Watchkeeping - Publications & Passage Planning

Question 1

Which mandatory publications are to be maintained on the bridge?

Answer 1

As per SOLAS Chapter V Annex 3:

International Code of Signals (IMO)
IAMSAR Manual Vol.III
Mariners' Handbook (UKHO)
Merchant Shipping Notices, Marine Guidance Notes and Marine Information Notes (MCA)
Notices to Mariners (UKHO)
Notices to Mariners Annual Summary (UKHO)
Lists of Radio Signals (UKHO)
Lists of Lights (UKHO)
Sailing Directions (UKHO)
Nautical Almanac
Navigational Tables
Tide Tables
Tidal Stream Atlases
Operating and Maintenance Instructions for Navigational Aids carried by the Ship

Question 2

What are the different sections provided by weekly notices to mariners?

Answer 2

Section 1 - Explantory Notes.

• Section 2 - Updates to standard navigational charts.
• Section 3 - Reprints of radio navigational warnings.
• Section IV - Ammendments to admiralty list of sailing directions.
• Section V - Amendments to admiralty list of light and fog signals.
• Section VI - Amendments to admiralty radio signals.

Question 3

What are the publications provided by Admiralty?

Answer 3

• Admiralty list of radio signals.
• Chart and publications catalogue (NP131).
• Admiarlty notices to mariners.
• Admiralty summary of notices to mariners.
• Cumulative list or admiralty noitices to mariners.
• Admiralty sailing directions.
• Admiralty list of light and fog signals.
• Admiralty tide tables.

Question 4

Where can information regarding traffic schemes be found?

Answer 4

Ships routeing guide.

Question 5

What are the 4 stages of passage planning and what do they involve?

Answer 5

• Appraisal - Consult all relevant publications for information relevant to the voyage, such as reporting points, tidal data, hazards
  to navigation, port information and correct charts to be used.
• Planning - Courses to be plotted for the voyage from berth to berth, taking into account navigational aids, postion fixing
  and contingency planning.
• Execution - With departure times know the plan is refined regarding accurate tidal flows and heights, meteorological conditions,
  ETA’s and critical areas.
• Monitoring - Vessel is continously checked to be effectively and safely following the passage plan as laid out by regularly fixing
  position, monitoring weather conditions and ensuring all navigation equipment is functioning as required.

Question 6

How would you know that the latest updates had been applied to your charts.

Answer 6

Cross reference the number in the bottom left corner of the chart with the latest weekly notices to mariners.

Question 7

What warnings are provided for the mariner and how are they received?

Answer 7

*NAVAREA warnings - The world is divided into 21 NAVAREAS, the UK is NAVAREA 1. They allow the navigator to receive important information for the region they are located through safetynet ECG or via
NAVTEX coast stations.

• COASTAL warnings are broadcast as WZ in the UK through NAVTEX and are applicable to the particular region you are navigating within.
• LOCAL warnings are Issued either by port, pilotage or coastguard authorities through VHF transmission.

Question 8

What is the different between the annual summary of Notices to Mariners & Cumulative list of notices
to mariners?

Answer 8

• Annual Summary published at the beginning of each year, this publication contains the Annual Statutory Notices to Mariners
  Numbers 1-26, a summary of Temporary and Preliminary Notices to Mariners still in force at the start of the year, and a
  Cumulative Summary of Amendments to ADMIRALTY Sailing Directions.
• Cumulative list published in january and july, contains latest issue dates for each chart and any corrections made in previous 2 years.

Question 9

What are the 6 volumes of ALRS?

Answer 9

• Vol 1 - Coast radio stations.
• Vol 2 - Radio aids to navigation, satellite navigation sytems, legal time, radio time signals, electronic position fixing systems.
• Vol 3 - MSI.
• Vol 4 - Meteorlogical observation stations.
• Vol 5 - GMDSS
• Vol 6 - Pilot Services, Vessel traffic services, Port operations

Question 10

What are MSN’s, MGN’s and MIN’s

Answer 10

MSN - Merchant shipping notice = which are compulsory.

MGN - Marine guidance notes = Guidance on best practice.

MIN -Marine information notes = Provide information often with expiries such as exam dates.