How Should Fishing Vessels Return to Port to Shelter from Typhoons? How to Find Safe Harbors?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Prepared Defense · 更新 at 2026-10-05
Seize the "Golden Window" and Strictly Adhere to Return Deadlines
The core of typhoon sheltering for fishing vessels lies in "acting early." Do not wait until the wind and rain intensify before taking action; decisive decisions must be made based on meteorological warning levels. Typically, when a typhoon enters the 24-hour warning line, or when local meteorological departments issue blue or yellow warning signals, vessels operating at sea should immediately cease fishing operations and return to port at full speed. At this time, sea conditions are relatively stable, making it the optimal window for evacuation. If delayed until the orange or red warning stages, wind and waves often exceed the vessel's handling limits, and attempting to return under such conditions can easily lead to capsizing.
Captains must closely monitor no-sailing notices and dynamic warnings issued by the Maritime Safety Administration. The specific deadline for returning to port is subject to the latest instructions issued by local governments and fishery authorities, but the principle of 'better early than late' must always be followed. Once mandatory return-to-port or no-sailing orders are received, they must be executed unconditionally. Discard any luck-pushing mentality of 'catching one more net,' and ensure safe arrival at designated waters before severe sea conditions develop.
Scientific Site Selection and Standardized Anchoring
Choosing a shelter harbor is not about docking randomly. Priority should be given to entering formal fishing ports or government-designated shelter anchorage areas that offer breakwater protection, suitable water depth, and good seabed holding power. Small fishing vessels should avoid the main channels of large commercial ships to prevent collisions; large fishing vessels must verify anchorage depths to avoid grounding.
After entering the port, standardized mooring and reinforcement are key to protecting the vessel:
- Strengthen Mooring: Increase the number of mooring lines, using diagonal cross-lashing to distribute force. Install fenders or padding where lines contact the hull to prevent friction-induced breakage due to wind and wave motion.
- Lower Center of Gravity: Securely fasten or store equipment with large windage or mobility, such as fishing nets, buoys, and cranes, inside the hold. If necessary, fill ballast tanks with water to increase draft and improve vessel stability.
- Watertight Integrity Check: Strictly close all hatches, windows, doors, and vents to ensure watertight integrity, preventing rainwater ingress that could cause hull imbalance or cargo damage.
Mandatory Evacuation: Life Comes First
Securing the vessel is only physical protection; personnel safety is the bottom line of disaster prevention. Before typhoon landfall, all crew members must evacuate to shore in accordance with local government requirements. It is strictly prohibited to remain on board to "watch the ship" or guard property for any reason. Historical lessons show that staying on board is a primary cause of casualties.
After reaching shore, personnel should quickly transfer to government-designated emergency shelters or structurally sound buildings, staying away from dangerous areas such as low-lying coastal zones, dilapidated houses, and billboards. Boat owners and persons in charge must keep communication lines open and monitor meteorological updates in real time. If the typhoon's path shifts or its intensity changes suddenly, cooperate with relevant authorities for secondary inspections or emergency transfers. Remember, life outweighs all property; under no circumstances should anyone risk returning to sea or boarding the vessel to check on it.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.