Heavy weather significantly disrupts maritime operations, increasing risks, costs, and delays for both ships and ports. Vessels face higher fuel consumption, mechanical strain, and potential hull or cargo damage, while ports often suspend pilotage and cargo handling due to unsafe conditions, leading to congestion and demurrage. These disruptions raise insurance claims, reduce schedule reliability, and inflate operational expenses. For shipowners and port operators alike, severe weather amplifies financial exposure, environmental impact, and safety hazards, underscoring the importance of accurate forecasting, weather routing, and resilient port infrastructure.

Barry discusses some of the hidden effects of heavy weather on ships and how operations can be affected by this adverse weather.

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In 1894 George Williams gave up his career working on windjammers to set up his own business. Aged 30 George acquired a small pinnace which was being sold by the Royal Navy. He rigged a sail and brought the vessel to Hythe on the banks of Southampton Water. He set to work and converted the boat into a small sailing barge which was able to carry up to twenty tons of cargo. It was not long before he was successful in acquiring his first cargo collecting a consignment from the Isle of Wight for delivery to Southampton.

Today, 131 Years later, Williams Shipping still trades strongly around the UK Coast and is still based in the port of the company's birth - Southampton. Barry chats to Phil Williams - Managing Director of the Williams Marine Section on the history of the company and the acquisition of their newest vessel - 'Wildiscover'.

Come and Visit our Website

https://www.captainbarrysadler.com/

We are MCA accredited and offer orals Prep, via e learning, blended learning and 121 sessions via Teams as well as many other courses and educational support.

In the UK, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) operate at different levels depending on navigational risk. Active VTS centres (e.g. London, Southampton, Humber) provide information, navigational assistance, and traffic organisation, with legally binding authority over vessel movements. Passive VTS are also official SOLAS-mandated services but limited to monitoring and information only, offering advice without issuing binding traffic directions. By contrast, Vessel Traffic Information Services (VTIS), typically delivered by the MCA Coastguard, are not SOLAS VTS but lighter, advisory systems that broadcast traffic and safety information in coastal areas.

Barry discusses the differences between the three vessel services and looks at how they enhance vessel safety.

Come and Visit our Website

https://www.captainbarrysadler.com/

We are MCA accredited and offer orals Prep, via e learning, blended learning and 121 sessions via Teams as well as many other courses and educational support.