Seamanship

Question 1

List five occasions in which you would be expected to call the master of the ship.

Answer 1

On board ship emergencies
Navigational Uncertainties
Weather Changes
Navigation Equipment Failure.
Any points laid out in the masters standing orders.

Question 2

Part B of the Collision Regulations is split up into three sections, what are they?

Answer 2

• Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
• Section II Conduct of vessels in sight of one another
• Section III Conduct of vessels in restricted visibilit

Question 3

What is rule 5 about?

State three ways in which you will achieve it in order to “make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision”

Answer 3

Keeping a lookout. By

Sight
Hearing
All available means

Question 4

Why should a “vessel at all times proceed at a safe speed”?

Answer 4

So that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions

Question 5

What factors should all vessels take into account when determining a safe speed?

Answer 5

• The state of visibility
• The traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels
• The manoeuvrability of the vessel
• At night the presence of background light
• The state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards
• The draught in relation to the available depth of water

Question 6

What factors additionally should vessels with operational radar take into account?

Answer 6

• The characteristics and limitations of the radar equipment
• Any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use.
• The effect sea state or weather will have on radar detection.
• The possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by
• Radar range selection and its limitation
• The number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar

Question 7

Under rule 8 action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall result in what?

Answer 7

shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance

Question 8

The effectiveness of the course or speed correction shall be carefully checked until when?

Answer 8

The other vessel is finally past and clear

Question 9

What does Rule 10 not relieve any vessel of?

Answer 9

Her obligation under any other rule

Question 10

A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall

Answer 10

Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane, in the general direction of traffic flow.

So far, as practicable, keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone.

Join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane.

Question 11

How shall a vessel cross a Traffic separation lane?

Answer 11

On a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow

Question 12

When can a vessel enter an Inshore Traffic Zone?

Answer 12

• When she is a vessel of less than 20 metres in length
• If she is a sailing vessel
• If she is engaged in fishing
• When en route to or from a port,
• Offshore Installation
• Pilot Station
• To avoid immediate danger

Question 13

When can a vessel enter a separation zone (other than a crossing vessel)?

Answer 13

in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger
To engage in fishing within a separation zone

Question 14

What should a vessel not using a TSS do?

Answer 14

Avoid it by the widest margin as it is practicable.

Question 15

What operations exempt a vessel from complying with rule 10 to the extent necessary for carrying it
out?

Answer 15

• A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation
• A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable

Question 16

Except where rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require, a power-driven vessel shall keep out of the way of

Give 4 examples

Answer 16

• A vessel not under command;
• A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;
• A vessel engaged in fishing;
• A sailing vessel

Question 17

In rule 19, what actions should be taken upon encountering restricted visibility?

Answer 17

Proceed at a safe speed
Notify the master
Sound appropriate sound signals
Turn on Navigation lights
Have engines ready for immediate manoeuvre

Question 18

If a vessel detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel and a close quarters situation is
developing she must take avoiding action.

What should be avoided as far as possible if she alters course?

Answer 18

An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other
than for a vessel being overtaken

an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam

Question 19

List 6 things that the OOW should do on encountering restricted visibility

Answer 19

• Call the master
  Turn Navigation lights on.
• Start fog signal
• Post additional lookouts
• Check gain & tuning on Radar
• Have engines ready for manoeuvre
• Make an entry in the log book

Question 20

List 6 reasons for calling the Master to the bridge

Answer 20

• On encountering restricted visibility
• Not sighting land/navigational marks when expecting to
• Sighting land/navigational mark that you don’t expect
• Difficulty in maintaining course due to weather etc
• Traffic situation requires master’s attention
• Master has requested a call in standing orders

Question 21

List 8 Admiralty publications that can be used for Appraisal when passage planning

Answer 21

• Chart catalogue
• Navigation charts
• Sailing directions/Pilot books
• List of Radio Signals
• List of Lights and Fog signals
• Tide Tables
• Ocean passages for the world
• Routeing charts

Question 22

State 10 items of information useful for planning that can be found in the admiralty publications

Answer 22

• VTS stations to call
• Radio information required in report
• Requirements for pilots
• Details of navigation lights
• Height of tide for port entry
• Recommended routes
• Radar conspicuous objects for position fixing
• Predominant wind for ocean crossing
• Port facilities
• Location of Pilot boarding station

Question 23

Explain what the following chart symbol mean and how that affects fixing the vessel’s position

Answer 23

• Steep coast, Cliffs
• Good for position fixing, radar ranges should give accurate fixes. for PI lines

Question 24

Explain what the following chart symbol mean and how that affects fixing the vessel’s position

Answer 24

• Drying heights and contours above chart datum
• Not good for fixing
• Radar response is poor and echo depends on height of tide, will not give an accurate fix
• Not suitable for PI lines

Question 25

Describe how you must conduct your watch as an OOW when operating with a pilot on the bridge

Answer 25

• The pilot should be intergrated in the bridge team.
• Maintain the watch and under no circumstances leave the bridge until relieaved by another appropriate officer
• Maintain safe navigation along planned route.
• Comply with regulations
• If in any doubt call the master

Question 26

List 5 publications that you would use during the appraisal stage of passage planning.

