BEAUFORT SCALE

A scale of wind force expressed from 0 to 12 in which weather conditions represent with conditions expressed in numerals, where 0 means calm wind (less that I knot speed) and 12 refers to hurricane (speed between 64 to 71 knots). This term is used mostly in time charter parties, as vessels are not penalized for non-performance of speed in case wind speed is more than the agreed Beaufort number.