Typhoon Survival Guide for Ships: Seafarers, Save This Now!

As typhoon season approaches, we face an increased risk of maritime emergencies such as dragging anchor, grounding, collisions, and cargo damage, all of which pose direct threats to vessels and crew safety.

To help shipping companies and seafarers navigate these storms safely and by the book, Deyuan Marine has put together this comprehensive, step-by-step typhoon preparedness guide. It’s practical, easy to follow, and highly recommended—please share and save it!

Part 1: Before the Typhoon Arrives – Prep Early, Leave No Risks

1. Monitor Warnings & Navigate Smartly

Maintain strict 24-hour watchkeeping. Assign dedicated personnel to track the typhoon’s path, wind force, and movement in real time for early risk assessment. Based on your vessel type and cargo, adjust your voyage and operational plans promptly. Never risk sailing into the typhoon’s impact zone.

2. Remember the Safety Red Lines

- Within 48 hours of entering the Typhoon Force 10 wind circle: Sea trial vessels and tug-and-tow combinations must immediately head to safe waters.

- Within 48 hours of entering the Typhoon Force 12 wind circle: Cruise ships, vessels under construction/repair, construction vessels, unpowered vessels, and ships carrying bulk liquid dangerous goods or oil must head to safe waters.

- Passenger/Ferry Vessels: Must strictly suspend operations according to severe weather restrictions and head to safe waters.

3. Comprehensive Inspection – Keep Equipment in Top Shape

- Fully inspect critical equipment like the main engine, steering gear, and windlass to ensure emergency operations are normal.

- Check anchor chains and mooring lines, stock up on fenders, and promptly replace worn-out rigging.

- Close and secure watertight doors, hatches, and ventilators; clear drainage pipelines.

- Ensure life-saving, firefighting, and leak-stopping equipment is fully stocked, and that communication and navigation signals are clear.

4. Secure the Vessel & Stock Up on Supplies

- Properly lash and secure all cargo, paying special attention to sealing and protection.

- Adjust ballast water reasonably to reduce windage area, and secure any loose items on deck.

- Stock up on fuel, fresh water, food, and first-aid supplies in advance, and prepare for marine pollution prevention.

5. Assign Responsibilities & Drill for Emergencies

The Master is the primary person responsible for typhoon preparedness. Quickly organize emergency drills so the crew is fully familiar with procedures for dragging anchor, leak-stopping, and personnel evacuation.

Crucial: Always wear proper life-saving gear during deck operations, and memorize the maritime distress hotline!

Part 2: During the Typhoon – Stay Calm & Follow Procedures

1. For Vessels Underway

- Immediately steer clear of the typhoon’s impact zone. Prioritize altering course or heaving to, maintaining a safe distance from the typhoon center. Never sail into the center or the dangerous right semicircle.

- Avoid entering the Force 8 (or above) wind circle whenever possible.

- Continuously fix your position, monitor leeway and rolling periods, and flexibly adjust heading and speed to avoid excessive rolling or synchronous rolling (resonance), reducing wave impact on the hull.

- Avoid large rudder angles to prevent excessive heeling.

2. For Anchored Vessels

-Choose a spacious anchorage that offers shelter from multi-directional winds and waves, with easy entry and exit. Stay clear of docks, fairways, bridges, offshore wind farms, submarine cables, and hazardous obstacles. Opt for areas with minimal backwash and low current.

-Once anchored, tighten the windlass brake and reinforce anchor chain securing to prevent dragging.

3. For Moored Vessels

-Avoid berthing at a pier to ride out a typhoon if possible. If mooring is necessary, add extra lines on the windward side, use chafing gear at friction points, adjust lines and fenders with the tides, ballast appropriately if light, and keep the main engine on standby.

-Personnel Safety First: Minimize unnecessary deck work and strictly follow maritime traffic control. Never set sail just because the wind and waves temporarily ease.

-In case of hull flooding, fire, or cargo leakage, prioritize crew safety. Evacuate personnel from small or unpowered vessels promptly.

Part 3: After the Typhoon Passes – Resume Sailing with Caution & Clear Risks

1.After the typhoon, conduct a full inspection of the hull, equipment, and cargo lashings. Fix any hazards and confirm the vessel is seaworthy before proceeding. Watch out for displaced navigational marks, floating debris in the fairway, and changes in water depth; navigate slowly and cautiously.

2.Report your vessel's movements to the maritime authorities promptly, follow their instructions for orderly resumption of operations, and never enter restricted waters without authorization.

3.Finally, conduct a thorough post-event review to optimize your typhoon response plan and improve emergency handling capabilities.

A Gentle Reminder:

When it comes to typhoon preparedness, it’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard! Always put safety first, focus on prevention, combine prevention with active resistance, and never let complacency or wishful thinking take over. Implement every measure meticulously.

In case of maritime distress, dial the maritime rescue hotline immediately! Deyuan Marine are with you every step of the way. Wishing you safe sailing!