1. APPLICATION

This document applies to Masters, navigating officers, and watchkeepers onboard fully managed vessels.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to specify requirements for passage planning as a means to establish navigational procedures to pre-plan a vessel’s route, to monitor its progress, and to share information with bridge team members.

3. REQUIREMENTS

• Use is compulsory.
• Develop berth to berth & SOLAS V/34 and IMO Res. A.893(21).

4. RESPONSIBILITIES

Before commencing voyage:

• Navigating Officer: Plan voyage by the most expeditious route with prime importance to safety.
• Master: Review & approve the plan and complete Master’s declaration as per checklist A of NAV Form 001.
• Watch Officers, Cadets & Helmsman: Study the passage plan and sign acknowledgment and understanding.

5. PREPARATION

Consider the following factors:

• Charts/ENC’s and publications for the voyage—check ENC with the digital catalogue to assess ENC coverage and ensure permits are valid for the intended voyage.
• Intended speed (as per charter-party or as indicated by the charterers).
• Routing charts and current atlases.
• Current directions and rate of set.
• Weather—expected conditions, fog, etc., and whether avoidable.
• Recommended routes.
• Guidance to be taken from:
  • Admiralty Guide to the Practical Use of ENC's (NP 231)
  • Admiralty Guide to ECDIS Implementation, Policy, and Procedures (NP 232)
• Tides—times, heights, direction, and rates of set.
• Draft, squat, heel.
• Sailing directions—advice and recommendations.
• Navigational aids:
  • Light characteristics, anticipated rising range, etc.
  • Landmarks, radar conspicuous and visual ranges.
• Traffic Separation and Routing Schemes (TSS).
• Position fixing and verification means to be used:
  • Radio navaids.
  • Visual fixes.
• Vessel’s limitations.
• Bridge watches—organization, additional manpower requirement.
• VHF channels for vessel traffic systems and Pilot.
• Weather routing advice—availability.
• IMO’s ‘Ships Routing’—guidance therein (SOLAS V/Reg 10.7).
• Directives contained in this guide.
• Areas of political unrest/piracy.
• Local charts requirements.
• Load line.
• Security.
• Review the latest edition of the README.TXT file and incorporate important safety-related information.
• Ship Environmental Energy Management Plan (SEEMP).

5.1 T&P Corrections on ECDIS/Admiralty Information Overlay (AIO)

Navigating Officer shall:

On paper charts or vessels where ECDIS is not installed with software that allows display of AIO:

• The relevant T&P warnings must be manually plotted during passage planning and during the voyage on the paper charts/ECDIS for the voyage charts/areas within 15NM either side of the track and brought to the attention of the master.
• The correction number shall be entered in pencil at the bottom right side corner of the paper chart.
• After making such correction, suitable annotation shall also be made against the correction filed in the T&P File to indicate that the correction has been physically made on the paper chart/ENC.
• Any cancelled T&P notices should be erased from the corresponding paper charts/ENCs.
• A copy of the current In-Force list (usually published monthly) shall be filed and used for monitoring and verification of current T&P notices in force.
• When plotting on ENC, if there is a lot of text, use the Marine Note function, as marine notes assist in minimizing cluttering. The alarm feature should be activated for plotting the user map so that it is picked up during route check and monitoring.

Where software is installed in ECDIS to permit use of Admiralty Information Overlay (AIO):

• AIO should be used to display ENC corrections derived from T&P NM.
• When passage planning & during the passage, ensure all corrections made to the ENC as required by AIO – ePNMs, T&P, etc., within 15NM either side of the track are plotted on ECDIS and brought to the attention of the master.
• If there is a lot of text, use the Marine Note function, as marine notes assist in minimizing cluttering.
• The alarm feature should be activated for plotting the user map so that it is picked up during route check and monitoring.
• The OOW must ensure that the T&P overlay is toggled “on” and “off” always when changing watch. Any T&P not plotted within 15NM either side of the track should be immediately plotted and brought to the attention of the master.
• The passage plan (NAV Form 001) must still list details of all T&P warnings that are relevant for the passage.

