Sailing in rough weather with strong winds and high waves – lessons learned
Over the past six months, we have experienced challenging working conditions on board various vessels due to strong winds and rough seas. We therefore want to remind everyone of the importance of preparing the vessel for sea and securing loose equipment in bad weather.
This applies especially to offshore vessels, but also to fishing vessels, cargo ships, workboats and ferries.
More injuries in bad weather
Despite "heavy weather", shipping companies often want vessel operations to continue as normally as possible. This sometimes leads to vessels (often offshore vessels) having to sail in and out of port on courses that are unfavourable in relation to wind and current direction.
Due to challenging weather conditions, some vessels have experienced crew injuries from falls and hard impacts. Some incidents have resulted in serious injuries due to unusually strong vessel movements and rolling.
65 injuries due to bad weather since 2020
From 2020 until early March this year, the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has registered 65 personal injuries caused by challenging weather conditions.
The NMA therefore urges shipping companies and all those working on board to be aware of the risk of injury when sailing in strong winds and high seas. Consider whether it might be better to stop and reverse course, or take a longer route to or from shore.
These decisions must be fully supported and respected, and are in the interest of safety on board.
Proper footwear on deck
We also remind everyone to wear appropriate footwear both on deck and inside the accommodation, in accordance with the PPE matrix or equivalent guidelines on your vessel. Slippers or Crocs are not permitted in the accommodation on certain vessels. Indoor footwear must at a minimum have a heel strap to ensure a secure fit.
We also recommend conducting a "Time Out for Safety" with the crew to raise awareness and reinforce footwear requirements for both work and leisure.
Always check the weather forecast
It is also acceptable to speak up if maintenance work or routine tasks such as cooking in the galley need to be postponed due to bad weather. Extra caution is required during rough weather and heavy seas.
The NMA has recorded incidents involving falls, impact injuries, puncture/cut injuries and contact with high or low temperatures in the galley during dangerous weather conditions.
Shipowners/operators must continue to highlight the risks of sending vessels out in challenging weather. The NMA always encourages checking the weather forecast and being alert to changes. If deemed necessary for the safety of the crew, vessel and cargo, a thorough risk assessement should be conducted before sailing.
Prepare the vessel for the sea
There must be increased forcus on preparing the vessel for sea and securing loose equipment on deck in bad weather. Furniture and interior fittings inside the vessel must also be secured to prevent injuries from shifting objects during rolling, and to ensure escape routes remain clear.
Last year's focus area was preventing fall accidents – fell free to review the summary page here.