IMS9.4.6.17 Managing a Vessel During Periods of Inclement Weather Procedure

1.0   SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

• Passenger and crew comfort and safety is a high priority and a vessel speed needs to be adjusted accordingly.

• Some passengers are not use to boat transport and this needs to be considered when determining speed verses conditions.

• The Master has a duty of care to maintain a proper lookout at all times.

• Masters must use all navigational aids available to them especially during periods of reduced visibility.

• Masters must not to perform drills other than alongside the jetty during periods of restricted visibility.

• COLREGS must be adhered to at all times

• Standard for Marine Construction in Gladstone Harbour must be adhered to at all times

2.0   PROCEDURE

1. Check weather reports prior to departing marina for the first run of the day.

2. Confirm tidal information.

3. Hold a tool box talk with crew to advise them on local conditions to be expected for the duration of the shift.

4. Obtain local shipping movements and current Notice to Mariners.

5. Carry out pre-start checks and complete logbook entry.

6. Where wind has exceeded 20 knots and there is an opposing tide then there is a likelihood that waves will stand up in the channels and create a short steep chop.

7. As the 24 meter vessels have a shorter waterline length and are traveling at speeds in excess of 15 knots the likelihood of the vessel nose diving into a trough increases.

8. Masters and deckhands need to maintain a good lookout when coming into an area of disturbance. The speed may need to be reduced prior to entering this area.

9. Speed needs to be set to reduce the vessel nose diving into the troughs, taking water over the bow and reducing passenger comfort and safety.

10. When overtaking another vessel, especially a high speed vessel, Masters need to be aware of the other vessels wake and the likelihood of surfing down the wake and nose diving in the troughs. Speed needs to be reduced and Masters need to keep in-touch with the throttles at all times during this procedure.

11. Whilst overtaking another vessel in confined waters it would be prudent to establish radio contact on Channel 15 with the vessel being overtaken.

12. During times of unsettled conditions, the Master will advise the passengers over the PA system that conditions may be rough and that they must remain in their seats.

13. It is better to be a few minutes late than give the passengers an uncomfortable ride or cause injuries.

14. Where visibility has been reduced by fog, smoke, rain or at night then it is prudent to adjust vessel speed to suit the conditions and visibility. The Master must also abide by the COLREGS for the safe operation of a vessel in reduced visibility.

15. Masters must ensure that they fully utilise their crew as lookouts especially during inclement weather and reduced visibility. The crew must be advised of actions to be taken when operating in reduced visibility.

16. Do not use an autopilot whilst operating in confined waters and reduced visibility.

17. All navigation instrumentation must be utilised during inclement weather or times of reduced visibility to ensure safe passage of the vessel.

18. When tying up a vessel crew must ensure that they keep in contact with the Master to ensure that the Master knows if problems arise.

19. Crew must keep fingers away from possible situations where fingers may be pinched whilst tying up especially during periods of excessive vessel movement.

20. Crew must advise Master if they are having difficulties picking up or placing a line.