Add inclement weather at sea to working on a ship and the result can be disastrous for maritime safety. Flooding, ice, heat waves and chilly weather are all dangers to maritime safety. According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes caused the most weather-related fatalities in 2011, with 553 deaths. Next was heat, causing 206 deaths. It is important that seamen understand the types of inclement weather at sea conditions that put their health at risk.
How Weather Plays a Role
Weather can dramatically affect a person's health. For example, not drinking enough water to stay hydrated in the heat or not dressing appropriately for cold weather while at sea can be dangerous, even deadly.
Extreme inclement weather at sea can affect seamen. For example, a tsunami on the ocean could destroy the vessel and cause the seamen to drown or suffer from some other injury. In addition, storms can cause flooding inside the ship, which can lead to slips and falls. Winds can also affect a vessel, causing it to capsize.
Common Inclement Weather at Sea Hazards
Heat is the most deadly weather hazard. Many people, especially elderly seamen, have died from heat stroke when the temperatures have risen dramatically into the triple digits.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, hypothermia is a real concern for seamen. Winter weather can turn deadly when a seaman is stuck on a vessel out on the sea during a cold storm. When body temperature drops very low, the brain is affected. The seaman may be left unable to walk, talk or think clearly. Memory loss, exhaustion and drowsiness can also occur from hypothermia.
Winter weather can also lead to frostbite. Frostbite causes skin to become firm, and gray or yellowish in color. Seamen are prone to frostbite because they spend a lot of time outdoors while on a boat. Frostbite most commonly affects fingers and toes, but the ears and face are often exposed to the cold and can be affected as well. Because it causes numbness, there is no pain involved, so frostbite is often not detected until the physical signs are noticed.
Indirect Threats
When extreme weather conditions occur, people can be affected indirectly. For example, it can hamper communication due to downed power lines. It can cause the power to go out, which can result in a lack of fresh food and water. Stomach illnesses are prevalent due to power outages and lack of clean water after a huge storm. Illnesses -- both physical and mental -- can occur. Weather conditions can cause depression and other mental disorders.
How Weather Plays a Role
Weather can dramatically affect a person's health. For example, not drinking enough water to stay hydrated in the heat or not dressing appropriately for cold weather while at sea can be dangerous, even deadly.
Extreme inclement weather at sea can affect seamen. For example, a tsunami on the ocean could destroy the vessel and cause the seamen to drown or suffer from some other injury. In addition, storms can cause flooding inside the ship, which can lead to slips and falls. Winds can also affect a vessel, causing it to capsize.
Common Inclement Weather at Sea Hazards
Heat is the most deadly weather hazard. Many people, especially elderly seamen, have died from heat stroke when the temperatures have risen dramatically into the triple digits.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, hypothermia is a real concern for seamen. Winter weather can turn deadly when a seaman is stuck on a vessel out on the sea during a cold storm. When body temperature drops very low, the brain is affected. The seaman may be left unable to walk, talk or think clearly. Memory loss, exhaustion and drowsiness can also occur from hypothermia.
Winter weather can also lead to frostbite. Frostbite causes skin to become firm, and gray or yellowish in color. Seamen are prone to frostbite because they spend a lot of time outdoors while on a boat. Frostbite most commonly affects fingers and toes, but the ears and face are often exposed to the cold and can be affected as well. Because it causes numbness, there is no pain involved, so frostbite is often not detected until the physical signs are noticed.
Indirect Threats
When extreme weather conditions occur, people can be affected indirectly. For example, it can hamper communication due to downed power lines. It can cause the power to go out, which can result in a lack of fresh food and water. Stomach illnesses are prevalent due to power outages and lack of clean water after a huge storm. Illnesses -- both physical and mental -- can occur. Weather conditions can cause depression and other mental disorders.
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