INFLUENCE OF HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON SHIP SEAWORTHINESS: SAFETY CRITERIA AND DECISION-MAKING ALGORITHM

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the influence of hydrometeorological conditions on ship seaworthiness from the perspective of ensuring navigation safety. The relevance of the research is determined by the fact that, according to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), adverse weather conditions are a contributing factor to a significant proportion of marine casualties and incidents, while the human element is associated with over 80 % of investigated cases. The main hydrometeorological factors affecting ship seaworthiness are systematised: wind, wind waves, swell, sea currents, restricted visibility and icing. For each factor, the mechanism of influence on seaworthiness parameters is identified – stability, rolling, deck wetness, slamming and speed loss. Five stability failure modes defined by the IMO Interim Guidelines on the Second Generation Intact Stability Criteria (MSC.1/Circ.1627) are analysed: pure loss of stability, parametric rolling, surf-riding/broaching, excessive acceleration and dead ship condition. A systematisation of safety criteria from IMO documents (MSC.1/Circ.1228, IS Code 2008, MSC.1/Circ.1627) is performed, and a decision-making algorithm for the officer of the watch under deteriorating hydrometeorological conditions is developed within the context of Bridge Resource Management (BRM). A formalised navigational risk assessment matrix is proposed, integrating the meteorological hazard index and the ship vulnerability index with four risk levels and specific recommended actions for each level. The specific hydrometeorological conditions of the Black Sea basin are separately considered, including shortperiod waves with steep fronts, the bora phenomenon and seasonal storm patterns. The results of the study can be used to improve seafarer training programmes and to develop decision support systems for the navigational bridge.