Published by Shilavadra Bhattacharjee in Marine Navigation On August 18, 2019

What Actions Ship Must Take

For Tropical Revolving Storm
(TRS)?
All seafarers are well familiar with the term ‘TRS’ or Tropical Revolving Storm
– an intense rotating depression (a region of low pressure at the surface) which
develops over the tropical oceans. It consists of a rotating mass of warm and
humid air and creates thunderstorms with strong winds, flooding rain, high
waves, damaging storm surge etc. Convectional forces are involved, normally
stretching from the surface of such a depression up to the tropopause.

Some of the important characteristics of a Tropical Revolving Storm (TRS) that

are:

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TRS Warning Signs

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 TRS Storm Bicycle

Pictures of Sailing Ships in Storms

They appear smaller size than temperate depressions

They form near the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone, a zone of
instability
They have nearly circular isobars
No fronts occur (a front is the boundary between two air masses, often
distorted by warmer air bulging into the colder air)
They result in a very steep pressure gradient
They have great intensity

Image Credits : Kyle Marks

Know more about the photograph here.

However, as far as this article of information is concerned, let us look at the

precursory signs of a TRS, so that a better appraisal of the actions to be taken
can be formulated.

1. Warning and alerting messages

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The Radio/Telex/NAVTEX and all other means at hand should be set on the right
frequencies and monitored closely, for they broadcast comprehensive warnings
with respect to known storms. Refer to the respective ALRS Volumes for more
data and frequencies of radio stations in the vicinity. The Telex, although barely
used, is also a very important tool that is high on accuracy.

All storms may not be detected by the coast meteorological stations, in which
all shipboard equipment and observation is key in averting disaster.

2. Swell

When there is no sight of intervening land, the sea might generate swell within
a TRS, indicating an early warning of the formation of the same. Normally, the
swell approaches from the direction of the storm.

3. Atmospheric pressure
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Monitor the barometer closely in case you are suspicious of a brewing storm. If
the corrected barometer reading falls below 3 mb or more for the mean
reading for that time of the year (check the Sailing Directions for accurate
information of pressure readings), you can expect a (Tropical Revolving Storm)
TRS. Note that the barometer used must be corrected for latitude, height,
temperature etc. to achieve maximum possible accuracy and efficiency.

4. Wind

Wind direction and speed is generally fairly constant in the tropics.

Variation from the normal direction for the area and season, and increasing
wind speed, are indications of the approach of a Tropical Revolving Storm, i.e.,
an appreciable change in the direction or strength of the wind indicates a
Tropical Revolving Storm (TRS) in vicinity.

5. Clouds

A very candid and colorful sky at sunrise and sunset may be a sign of a brewing
TRS. Presence of cirrus clouds is visible at a considerable distance of 300 to 600
miles from the TRS and as you approach the TRS, the clouds get lower and
cover a bigger area (altostratus). Generally followed by cumulus clouds as you
get closer to the Tropical Revolving Storm (TRS).

6. Visibility
Although it might sound like an oxymoron, exceptionally good visibility exists
when a TRS is lurking in proximity!

Read: 10 Important points ship officers should consider during restricted

visibility 

7. Radar

The radar gives a fair warning of a Tropical Revolving Storm (TRS) about 100
miles prior to approaching the TRS. The eye may sometimes be seen on the
screen. An area of rain surrounds the eye (the eye of the storm is the storm
center) causing appreciable clutter on the radar screen. Remember that though
the signs might be visible on the radar, by the time it does become visible on
the radar, the vessel is probably already experiencing high seas and gale force
winds and rough weather overall. Action is to be taken before such a situation
arises.