The designated Navigation Officer must check the latest version of the Current Status of T&P NMs in ENCs (UKHO) to determine which ENCs to be used during the voyage (if any) need to be updated manually on ECDIS. The following link provides a table listing the countries that are available in AVCS and whether they issue Temporary and Preliminary information in their ENCs:

ENC T&P NM Status (UKHO)

As a guide, the first two letters of an ENC identity are the producer country code (e.g., FR for France or ZA for South Africa).

5.2 Navigational Warnings on ECDIS/Marine Information Objects (MIO)

On paper charts or vessels where Nav Warnings/NAVTEX messages cannot be automatically plotted on ECDIS:

• When passage planning & during the passage, ensure all NAVTEX messages & Navarea warnings within 15 NM either side of the track are plotted on paper charts and ECDIS and brought to the attention of the master.
• If there is a lot of text, use the Marine Note function, as marine notes assist in minimizing clutter.
• The alarm feature should be activated for plotting the user map so that it is picked up during route check and monitoring.
• All manual entries for NAVTEX and nav warnings to be recorded in NAV-26 - NAVTEX and Navarea warning log.
• Delete the messages from paper charts/ECDIS after the voyage has been completed and the vessel has exited the coverage area or if the warning has been cancelled.
• NAVTEX/Nav warnings received should be checked by the OOW and initialled, they should be double-checked and initialled by the Navigation Officer. If pertaining to the voyage, they should also be initialled by the master.

On ECDIS where NAVTEX/Nav Warnings can be displayed automatically / Marine Information Objects (MIO):

• Navigational warnings/New dangers warnings can be electronically plotted on the ECDIS using the Marine Information Objects (MIO) capability.
• For more information on MIO, see FOM 3.24 Definitions and technical details of ECDIS.
• Ensure all NAVTEX warnings are visible on ECDIS which has NAVTEX overlay (MSI) function.
• When passage planning & during the passage, ensure all NAVTEX messages & Navarea warnings within 15NM either side of the track are plotted on ECDIS and brought to the attention of the master.
• If there is a lot of text, use the Marine Note function, as marine notes assist in minimizing clutter.
• The alarm feature should be activated for plotting the user map so that it is picked up during route check and monitoring.
• All manual entries for NAVTEX and nav warnings to be recorded in NAV-26 - NAVTEX and Navarea warning log.
• Where NAVTEX is integrated into the ECDIS, messages are automatically deleted after a certain number of days within the message; however, manual updates are to be deleted upon cancellation of the message/exiting the area.
• OOW must ensure that the NAVTEX overlay is toggled “on” and “off” always when changing watch. Any NAVTEX warning not plotted within 15NM either side of the track should be immediately plotted and brought to the attention of the master.
• NAVAREA warnings from other sources such as Sat C must be checked to ascertain if it has also been included in the NAVTEX overlay. If not, NAVAREA warnings within 15NM either side of the track should be manually plotted by the user map facility using Warning Symbols, Warning Lines, and/or Warning Areas.
• NAVTEX/Nav warnings received should be checked by the OOW and initialled, they should be double-checked and initialled by the Navigation Officer. If pertaining to the voyage, they should also be initialled by the master.
• After making the appropriate entry for Navarea warning, suitable annotation shall also be made against the warning received and filed in the Navarea message file to indicate that the warning has been physically made on the ENC.

6. PLANNING

Involve the following:

