A very significant proportion of losses and accidents at sea is attributed to adverse
weather. This training package consists of two videos and a booklet or a CD-ROM.
The package is aimed at all watch keeping officers and is designed, firstly, to
remind them how weather systems are generated, and secondly, to offer sound
practical advice on what to do to prepare for and cope with bad weather.
The first video deals with how areas of high and low pressure are formed, and how
differences in pressure lead to the prevailing winds. The concept of air masses is
introduced, with the boundaries between them identified as the areas where much
adverse weather originates. The formation of a frontal depression is examined in
detail, as are other kinds of depression, including tropical revolving storms.
The package examines how waves are formed, and the dangers they present. The
occurrence of freak waves is described. In conclusion other weather hazards such
as fog and ice are also considered. The advantages of using a weather routing
service are outlined.
The second video details the onboard weather observations that a watch keeping
officer is expected to make, illustrating the instruments that are used, and stressing
the importance of comparing observations with information received in weather
forecasts. Preventative measures are outlined for when heavy weather is
anticipated, and a detailed section deals with the action required when faced with the
threat of a tropical revolving storm.
Code No 738
Time: 47 Mins