What is the recommended practice for tankers when entering rough seas?

The recommended practice for tankers when entering rough seas is to reduce speed and adjust course. This approach is crucial for maintaining the vessel's stability and control in turbulent conditions. By reducing speed, the ship can better respond to the effects of the waves, which reduces the risk of damage to the hull and helps prevent cargo shift. Additionally, adjusting the course can help the vessel navigate more effectively through the rough conditions, minimizing the angle at which waves strike the hull and reducing the likelihood of taking water over the bow or sides.

Increasing speed to outrun the waves can create instability, and in some cases, can lead to situations where the vessel is more susceptible to broaching or capsizing. Maintaining the current course without changes does not account for the dangers posed by rough seas, which can result in unsafe conditions. Launching life rafts immediately is generally not a standard practice in response to rough seas unless there is an imminent threat to the vessel's safety. Instead, navigational adjustments should be the first line of defense in these scenarios.