Manual : NAV

Section 2
Prepared by : AP
Passage Planning
Approved by : VK

2 Passage Planning

2.1 Passage Plans

The development of a plan for voyage or passage, as well as the close and continuous monitoring of
the vessel's progress and position during the execution of such a plan, are of essential importance for
safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment.
The guidance provided in this section makes reference to IMO Resolution A.893 (21) – Guidelines
for voyage planning attached, also refer to latest edition of Bridge Procedure Guide.

The NAV- 01 Passage Plan Form is to be used to compile the passage plan. Before planning
can commence, the charts, publications and other information appropriate for the voyage will
need to be gathered together and studied. A passage plan checklist BPG – B9 Passage Plan
Appraisal shall be used and completed to gather information for planning passage plan. NAV-
08 ECDIS voyage planning check list to be used in conjunction prior to departure.

Voyage and passage planning includes appraisal, i.e. gathering all information relevant to the
contemplated voyage or passage; detailed planning of the whole voyage or passage from berth to
berth, including those areas necessitating the presence of a pilot; execution of the plan; and the
monitoring of the progress of the vessel in the implementation of the plan

2.1.1 Appraisal

All information relevant to the contemplated voyage or passage should be considered. The
following items should be taken into account in voyage and passage planning:

 the condition and state of the vessel, its stability, and its equipment; any operational
limitations; its permissible draught at sea in fairways and in ports; its maneuvering
data, including any restrictions;

 any special characteristics of the cargo (especially if hazardous), and its distribution,
stowage and securing on board the vessel;

 the provision of a competent and well-rested crew to undertake the voyage or passage;

 requirements for up-to-date certificates and documents concerning the vessel, its equipment,
crew, passengers or cargo;

 appropriate scale, accurate and up-to-date charts to be used for the intended voyage or
passage, as well as any relevant permanent or temporary notices to mariners and existing
radio navigational warnings;

 accurate and up-to-date sailing directions, lists of lights and lists of radio aids to navigation;

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 relevant up-to-date additional information, including mariners' routeing guides and passage
planning charts, published by competent authorities

 current and tidal atlases and tide tables

 climatological, hydrographical, and oceanographic data as well as other appropriate
meteorological information

 existing ships' routeing and reporting systems, vessel traffic services, and marine
environmental protection measures

 availability of services for weather routeing (if arranged by Charterers/Owners)

 volume of traffic likely to be encountered throughout the voyage or passage

 if a pilot is to be used, information relating to pilotage and embarkation and

 disembarkation including the exchange of information between master and pilot;

 available port information, including information pertaining to the availability of shore-based

emergency response arrangements and equipment

 any additional items pertinent to the type of the vessel or its cargo, the particular areas the
vessel will traverse, and the type of voyage or passage to be undertaken

 The vessel’s controlling operational parameters (maximum draft, air draft, turning data,
minimum under keel clearance required, ‘look ahead’ distance etc.) should be entered;

 The GPS position system input should be set to WGS 84 datum;

 The alarm functions of the ECDIS should be fully operational; they will alert the
operator to any dangers exposed in good time during the voyage;

 Where fitted; the electronic chart coverage for the voyage must be adequate;

 Where fitted; the electronic charts must be fully corrected for the intended voyage;

 For Insurance purposes, Institute Warranty Limits (IWL) – Reference is made to

company circular related to IWL chart.

 Load line Rules

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 BVS Should be utilized for Route optimization and same verified on ECDIS

On the basis of the above information, an overall appraisal of the intended voyage or passage
should be made. This appraisal should provide a clear indication of all areas of danger; those areas
where it will be possible to navigate safely, including any existing routeing or reporting systems
and vessel traffic services; and any areas where marine environmental protection considerations
apply

2.1.2 Planning:

On the basis of the fullest possible appraisal, a detailed voyage or passage plan should be
prepared which should cover the entire voyage or passage from berth to berth, including those
areas where the services of a pilot will be used.

The detailed voyage or passage plan should include the following factors and marked on the chart as
appropriate:

 the plotting of the intended route or track of the voyage or passage on appropriate scale
charts: the true direction of the planned route with leg distances,

 No go areas - all areas of danger,

 existing ships' routeing and reporting systems, vessel traffic services, and any areas
where marine environmental protection considerations apply
 safe speed, having regard to the proximity of navigational hazards along the intended route

or track, the maneuvering characteristics of the vessel and its draught in relation to the
available water depth

 necessary speed alterations en route, e.g., where there may be limitations because of night
passage, tidal restrictions, or allowance for the increase of draught due to squat and heel
effect when turning

 minimum clearance required under the keel in critical areas with restricted water depth

 positions where a change in machinery status is required

 course alteration points – wheel over position, taking into account the vessel's turning circle

at the planned speed and any expected effect of tidal streams and currents

 max allowable cross track error, where appropriate

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 the method and frequency of position fixing, including primary and secondary options, and
the indication of areas where accuracy of position fixing is critical and where maximum
reliability must be obtained

 considerations relating to the protection of the marine environment (garbage disposal limits
/ Ballast water Exchange - limits, ECA emission limits or country specific emission
requirements)

 contingency plans for alternative action to place the vessel in deep water or proceed to a port
of refuge or safe anchorage in the event of any emergency necessitating abandonment of the
plan, taking into account existing shore-based emergency response arrangements and
equipment and the nature of the cargo and of the emergency itself.

