Storms at sea can be dangerous for navigation due to strong winds, heavy rainfall, lightning, and large waves they can cause, endangering the safety of ships and their crews.
Storms often generate intense electric and magnetic fields capable of disrupting the boat's electronic devices. The GPS, radar screens, or radio communications can start to malfunction or even fail completely. Even if temporary, this sudden breakdown can quickly turn into a nightmare when sailing far from the coast, especially if the captain loses orientation or is deprived of crucial weather information. And since electronics now play a central role on modern vessels, suddenly being without these navigation instruments is not exactly reassuring.
In case of a storm at sea, the waves quickly pick up and become very chaotic. Without warning, they can shift from a relatively calm sea to steep, crossed, or even pyramid-like waves, making every maneuver complicated and even downright risky. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as a choppy sea or cross sea where the waves come from different directions. The result is an increased difficulty in maintaining course or controlling speed. These sudden and abrupt waves, sometimes called rogue waves, pose a real danger: they can reach impressive heights and strike without warning, causing material damage and even jeopardizing the safety of the boat and its crew.
At sea, winds can quickly become violent, changing direction or intensity without warning, especially during a storm. Sudden gusts, sometimes called squalls, can catch even experienced sailors off guard. With these sudden winds, it's difficult to control the boat's trajectory, which can drift severely or risk capsizing abruptly. The instability of the winds makes maneuvering perilous, particularly for small vessels or those using sails, exposing them to risks of accidents or significant material damage.
Lightning poses a direct and serious threat to ships. A lightning strike hitting the mast can generate enormous electrical tension, completely frying onboard electronic equipment such as GPS, radios, or radar. It is also a significant risk to crew safety, with the possibility of severe injuries from electrocution or burns. Even without a direct strike, lightning can create surges that may damage instrumentation or trigger fires on board. Finally, the violent shock produced by lightning can weaken certain structural parts of the ship and cause serious damage to modern composite materials.
At sea, a storm can quickly create a true wall of rain or thick fog, sometimes causing a dense fog that greatly complicates navigation. The boat finds itself moving almost blindly, making it difficult for sailors to clearly distinguish other boats, the shores, or certain dangerous obstacles like reefs or shoals. This loss of visibility can lead to errors in assessing distances and significantly increase the risk of collision. Even lighted markers, such as lighthouses or buoys, become difficult if not impossible to spot through heavy precipitation and fog, forcing navigators to rely more on their electronic instruments—though these can also be disrupted by the storm.
Salt water being much more conductive than fresh water, lightning at sea poses an increased risk to vessels and their onboard electronic equipment.
A single storm can release as much energy as a medium-sized atomic bomb, thus explaining the violence and speed with which weather conditions at sea can deteriorate.
Modern ships sometimes have lightning protection systems called 'marine lightning rods,' specifically designed to withstand the saline environment at sea.
The air temperature can reach up to 30,000°C at the core of a lightning bolt, which is about five times hotter than the surface of the Sun!
In the event of severely reduced visibility due to a storm, the first measure is to reduce speed in order to maintain control and avoid collisions. Use appropriate navigation lights, activate your radar if available, and listen to the marine radio for any urgent messages. A regular sound signal can also be used to indicate your presence to nearby vessels.
To navigate safely in an area with frequent thunderstorms, it is recommended to equip yourself with a good lightning detection system, electronic devices protected by surge protection devices, a reliable marine VHF radio, backup communication equipment, as well as weather-resistant clothing.
Yes, it is recommended to systematically consult marine weather forecasts before any outing at sea. Today, there are various digital tools and mobile applications for weather tracking, allowing real-time access to alerts for storms or other dangerous weather phenomena.
Yes, small vessels are generally more vulnerable to storms as they are less stable, more affected by strong winds and significant waves. They also typically have more limited protection against lightning and are often less well-prepared for emergency situations. Therefore, heightened vigilance and reinforced precautions are necessary for this type of vessel.
If you find yourself caught in a storm, immediately reduce your speed, lower the sails if you are on a sailboat, secure all items on board, and stay away from masts and metal objects. If possible, turn off sensitive electronic systems and remain alert to sudden changes in weather conditions.
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