• Plot the intended passage on the appropriate charts:
  • Mark clearly, on the largest scale charts available.
  • Areas of danger and intended track with safety margins.
  • Any advance warning for next chart.
  • Transit marks, clearing bearings, or clearing ranges.
  • Plan track to clear hazards at a safe distance.
• Use an appropriate chart scale during Passage Planning with IHO layers set to “ALL or OTHER” using up-to-date ENC or RNC if ENC is not available.
• SCAMIN (Scale Minimum) must be selected OFF for appraisal, planning, and review phases to ensure all information is seen. It may be temporarily selected ON, only for execution and monitoring of the voyage plan, based on the master’s evaluation, to reduce the effects of an overcrowded display.
• The Master must ensure Voyage Planning safety settings represent the vessel’s intended maximum draft for the voyage (for various settings of safety alarms refer to FOM 3.29 Section 5).
• Navigating Officer must be aware that the Safety Contour will display as the next known contour and not necessarily at the value entered.
• Plan track to clear hazards at a safe distance after a full appraisal of the recommended track given in publications like “Ocean Passages of the World,” “Admiralty Sailing Directions,” and Port Information Booklets.
• Consider the position accuracy based on CATZOC corrections when planning the passage and keep well clear of navigational hazards.
• When planning the passage, follow minimum safe passing distances from navigational hazards as listed in the provided table.
• Add notes on the Passage Plan and ensure the area is identified during approval and briefing stages and visible to the OOW.
• The Navigating Officer must identify relevant reporting points such as the 24-hour reporting point before reaching a SECA and the 72-hour reporting point before reaching a War Risk Additional Premium Area (WRAPA).
• Areas where RNC must be used due to non-availability of ENC should be noted in the passage plan with marked changes in mode between ENC and RNC.
• When changing from ENC to RNC mode, the Second Officer must ensure the appropriate folio of paper charts is marked with the route and navigational dangers.
• Avoid excessive information in the navigational areas of a chart by recording the information away from the track and drawing attention to it with a line or reference letter.
• No-go areas should be highlighted, but extensive use should be discouraged.
• After preparing the plan, the master must review it, and the ECDIS auto-check must be used to resolve all notifications.
• After approval from the master, the passage plan must be read and signed by the bridge team.
• It is recommended to have a passage planning briefing for the bridge team and Chief Engineer before departure.

• True direction of the planned track on charts: Indicate in 360-degree notation.
• Safe speed:
  Caution: In ships restricted by draft, give due allowance for the effect of squat and heel effect when turning.
• Speed alterations necessary to achieve desired ETAs en-route: Consider night passages, tidal restrictions, etc.
• Positions requiring change in machinery status.
• Course alteration points with wheel-over positions: Consider ship’s turning circle and the impact of tide and current.
• Minimum UKC (Under Keel Clearance) in critical areas.
• Air draft clearance required: As appropriate.
• Points where accuracy of position fixing/verification is critical.
• Contingency arrangements.
• Point of no return.

Navigational Hazards to Consider:

• Navigational hazardous areas: Areas due to geographical location and hazards involved—need extra attention and care by crew. See FOM 3.5 Hazardous Areas.
• Marine Environmental High-Risk Areas (MEHRAs): Areas with high environmental sensitivities at risk from shipping activity. See FOM 3.5 Hazardous Areas.
• Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs): Areas protected by ship routing measures—avoid such areas. See FOM 3.5 Hazardous Areas.

Navigational Information Between Waypoints:

• Complete only when there is significant information between waypoints.
• Parallel indexing information: Whenever possible, parallel indexing must be used as an aid to navigation to:
  • Keep the vessel on her intended track.
  • For accurate planning of course alterations.

Weather Forecasting:

• Use forecasting software: If available, to prevent weather-related incidents and maximize weather conditions for speed efficiencies.

7. EXECUTION

• The Officer on Watch (OOW) must follow the passage plan. The Master must consider any situation that may make it necessary to adjust the passage plan, including:
  • The reliability and condition of the vessel’s navigational equipment.
  • The estimated time of arrival at critical points for tidal heights and current flow.
  • Navigational warnings received.
  • Meteorological conditions, such as restricted visibility, adverse weather, and ice.
  • Day or night transits.
  • Traffic density.
  • Instructions from voyage operations.
• The Master should reassess the passage plan if they learn of any new hazards.
• The OOW must ensure that the Safety settings on the ENC are in accordance with the approved Passage Plan.
• The OOW must ensure the passage is monitored at the compilation scale.
• The OOW must use pick reports to interrogate details for any isolated danger symbols.
• The OOW must complete the changing of watch along with the ECDIS watch handover checklist at each watch change and make a note confirming this in the bridge log.
• When operating ECDIS in dusk or night settings to preserve night vision on the bridge, the following settings will assist in optimizing the display:
  • Check the Safety Contour is correctly set, as features inside the Safety Contour may be difficult to see.
  • Switch to two depth shades to increase the contrast of the Safety Contour.