Answer 26

• Large scale charts
• Sailing directions
• Weather routing charts
• Ship routing guide
• Almanac
• ALRS
• Mariners handbook
• Notice to Mariners
• Previous passage plans
• tide table / tidaal stream atlas
• Ocean passages of the world
• Ship manoeurving data

Question 27

List 5 Admiralty books you would consult when planning a passage

Answer 27

• Admiralty sailing directions
• Admiralty Ocean passages for the world
• Admiralty mariner’s handbook
• Admiralty list of lights and fog signals.
• Admiralty list of radio Signals.

Question 28

What is meant by execution of passage plan

Answer 28

During the execution stage of passage planning, mariners implement the plan developed during the planning stage to safely navigate the vessel from the departure point to the destination. Here’s how the execution stage of passage planning is carried out:Preparation: Before departure, ensure that all necessary equipment and resources are on board and in working order. This includes navigational instruments, charts, publications, communication devices, safety equipment, and any other relevant items.Briefing: Conduct a pre-departure briefing with the crew to review the passage plan, including the planned route, navigational waypoints, safety procedures, emergency protocols, roles and responsibilities, and any other relevant information. Ensure that all crew members understand their duties and are aware of potential hazards along the route.Departure: Depart from the departure point according to the planned departure time and route. Monitor weather conditions, tidal information, and any other factors that may affect the passage.Navigation: During the passage, navigate the vessel according to the planned route and navigational waypoints. Use navigational instruments such as GPS, radar, depth sounders, and compasses to maintain course and track the vessel’s position accurately.Monitoring: Continuously monitor the vessel’s position, speed, heading, and surroundings to ensure that it remains on course and avoids potential hazards. Use electronic chart display systems (ECDIS) or paper charts to track progress and cross-reference with visual observations.Adjustments: Be prepared to make adjustments to the passage plan as needed based on changing conditions, such as weather, tides, currents, traffic, or unexpected hazards. Consider alternative routes or waypoints if necessary to maintain safety and efficiency.Communication: Maintain communication with other vessels, shore authorities, and relevant stakeholders as required. Report any significant changes, incidents, or emergencies promptly and follow established communication protocols.Watchkeeping: Implement appropriate watchkeeping procedures to ensure that there is always a vigilant lookout for potential hazards, other vessels, and navigational challenges. Rotate watchkeeping duties among crew members according to established schedules.Documentation: Keep accurate records of the passage, including log entries, position reports, weather observations, and any significant events or actions taken. Document any deviations from the planned route and the reasons for those deviations.Arrival: Safely navigate the vessel to the destination according to the planned arrival time and procedures. Prepare for arrival operations, such as docking, anchoring, or berthing, and follow established protocols for securing the vessel.By effectively executing the passage plan and adhering to established procedures, mariners can ensure the safe and successful completion of the voyage. Regular communication, vigilant navigation, and proactive decision-making are essential elements of the execution stage of passage planning.

Question 29

8 sections of notices to mariners

Answer 29

1. General info
2. Navigational warnings
3. Notices to mariners
4. Local notices to mariners
5. Hydrographic notes
6. Meteorological notes
7. Regulatory notices
8. Safety messages

Question 30

Describe APEM

Answer 30

1. Appraisal
   Appraisal of all relevant information. At this stage all publications should be advised such as:
   Navigational charts
   Chart catalogue
   Sailing directions and Pilot books
   Ocean passages
   Admiralty list of radio stations
   Admiralty list of lights and fog signals
   Tide tables
   Routing charts
2. Planning
   Once all the information has been appraised we move on to panning. At this stage we have to prepare a plan which is detailed and simple to understand. It is good and standard practice to lay out a plan from berth to berth and to mark all no go areas
   Navigational marks
   Safety Depth contours
   Military areas
   TSS
   Pilot calling stations
   Leading lines
   UKC
   Parallel indexing
   Tides and Current
   Deviation/ variation
   Could alteration points

As everything doesn’t always go to plan a contingency plan should also be put in place with information such as emergency ports we could stop at along the way.

A detailed risk assessment should also be made.

3. Execution

Once the passage plan has been approved by the master the bridge team will execute the plan. All colregs should be followed and in addition fuel, water and food rations should be taken into account.

4. Monitoring

Monitoring is checking the position of the vessel by all available means, to ensure it remains within safe distance from any hazardous areas. Plotting the ship’s position using more than one method is a good practice and those include e.g. GPS, visual bearings, radar range/bearings and astro-navigation.

At the end of a voyage, a de-briefing meeting is to be held to share experience and lessons learned from the conducted voyage. This information can be used in future passage planning.