Course of actions to be taken in case of a storm

Although it is unlikely to sail into a storm with all navigational aids and
communication systems in place (shore based as well as ship based), shore
personnel generally chalk out an alternate passage plan to avoid such a storm
in good time (in liaison with the company and assigned route). However, in the
event that the TRS is staring right in the face, it is probably entirely up to the
mercy of the sea or maybe, it is not intense enough, and can be handled by the
captain’s experience and knowledge. To avoid it altogether , the Officer should
gather as much knowledge about the storm as practically possible. This may
include the following:

The bearing of the eye (storm center)

The path that the storm is following
When an observer faces the wind, the eye will be 100° to 125° on his
right hand side (in the Northern hemisphere) when the storm is about 200
 miles away
It is assumed generally that the storm is not moving towards the
equator and if in a latitude lower than 20 deg., it is likely to have an
Eastern constituent
A storm moving in an unusual or haphazard path is likely to move
slowly

Avoiding actions may be as follows:

1. Keep at least 50 miles off from the center of the storm. If possible, it is
best to be at least 200 miles off to avoid any possibility of danger altogether
2. Make good speed. A vessel speeding in the vicinity of 20 knots, following
a course taking her away from the eye, can easily outstrip an approaching
Tropical Revolving Storm (TRS). TRS move rather slow. This ought to be
done before the wind increases to the point that her movement becomes
restricted and speeding or any maneuver becomes cumbersome.
3. As mentioned earlier, a swift fall in pressure indicates a brewing TRS. A
vessel should continue on her course unless the barometer reading falls
down by 5 mb or, by 3 mb in addition to high force wind.
4. If the vessel is trailing the storm (behind the storm), i.e., in the navigable
semicircle, there should be sufficient time and sea room to move away
from the eye

Northern Hemisphere

In case that the wind is veering, the vessel is likely to be in the

dangerous semicircle.  The vessel should proceed with maximum speed
keeping the wind at 10° to 45°, on the starboard bow (depending on the
speed). The vessel should turn to starboard as the wind veers.
In case that the wind direction is steady or backs, such that the vessel is
in the navigable semicircle, the wind must be brought well on the
starboard quarter and vessel should proceed with maximum speed. Turn
to port as the wind veers.

Southern Hemisphere
 In case the wind is backing, the vessel is likely to be in the dangerous
semicircle.  The vessel should proceed with maximum speed keeping the
wind 10° to 45°, on the port bow (depending on the speed).  The ship
should turn to port as the wind backs.
In case the wind direction is steady or backs, such that the vessel is in
the navigable semicircle, the wind should be brought well on the port
quarter and the vessel should proceed with maximum speed.  Turn to
starboard as the wind backs.

If the vessel in in port and a Tropical Revolving Storm (TRS) approaches, it is

best to put out to sea. Staying put at the berth, especially with other vessels in
proximity can be highly dangerous. With the best mooring practices put in
position, it very doubtful that ship might be safe from the effects of the storm.

Do you know any other important points that should be added to this article?

Let’s know in the comments below.

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View Comments (10)

Joseph says: November 6, 2015 at 12:41 am
Hey....

Great work for seafarers.....

Thanks for the info.....

JASON MAGUIZA says: October 10, 2016 at 8:19 am

I'm a deck cadet and i found this knowledgeable.

D/C MAGUIZA, JASON

jayson peter rebibis says: January 31, 2017 at 7:21 pm

nice info...
this can save many lives..

ebin Sebastian Thomas says: October 3, 2017 at 6:18 pm

It helps me a lot to clear 2nd mates exam

Anish says: October 11, 2017 at 11:40 am

@Ebin: Glad it is useful.

Manjinder Singh Khosa says: April 1, 2018 at 10:35 pm

Some of the points taken verbatim from Capt. Subramanian's book....

Anyway good compilation.

Anuj says: July 29, 2018 at 1:59 am

Many thanks for information . Please could you add some photographs or video which
will be further help to understand.

Anish says: August 23, 2018 at 8:34 am

@Anuj: Thank you for your inputs. Will try to add more visual information.

Sam veu says: October 6, 2019 at 5:32 pm

Thanks for the info...very helpful

 Anish says: October 21, 2019 at 8:31 am

@Sam: Glad the info is useful

LEAVE A COMMENT

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