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OOW-3.2.2

Preparations for heavy weather

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Preparations for Heavy Weather

The Core Distinction: Anticipation vs Reaction

Examiners test whether you prepare proactively — before conditions deteriorate — or merely react once heavy weather arrives. A competent OOW demonstrates a systematic, anticipatory approach. Everything below must be initiated early.

Structural vs Operational Preparations

Candidates often blur these two categories. Keep them distinct.

Structural / securing the vessel

  • All weathertight openings closed and secured: hatches, skylights, portlights, watertight doors
  • Freeing ports and scuppers clear — confirm they are not blocked or lashed shut (blocked freeing ports are a common examiner trap)
  • Anchors secured for sea: shackle pins moused, securing lashings applied, windlass brake set and lashed
  • All deck equipment, tenders, water toys, and loose gear stowed, lashed or struck below
  • Gangway, bathing platform and passerelle secured or recovered
  • Stabiliser fins retracted (if applicable to vessel type)

Operational / navigation and watchkeeping

  • Notify the master — this is a non-negotiable first step
  • Assess the route: consider altering course or speed to reduce motion, or seeking shelter
  • Update the passage plan to reflect altered conditions
  • Plot developing weather carefully; cross-check barometric trend with forecast
  • Engage manual steering early — before conditions demand it
  • Increase watchkeeping frequency; consider additional lookouts
  • Verify radar is operational; adjust range and gain appropriately
  • Confirm navigation lights and signal equipment functioning

Crew and guest safety

  • Brief crew on forthcoming conditions; assign duties
  • Advise guests: remain below or in designated safe areas, wear lifejackets if appropriate
  • Confirm lifesaving appliances are ready: liferaft hydrostatic releases free, EPIRBs armed and secured, lifebuoys ready for immediate deployment
  • Check first aid readiness — sea-sickness and injury risk increases markedly

Machinery and systems

  • Bilges checked and pumped; automatic bilge alarm confirmed operational
  • Engineer informed; machinery status confirmed
  • Fuel sufficient for extended passage or deviation
  • Batteries and UPS systems checked if applicable

The Examiner's Favourite Distinction: Weathertight vs Watertight

  • Watertight: designed to prevent water entry under a head of water (e.g. watertight doors below freeboard deck)
  • Weathertight: designed to prevent water entry in any sea condition but not under a static head (e.g. weatherdeck hatches)

Know which openings on your vessel are which, and which must be secured first as conditions build.

Practice questions

recallcore

What is the first action you must take when heavy weather is forecast during your watch?

recallcore

What is the difference between a weathertight and a watertight opening, and why does it matter when preparing for heavy weather?

scenariocore

You are on watch aboard a superyacht in open ocean. The barometer has fallen steadily over the last three hours and the forecast shows Force 8 conditions within six hours. The master is off watch and guests are using the aft deck. What actions do you take, and in what order?

oralcore

Walk me through the preparations you would make on deck and aloft before entering heavy weather.

scenariostretch

After securing for heavy weather, the vessel begins taking heavy rolls and a crew member reports water in the lazarette. What does this tell you, and what do you do?

Independent preparatory study aligned to the MCA OOW (Yachts <3000 GT) oral examination syllabus. Not an MCA-approved course and confers no credit toward a Certificate of Competency.