I don't think it's still required, but when I first started sailing a
"Storm Oil" container was part of the lifeboat equipment. The oil itself
was either fish oil or vegetable oil and carried in a conical container
with petcocks at either end. This container was inserted into the sea
anchor which was also cone shaped with the apex cut out to accept it.
Never had to try it, but the affect was supposedly to calm the surface of
the seas you were encountering (as someone else has said).
Was actually on one ship which had a "storm oil" tank located in the bow
which was piped to drain over the side.
BTW, fish oil is still in use and acceptable (needs to be certified
"pure") though mainly used to lubricate and to a degree maintain, anchor
chain.

otn



"Shaun Van Poecke" wrote in
:

Ive read a few accounts, mainly from around 1900, of people using oil
to calm the seas.

In detail, the oil was usually some sort of fish oil, or oil from a
seal or such and was put into a hessian bag or similar filled with
rags. The 'oil bag' was then tied to the vessel and thrown overboard.
Ive only ever read of it being done while hove to.

Has anyone ever seen or heard of this being done in modern times? I
really cant understand the logic behind it or see what it would to so
calm seas.... any enlightenment welcomed ;-)

Shaun