.
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