ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON 2025 – WARNING TO SEAFARERS Published: 28 May 2025 The Atlantic hurricane season starts on 1 June and ends on 30 November. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA is forecasting 13 to 19 storms with winds of 39 mph (34 knots) or higher. Out of these, 6 to 10 could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher, and 3 to 5 might be major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph (96 knots) or higher. BEST PRACTICES FOR SHIPS SAILING ATLANTIC IN HURRICANE SEASON PRIOR SAILING Prepare a comprehensive voyage risk assessment when navigating in the Atlantic basin Subscribe to weather routing services to prepare the ship for any development of hurricanes or heavy weather before and during the voyage Ensure the water and weather tightness of the ship’s compartments and openings Secure and prepare the vessel in all aspects for extreme heavy weather and consider taking extra lashing to prevent any cargo shifting Train crew members on avoiding heavy weather and handling the ship if heavy weather is encountered. Inform crew of the emergency response procedures in the Safety Management System (SMS) for heavy weather damage. All watchkeeping deck officers should familiarise themselves with reading and understanding weather reports and charts Tune to the correct met area and satellite to receive meteorological warnings and forecasts through enhanced group calling (EGC) services Identify weather facsimile stations and their transmission frequencies in the area to receive weather facsimile charts. DURING SAILING Regularly inspect the lashing arrangements of cargo, equipment, and fittings to ensure the vessel is prepared for potential extreme weather conditions Receive and plot weather warnings from weather routing services and EGC services Compare the predicted path of heavy weather or hurricane-force conditions against the vessel’s progress. UPON ENCOUNTERING Continually c