Decision Simulator

Heavy Weather at Anchor - From Plan to Fore Deck

Hong Kong-registered chemical tanker
Chemical Tanker · Open sea, east of Ningbo · Not stated in the notice (published 24 September 2026)
Source: Hong Kong MSIN 13/2026

14Decision Points 4Possible Outcomes —Avg. Play Time

The Situation

You are the Chief Officer of a chemical tanker at anchor in the open sea in gale conditions, awaiting a berth. This scenario takes you through the whole task from start to finish: the plan, the risk assessment review, the authorisation to work on deck, the job site review and the job itself. Your earlier choices carry forward.

The Lesson

The controls are a chain: plan with limits, test the risk assessment against the real sea state, authorise only what is safe, brief and watch the site, and let non-urgent jobs wait. If it goes wrong, escalate early.

Human Element

A deferrable job, an SMS procedure that was not followed, a risk assessment and toolbox meeting that did not address the real hazard, hazards neglected by those involved, and a delayed evacuation. Five linked stages, then a casualty response if the job goes ahead.

Try the First Decision

PLANNING AND PREPARATION. You are the Chief Officer of a chemical tanker at anchor in the open sea east of Ningbo, awaiting a berth. There are gale force winds, rough seas and heavy swells. The deck equipment needs covering with tarpaulin to keep seawater out, and there may be loose gear after the night. The company SMS has a procedure for working on deck in heavy weather. You are planning the day's deck work.

A. Plan the minimum: cover the equipment on the sheltered main deck only, make the forward mooring deck out of bounds, list the jobs that can wait until the weather eases, and put the bridge in the loop.
B. Plan ‘secure the deck’ and let the bosun use his judgement on what needs doing. He has done it many times.

This is a preview — the full scenario branches from here based on what you choose, with real consequences and a debrief at the end.

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