Release to Third Parties by Special Authorisation of Management only
Heavy Weather Navigation
1.	Purpose
	This Documented Procedure is designed to ensure that heavy weather navigation is carried out under controlled conditions by ships operated / managed by Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG , so that ship's safety and the maritime environment are not adversely affected.
	This Documented Procedure prescribes practice-oriented standards which assist Shipboard Management to cope with the more difficult requirements arising in heavy weather conditions in an organised, targeted, controlled and safe manner.
2.	Application
	This Documented Procedure is valid for all ships managed / operated by Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG.
3.	Definitions and Abbreviations (as per VA-001)
	The term heavy weather means weather situations which include Strong winds with the formation of heavy seas and swell. and / or Reduced visibility on account of heavy rain or fog and / or Drift Ice and / or Black Frost
4.	Responsibilities
	The Master and, where applicable, the officers on duty, with the assistance of other personnel, e.g. the lookout, etc., are responsible for navigation.
5.	Descriptions of Routines
5.1	General
	The bridge is manned in accordance with regulations. The Engine Control Room is manned by the engineer on duty, if necessary. The engine plant is clear for manoeuvres, where applicable with notice. Insofar as this is necessary, additional lookouts and helmsmen are to be posted. Visitors to the bridge are only permitted with the express permission of the Master. Current Admiralty charts of the area to be navigated are to be on hand. Other necessary publications (e.g. Tide Tables, Pilot Books, route plan, index of estuary channels, etc.) are to be on hand. The equipment necessary for safe navigation is to be switched on and constantly monitored and evaluated. The autopilot is to be constantly monitored, and, where necessary, the hand rudder is to be manned. The speed of the ship is to be adjusted to suit local conditions. Other maritime traffic is to be kept under constant and careful observation; evasion manoeuvres are to be conducted unequivocally and in good time. The ship's current position is to be constantly checked and any necessary corrections of course are to be made. Prescribed traffic routes and shipping routes / channels are to be adhered to. VHF is permanently on channel 16 and, where necessary, on further restricted area channels standby. Situation reports are to be listened to. Instructions from area traffic centres are to be followed. Mandatory reports are to be delivered to any Reporting Points which may exist in restricted areas. All information regarding weather developments is to be evaluated and included in further voyage planning.
5.2	Additional measures to be adopted in strong winds with heavy seas and swell.
	The watertight condition of the ship is to be complete and, where possible, regularly checked. All loose components, equipment, cargo etc. are to be lashed and, where possible, regularly controlled. Course and speed are, where appropriate, to be adjusted to suit the weather conditions in order to reduce the strain put upon passengers, crew, cargo and the ship itself. Activities are to be coordinated with pilots and pilot transfer services (change of position of transfer services on account of the weather situation). The adjustment of the autopilot is to be suited to the weather conditions.
5.3	Additional measures to be adopted in reduced visibility on account of rain or fog
	The watertight condition of the ship is to be complete and, where possible, regularly checked. Any radar channels which may be available are to be monitored; chief radar stations are to be contacted and participation in radar advice is to take place.

5.4	Additional measures to be adopted in the presence of drift ice
	Refer to VA-023.1 Navigating in Ice
5.5	Additional measures to be adopted in the presence of Black Frost
	The shipping of green water is to be avoided by adjustment of speed and the steering of a suitable course. The stability of the ship is to be constantly monitored. If necessary and where possible, de-icing operations are to be carried out by the crew. Refer also to VA-023.1 Navigating in Ice
5.6	Principle
	The Master's top priority in making decisions is always to be the safety of passengers, crew, ship and cargo, and the protection of the maritime environment. Decisions are to be weighed up, and action is to be taken correctly and decisively on this basis. If, on account of the weather conditions, the ship's safety cannot be guaranteed, the voyage is not to be commenced / continued.
6.	References and Remarks
6.1	Reference Documents
	Admiralty Charts Tide Tables Pilot Books Collision Regulations (COLREG) German Collision Regulations
6.2	Bibliography
	none
6.3	Remarks
	Instructions and Manuals for special types of ships will be observed.
7.	Documentation
	Bell Book Deck Log Book Engine Scrap Log Engine Log Book
8.	Revision of Documents
	Party responsible for the editorial revision of this procedure:
	Designated Person

9.	Distribution
	All Safety Management Manuals
	Additional Copies: none
10.	Attachments
	none

Procedure

Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG Wilhelm-Schröder-Str. 3 D-21726 Oldendorf

VA-023

Revision 1

21.10.2003

Page 3 of 3

Procedure

Reederei Heinz Corleis Kampweg 4a D-21706 Drochtersen

prepared: 20.09.02	approved: 20.09.02	released: 20.09.02	Revision 1
			Procedure No.: VA-023
M. Blohm	H.Corleis	M. Blohm	Page 1 of 3

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