Take 10: Issue 21
By taking in these ten top tips about observing and coping with weather at sea, we predict that your outlook will be fair
1 Keep a weather eye
Always be aware of the current weather, any changes and the best forecast. Lives may depend on it.
2 By all available means
Use all your senses to monitor the weather – sight, touch, smell – as well as the barometer, coastal and port reports and weather prediction services.
3 It’s behind you!
Always watch what’s happening behind and all around you. If you are running before the wind and seas all might seem well, but if you need to change the direction of the ship, things could look very different. You must be prepared at all times.
4 Safety and efficiency
Being aware of the weather and acting accordingly is important for both safety and efficiency
5 Beware of change
If you sense a change in the weather, alert others. If you are in port, your moorings may be at risk, while at sea, extra securing may be needed.
6 Predictive planning
Every port stay or passage plan should include an element of weather prediction. Always have contingency plans for known and unknown weather patterns.
7 Keep records
It is important to keep weather recordings both to identify change and patterns and to ensure commercial accountability.
8 New tools, traditional observations
Modern technology provides unprecedented opportunities for predicting weather – but always test these predictions against your observations.
9 Share and share alike
Predicting the weather can be subjective, so share your observations and predictions with your fellow navigators. Learn from each other and take up the opportunity to mentor.
10 Take pride
Take pride in your ability to read the environment and predict the weather. It is a proud tradition of mariners and can save the day or even someone’s life.
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