Storm Survival


Like heavy weather in general, the definition of a ‘survival’ storm is decided by the ability of the boat and crew involved. Although notable exceptions arise from time to time, modern weather forecasting has reached such a high level of availability and reliability that true survival storms are rarely encountered by small craft on voyages of less than 48 hours duration. Indeed, it could be said that barring serious misfortune any prudent skipper using forecasts properly could cruise the coasts for a lifetime without meeting one. It is only when engaged in medium or long voyages far from potential refuge that a boat may find herself in the path of weather from which there is no escape.


In mid-ocean, or even a hundred or two miles from land, outside assistance may be beyond realistic call- out. The boat must therefore be assumed to be thrown entirely on her own devices with rescue only a remote contingency. It has been shown unambiguously that crews abandoning damaged vessels whose watertight integrity has not been breached are in greater danger than those who opt to sit tight and tough it through. At such times, searoom is unlikely to be an issue, so all the tactical


options to protect her and her crew will be available. Anyone undertaking voyages where survival tactics may be required should be fully cognisant with the choices. Because these may well be specific to the type of boat and her crew’s stamina and technical ability, it is not enough to be vaguely aware that ‘so-and-so did this or that’. Any relevant equipment must be aboard. It should be conveniently stowed, and will have already been tried and tested. The crew of a sailing boat carrying a para anchor must know to work it when the only safe way of approaching the foredeck is to crawl. If an engine is involved in a survival strategy, the worst must be assumed because it is when the boat is standing on her ends that it will stop. Sludge in fuel tanks, for example, can lie around for years, but you can be sure that it will arise and clog the filters when the waves are steep and life is threatened. Spares for these and the ability of someone on board to instal them quickly are therefore of critical importance. Whatever the boat, power or sail, if she is to go offshore any part of her that may fail in extreme circumstances must be checked and addressed prior to going to sea.


100 | MANUAL OF SEAMANSHIP


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