An evaluation of the harbors of Subic Bay and Manila, Republic of the Philippines, as typhoon havens

Abstract

This study evaluates the harbors of Subic Bay and Manila as possible typhoon havens. Characteristics of the harbors under tropical cyclone conditions, including climatology, topographical effects on the wind, and reliability of moorings and anchorages at each harbor are discussed. Problem areas to considered if remaining in port and suggested evasion procedures for ships sailing from the port are examined. The tracks of tropical cyclones from 1884-1973 for the western North Pacific were analyzed to assess the threat posed to each harbor by a tropical cyclone. Results suggest that neither port is an entirely safe haven. Subic Bay could be a haven under certain specified conditions while Manila should never be considered a typhoon haven. To aid commanding officers, operationally oriented flow diagrams are presented which summarize the locations of the various sections of the text that could be used in decision making.http://archive.org/details/evaluationofharb00dougLieutenant Commander, United States NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited