Action protocol in the face of an unforeseen storm at sea

The weather is changing. In Catalonia, for example, the weather is increasingly tropical and this favors the appearance of new weather phenomena such as dry bursts or medicans, which make navigation maneuvers difficult and can put both our safety and that of the rest of the crew if we do not take the relevant measures.

To enjoy the sea and navigation without risk it is essential to follow a series of preventive protocols. On the other hand, we will also delve deeper into the essential actions to take in the event that a storm surprises us on the high seas.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING TRIPS TO THE SEA

Planning is an indispensable step that must be taken into account before sailing. Good skippers do not think of sailing as an activity that can be improvised without any preparation, as this could put personal safety and that of the rest of the crew at risk.

Going out sailing without planning can lead to distressing situations: having to weather a storm for hours to reach a shelter can become a real odyssey without good preparation. Thus, a person in need of medical assistance can have a fatal outcome if he does not act quickly.

The navigation plan

The navigation plan is the set of instructions that describe the route that a vessel will follow to reach its destination. It includes essential information such as points of interest, landmarks and potential hazards, as well as instructions to avoid or solve any problems that may arise during navigation.

THE 5 KEY ACTIONS TO SURVIVE SUCCESSFULLY FROM AN UNEXPECTED STORM AT SEA

Through a series of videos produced by Escola Port, with the collaboration of the Olympic Port, Salvament Marítim and Maritime Captaincy, you will learn how to act if a storm surprises us while sailing.

1. LOWER THE SAILS

2. BEAT THE STORM

3. COMMUNICATE THE SITUATION

4. HOW TO ACT WITH THE ASSISTANCE TEAM

5. ARRIVAL AT THE PORT

In the event of an unforeseen storm, you will not enter the port until you are sure that it can be done safely.

First of all, communication will be initiated with the port staff to indicate the current situation, intentions and if it is necessary to have any type of special assistance.

From the port, it will be confirmed whether the conditions are suitable for entry and the instructions necessary to execute the approach maneuver and entry to the facilities will be transferred. It is likely that it will be indicated to wait momentarily in the vicinity, to moor at the waiting dock or to do it at a different mooring than usual, depending on the case and each particular situation.

Once inside the port:

  • The vessel will be separated from the dock to prevent the deep sea from hitting the vessel.

  • The moorings will be strengthened by adding heads, and the heads of the dead will be tightened.

  • All elements of the rigging and the sail will be clipped to prevent the force of the wind from loosening any sail and causing damage.

  • All hatches and porticoes will be secured to keep water out and some head will be left under the bathtub bulkheads for port staff to use in the event of a mooring breaking.