On December 16th, the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China released a proactive safety document titled “Guidelines for Ship Cold Wave and Strong Wind Prevention (Trial Implementation).” This document underscores that cold waves and strong winds represent some of the most significant environmental hazards encountered by ships, crew, cargo, and port operations, highlighting the importance of preventive measures and protective preparations to ensure navigational safety and safeguard marine life.
Pre-Sailing: “Three Checks and Three Preparations” to Enhance Defenses
1. Monitor Weather Changes: Remain vigilant regarding weather warnings and navigation alerts ahead of time, and steer clear of severe weather conditions such as strong winds and thick fog.
2. Assess Equipment Performance: Prioritize the inspection of the main engine, steering gear, anchor winch, navigation instruments (GPS, radar, AIS), as well as lifesaving and fire-fighting equipment to confirm their proper functioning in low-temperature conditions.
3. Evaluate Crew Condition: Verify whether the crew possesses winter navigation experience, prohibit fatigued operation or illegal activities, and conduct safety training and emergency drills.
4. Assemble Cold Weather Supplies: Ensure an adequate supply of cold-weather clothing, non-slip mats, de-icing tools, and stockpile emergency food and fuel to avoid being stranded due to freezing conditions.
5. Organize Emergency Equipment: Assess the functionality of life jackets, life rafts, and fire-fighting gear, and ensure a sufficient stock of emergency food, fresh water, and medical first-aid supplies. Confirm that communication devices (VHF, AIS) maintain uninterrupted signals.
6. Arrange Fuel and Power: Maintain an adequate fuel reserve based on the voyage requirements, regularly remove water from the bottom of the fuel tanks to prevent freezing, and switch the main engine cooling water system to antifreeze circulation.
During navigation: “Three Stabilities and Three Controls” for safety
1. Ensure a consistent speed: In situations involving large waves or sudden reductions in visibility, it is imperative to manage speed carefully, refrain from making frequent course adjustments, and anchor if deemed necessary.
2. Ensure a consistent position: Activate radar and AIS, designate a specific lookout, and continuously track the vessel’s position in real time utilizing electronic charts, GPS, and other tools.
3. Ensure consistent operation: Refrain from making sharp turns or significant course alterations; keep the depth sounder operational at all times when navigating through shallow waters, and promptly reduce speed or halt if any irregularities are observed.
4. Manage vessel spacing: Maintain a safe distance from other vessels; in confined waterways such as areas near bridges and narrow channels, proactively communicate with nearby vessels using VHF or other communication methods to convey your intentions to pass.
5. Deck Management: Work on iced decks without protection is strictly forbidden. Crew members are required to wear non-slip footwear and life jackets. Cargo hatch covers must be secured to prevent them from being dislodged by strong winds during loading and unloading operations.
6. Emergency Response Management: In the case of main engine failure or grounding, the emergency protocol must be initiated immediately, and the vessel’s position, nature of the failure, and the safety status of personnel must be reported without delay.
Post time: Dec-23-2025