Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
Real Journeys
Text
Conduct a risk assessment of vessel operations in adverse weather conditions and put in place procedures and guidelines to minimise the risks inherent in such operations. Guidance should include, but not be limited to, clearing distances off the shore and other vessels, areas of operation, ship board organisation and how best to handle the vessel in the prevailing conditions.
Reply Text
Recommendation accepted; guidelines given are as follows, in the event of a ship being subjected to adverse weather conditions during the course of a cruise the master will observe professional seamanship principles, these will include,
1. Maintaining ships head to wind
2. Maintain sufficient seaway for steerage
3. Maintain situational awareness of proximity to shore and location of other vessels.
4. Maximise available sea room
5. Ensure crew stow hot and insecure items
6. Instruct passengers to come off upper decks and close off
7. Instruct passengers to take care on companionways should they need to move and instruct passengers to remain seated.
8. Consider seeking shelter depending upon severity and expected duration of wind gusts, (in Milford Sounds, Harrison’s Cove will most likely be the first option considered).
9. These guide lines will be reviewed periodically to reflect new technology and changing weather patterns.
1. Maintaining ships head to wind
2. Maintain sufficient seaway for steerage
3. Maintain situational awareness of proximity to shore and location of other vessels.
4. Maximise available sea room
5. Ensure crew stow hot and insecure items
6. Instruct passengers to come off upper decks and close off
7. Instruct passengers to take care on companionways should they need to move and instruct passengers to remain seated.
8. Consider seeking shelter depending upon severity and expected duration of wind gusts, (in Milford Sounds, Harrison’s Cove will most likely be the first option considered).
9. These guide lines will be reviewed periodically to reflect new technology and changing weather patterns.
Related Investigation(s)