8. MONITORING

• The Navigating Officers shall:
  • Perform close and continuous monitoring of the ship’s progress along the pre-planned track for the safe conduct of the passage.
Caution: If the Officer of the Watch is ever in any doubt as to the position of the ship, they must at once:
• a) Call the Master, and
• b) If necessary, take whatever action is considered prudent for the safety of the ship.
• Check the performance of the navigational equipment:
  • Prior to sailing.
  • Prior to entering hazardous areas.
  • At regular intervals during the passage, decided in cooperation with the Master.
• Record the ship’s positions during the watch:
  • Use NAV-21 GPS log and write remarks where comparisons are made between GPS and other means of position fixes such as radar/visual fixes.
• Take advantage of all navigational equipment, bearing in mind:
  • Visual bearings are usually the most accurate means of position verification.
  • Every fix shall, if possible, be based on at least three position lines.
  • Use transit marks, clearing ranges, and clearing bearings.
  • When checking fixes, use systems based on different data.
  • Cross-check positions obtained by navigational aids by visual means.
  • The value of the echo sounder as a navigational aid.
  • Do not use buoys for fixing; they may only be used for guidance when shore marks are difficult to distinguish visually.
  • The functioning and correct readings of instruments used.
  • Position verification frequency.
  • Use radar to monitor the ship’s position by using parallel indexing techniques.
Note: Parallel indexing is compulsory when in coastal navigation.
• The OOW must manually verify the vessel’s position on the ENC at intervals as defined in FOM 3.6 Section 8.1.
• The OOW must acknowledge and investigate alarms before canceling them.

8.1 Position Verification

• For vessels with paper charts as the primary means of navigation:
  • OOW must plot the ship’s positions at regular and frequent intervals on paper charts using all available means.
  • Position obtained electronically must be reconfirmed at the first available opportunity by using a second GPS, visual/radar bearing, etc.
  • Alterations of course must be logged.
  • Position fixing duration will be decided by the Master based on proximity to land, obstructions, traffic, and weather conditions.
  • Land fixes should be used as the primary position-fixing method, with GPS as a secondary method.
  • Log positions at least once per watch in the deck logbook when land fixes are shown on the chart.
• For vessels with ECDIS as the primary means of navigation:
  • Manual plotting of position is referred to as “position verification.”
  • GPS is used as the primary means of position verification, while visual/radar fixes are secondary.
  • ECDIS position verification frequency should be defined by the Master and stated in the passage plan (NAV Form 001) under Verification Frequency/Method and ENC.
  • On vessels with ECDIS as primary and paper charts as backup:
    • Open/Deep Sea: Check position verification once every watch.
    • Coastal Passage/Approaching, Anchoring, and Berthing/Un-berthing: Compare ship’s position with other means at least every 60 minutes.
  • On vessels with ECDIS as primary and a second ECDIS as backup:
    • Open/Deep Sea: Check position verification once every watch.
    • Coastal Passage/Approaching, Anchoring, and Berthing/Un-berthing: Compare ship’s position with other means at least every 60 minutes.

9. PASSAGE PLANNING – DEVIATION

• If any changes are made to the passage plan, the OOW must:
  • Complete the Appendix - Deviation in NAV Form 001.
  • Get the Master to check and approve the changes.
  • Obtain signatures from the Master and all deck officers on the amended plan.
  • Attach the amended plan to the original plan.
  • Make a logbook entry stating the time and reason for the change.

10. OFFICE REVIEW OF PASSAGE PLAN

• Random sampling of passage plans and Under Keel Clearance (UKC) & air draft calculations will be carried out.
• The vessel will be notified by the Marine Superintendent when the plans are to be submitted.
• These will also be checked and verified during Superintendent visits and internal audits.

11. REFERENCED FORMS AND CHECKLISTS

• NAV 001: Passage Plan
• NAV 21: GPS Log
• NAV 25: ECDIS T&P Correction Log
• NAV 26: NAVTEX and Navarea Warning Log

12. APPENDICES

• FOM 3.4: Voyage Charts Unavailable – Actions
• FOM 3.5: Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas
• NAV-07: Bridge Preparation for Sea