If weather deteriorates during a voyage, what action should you take?

• A. Reassess conditions and adjust the plan as needed.
• B. Ignore changes and continue as planned.
• C. Wait until after finishing the trip to reassess.
• D. Report to the captain and proceed into worse conditions.

Answer: (A)

When weather deteriorates, you must reassess conditions and adjust the plan as needed. Weather can shift quickly, changing hazards like sea state, wind, visibility, and currents, which may push the voyage beyond safe limits. A fresh risk assessment should consider updated forecasts and on-site observations, then decide if the planned route, speed, or timing is still safe. If hazards rise, modify the plan—alter course or speed to reduce risk, seek shelter or port if necessary, and scale back nonessential tasks—and communicate the revised plan to the captain and crew. This keeps people and the vessel safer and helps ensure you can complete the trip without exposing everyone to avoidable danger. Continuing as planned or proceeding into worse conditions without adjustment greatly increases risk.