Action in Tropical Revolving Storm

What Actions Ship Must Take For
Tropical Revolving Storm (TRS)?

By Shilavadra Bhattacharjee | In: Marine Navigation | Last Updated on October 13, 2019
3.1KSHARES
Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
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:
Ship In Storm
×
Volume 0%

 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
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
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.

Action in Tropical Revolving Storm

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Action in Tropical Revolving Storm

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Action in Tropical Revolving Storm

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What Actions Ship Must Take For

Tropical Revolving Storm (TRS)?

 They appear smaller size than temperate depressions

1. Warning and alerting messages

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

Course of actions to be taken in case of a storm

 The bearing of the eye (storm center)

Avoiding actions may be as follows:

 In case the wind is backing, the vessel is likely to be in the dangerous

Let’s know in the comments below.

You might also like