ADVERSE WEATHER

- ADVERSE WEATHER
- BE PREPARED
- MINIMIZE THE RISK

BRIDGE
• Asses the weather from information received.
• Communicate to the crew that heavy weather is imminent and instruct them to prepare.
• Is a suitable plan in place to remain on location?
• Ensure that communication systems are working in all areas so that you can inform crews of alterations of course.
• Secure all loose items that may cause harm or damage.
• Review risk assessment, taking into account the vessels motion in heavy weather – Do you really need to do the task?
• Consider extra safety patrols in accommodation.
• Ensure safe navigation commensurate with the prevailing conditions.
ACCOMMODATION
• Ensure that stairs and walkways are free from loose items.
• Check stowage of internal storerooms.
• Ensure that port holes, weather tight doors and lower vent flaps are secured closed.
• Secure loose items in areas such as the laundry, gym, bathrooms and other communal areas including your cabin.
• Can the TV be dislodged from its secure point?
• Use the handrails – one hand for you and one for the ship!

GALLEY
• Secure all loose items such as knives, electrical equipment sharp objects, pots and pans.
• Make sure that the oven doors are secured shut.
• Ensure that stove-top fiddle bars are in place.
• Do not overfill pans, boilers or deep fat fryers –do you really need in use them?
• Check stowage of storerooms, fridges, freezers, etc.
• Mop up spillage avoid washing down until calmer weather.
• Review the menu-do you really need to chop those onions? Is it necessary to prepare beans soup?
ENGINE
• Secure all loose items in machinery spaces and worshops.
• Check stowage of storerooms and steering space, especially cylinders/drums.
• Confirm proper communication with the bridge.
• Check switchboards for loose connections/breakers.
• Ensure that deck plates are in place an secure.
• Ensure doors secured in close position.
• Consider if you really need to do the task.
• Increase as necessary the periods that Engine Room is attended.

DECK
• Check stowage in external locker and store rooms.
• Secure all loose items.
• Secure properly all movable items, walkways, gangways, accommodation ladders, life rafts, etc.
• Ensure that watertight doors and deck hatches are securely closed.
• Do not go on deck unless absolutely necessary and instructed by the master. Wear the correct PPE (Plan-Protection-Environment) and use you safety harness, rig safety line and life vest.

ALL CREW
• Raise concerns that you may have e.g. defects, unsafe conditions or unusual noises.
• Defer use of showers and gym equipment until weather conditions or unusual noises.
• Use rest periods sensibly, get as much sleep as possible during off watch periods.
• Don’t overfill cups and mugs.
• Take care of crew members that may not be familiar with the vessels motion characterists.
• Set a good safety example, always and safely, and encourage others to do likewise. Secure loose items in cabins.




Recopilado
Capt
Guillermo Parra Avello
Mayo 2011