Beaufort scale quiz
The Beaufort wind force scale, devised by Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort in 1805 and adopted by the Royal Navy in 1838, describes wind force on a scale of 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane force). It remains the universal language for describing sea and wind conditions in deck logs, weather reports, and officer examinations.
Two modes: given a verbal description of wind and sea, pick the Beaufort force — or given a force number, pick the correct description. Essential for STCW oral exams and Officer of the Watch certification.
When to use this tool
Deck log wind + sea entry (universal language across all flag states + STCW oral exams). Charterparty "good weather" warranty compliance (typically Beaufort 4 + Douglas 3 or better). Post-heavy-weather report preparation.
Regulatory basis
Historical Royal Navy convention (Beaufort 1805 → adopted 1838), now universal in commercial + naval usage. WMO Sea State Code 0-9 + Douglas Sea Scale 0-9 provide complementary sea-state descriptions. SOLAS V/32 requires vessels to relay weather observations under specified conditions.