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'.

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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.

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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.

Weather forecasting is the science of predicting atmospheric conditions based on real-time observations and mathematical models. Using data from satellites, radar, weather stations, and aircraft, modern forecast models simulate how the atmosphere will evolve. Short-term forecasts (1–3 days) are generally accurate, while longer-range predictions become less reliable due to the chaotic nature of weather systems. Although real-time data is key, historical weather records help improve model accuracy, support climate comparisons, and train AI tools. Despite limitations, forecasting continues to improve with advances in computing, data collection, and model refinement.

Barry discusses the effects of inaccurate forecasts as well as discussing the history and means of getting our forecasts in an accurate and timely manner.

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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.

The trend in seafarer abandonment is clearly escalating. From an already catastrophic record in 2024, the situation continues to deteriorate in 2025—both in scale and severity. Key regions, flags of convenience, and weak enforcement remain persistent contributors to the crisis. 2024 marked a grim milestone, becoming the worst year on record for seafarer abandonment:

3,133 seafarers were abandoned onboard 312 vessels, an 87% increase from 1,676 seafarers and 132 vessels in 2023.
Unpaid wages totalled over $20 million, with only about half recovered.

Barry talks about the risks, reasons, laws and enforcement surrounding these disappointing numbers. With MLC in place the situation should be improving - Barry discusses why sadly this is not the case.

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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.

Cowes Week stands unmatched in its scale among recreational sailing events—instantly recognisable by its hundreds of competing yachts, thousands of sailors, and tens of thousands of spectators.

Approaching its 200th anniversary this major sailing event takes place within the Solent every year. The organisation of such a large regatta requires early and detailed interaction with Harbour Authorities to ensure that it is run safely with risks mitigated and measures in place.

On his 25th year involved with the event, Barry discusses the legislation and codes behind the requirements of such regattas and gives an insight into how ultra large vessels can safely co-habit a stretch of water with hundreds of sailing vessels competing in such a high profile international event.

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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.

The journey of autonomous ships has been marked by decades of technological innovation, cautious regulation, and bold experimentation. From early remote-controlled submarines to intelligent, oceangoing cargo ships, the evolution of MASS continues to accelerate. The future of shipping will likely include a hybrid model—where human expertise and machine precision work in tandem to navigate the world's oceans.

During these early stages of trial and test sometimes situations develop which remind us of this huge technical leap and the perceived folly of allowing a vessel to navigate without a human onboard. Barry talks about a recent event where he was confronted with an unmanned surface vessel approaching him with risk of collision.

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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.

The Hong Kong Convention (HKC) was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009 to ensure that ships, when recycled at the end of their life, do not pose risks to human health, safety, or the environment. It was created in response to unsafe and polluting shipbreaking practices, especially in South Asia. After years of delay, the HKC met the conditions for entry into force on 26 June 2023 and became legally binding on 26 June 2025.

The long-overdue entry into force in 2025 offers a real opportunity to transform an industry long associated with environmental degradation and human suffering into one of safe, regulated, and environmentally sound practice. Barry discusses the convention, it's delays, the IMO's procedures and the required documentation.

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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.