You are steaming in a heavy gale and find it necessary to heave to. Under most circumstances, how is this best accomplished?
• Heaving to in heavy weather – what the ship is trying to accomplish (reducing motion and strain) • Effect of heading relative to the seas (head seas, bow seas, beam seas, quartering seas) on safety and comfort • How engine power and speed help maintain control and reduce risk of broaching or pounding
• Ask yourself: In a heavy gale, which relative heading to the seas usually gives the safest and most controlled motion for the ship? • Which option keeps some steerageway and control, instead of letting the vessel become passive in the sea? • Which choice would likely reduce rolling and risk of capsizing, rather than increase it?
• Eliminate any option that leaves the vessel broadside (beam) to the seas in a heavy gale • Be cautious of any choice that suggests high speed in very rough conditions • Look for the option that balances minimal but positive speed with a favorable angle to the seas to keep control and reduce strain on the hull and rudder
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