In cold season, the developed extratropical cyclones and associated cold fronts, and NW winter monsoon are encountered very frequently in the North Pacific, especially in the northwest part of it. The two sea areas, namely, the northwest part of North Pacific, especially the eastern area far off Japan east coast, and Burmuda Triangle in the North Atlantic are generally known as two of the most dangerous areas in the world because of high incidence of sea casualties. Even large ocean going vessels were sunk frequently due to strong winds and very high seas caused by NW monsoon or developed cyclones during the winter months. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the real state of heavy weather and high sea phenomena on the vesscls at sea, thus helping mariners operate in such conditions.

• 민병언