 Abort/Cancellation points for critical manoeuvres or geographic navigational constraints

 All Parallel Indexing (PI) points shall be marked on the charts.

 All chart changes to me marked ( Paper Charts)

 Landfall targets and Lights

 Transit, heading marks and leading lines

 Tides and currents

 Position where echo sounder to be activated

 Crossing and high traffic density areas

 Contingency plans

2.1.3 Execution

Having finalized the voyage or passage plan, as soon as time of departure and estimated time
of arrival can be determined with reasonable accuracy, the voyage or passage should be executed
in accordance with the plan or any changes made thereto.

Factors which should be taken into account when executing the plan, or deciding on any
departure therefrom include:

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 the reliability and condition of the vessel's navigational equipment;

 estimated times of arrival at critical points for tide heights and flow;
 meteorological conditions, (particularly in areas known to be affected by frequent periods of
low visibility) as well as weather routeing information;
 daytime versus night-time passing of danger points, and any effect this may have on
position fixing accuracy; and
 traffic conditions, especially at navigational focal points.

It is important for the master to consider whether any particular circumstance, such as the
forecast of restricted visibility in an area where position fixing by visual means at a critical point is
an essential feature of the voyage or passage plan, introduces an unacceptable hazard to the safe
conduct of the passage; and thus whether that section of the passage should be attempted under the
conditions prevailing or likely to prevail. The master should also consider at which specific points of
the voyage or passage there may be a need to utilize additional deck or engine room personnel

2.1.4 Monitoring

The plan should be available at all times on the bridge, signed by all OOW and Master, to allow
officers of the navigational watch immediate access and reference to the details of the plan:

The progress of the vessel in accordance with the voyage and passage plan should be closely
and continuously monitored. Any changes made to the plan should be made consistent with these
Guidelines and clearly marked and recorded

The following guidelines shall be adhered to when monitoring voyage passage progress:

 Understands the capabilities and limitations of the navigational aids and systems being
used and continually monitors their performance
 Navigating officers must not become over-reliant on ECDIS. Frequent checks should be
made of the ECDIS position fixing system (normally GPS) by the use of other means.
 The frequency of position fixing should be such that the vessel cannot run into danger
during the interval between fixes.
 Fixed points such as lighthouses and headlands should always be used in preference to
floating objects, which should be carefully checked for position before being used for
parallel indexing.
 GPS positions shall be cross checked with other means
 Use of radar to check the accuracy of the charted position by comparing the location of
the radar target against the charted symbol;
 To utilize visual cross bearings;
 Active use of Parallel Indexing technique
 Data input from the gyro compass, speed log, radars, echo sounder and other electronic
equipment should be periodically monitored to ensure accuracy.

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Section 2
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Passage Planning
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2.1.5 Debriefing of Passage plan

After completion of voyage, master should conduct debriefing passage plan meeting with his team members to
discuss the planning and execution of the passage. Any weakness to be admitted so that it would help in future to
make more robust passage plan.
During debriefing meeting master should use below questionnaire to assess effectiveness of voyage
1. Was the bridge team composition adequate?
2. Were ENCs and publications suitable for the voyage?
3. Was the UKC experienced during passage as calculated in the passage plan?
4. Was the Position fixing interval stated in passage plan adequate?
5. Scope for improvement in future passage plan

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 Manual : NAV
Section 2
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Passage Planning
Approved by : VK

Pilotage Waters
The Master and the pilot should exchange information regarding Navigational procedures, local
conditions and rules and the ship’s characteristics and, as appropriate, berthing. This
information exchange should be a continuous process that generally continues for the duration
of the voyage. The Vessel must refer to and complete the following Checklist to carry out an
effective

Master/Pilot Exchange:
BPG – A1 Master/Pilot information
Exchange BPG – A2 Pilot Card

When proceeding under a pilot's advice, both the Master and the OOW must constantly review
the pilot's orders and decisions.

The presence of a Pilot does not relieve the Officer of the watch from his duties and obligations.
He should cooperate closely with the Pilot and maintain an accurate check on the vessel's
position and movements.
Alterations of course and/or changes in wheel and/or engine order should be transmitted through
the O.O.W. If he is in any doubt as to the Pilot's actions or intentions, the O.O.W. should seek
clarification from the Pilot and, if still in doubt, notify the Master immediately and take
Whatever action is necessary before the Master arrives.

Any deviation of courses by pilot from the discussed/intended passage plan pilot to berth must
be brought into the notice of Master immediately.
Any doubts regarding the progress of the vessel must immediately be brought to the Master
and/or pilot's attention. If necessary the Master should not hesitate to take the necessary
corrective action.

Vessel shall refer to and complete the Following Checklist when Pilot boards the Vessel:
BPG – B8 Pilotage
BPG – A1 Master/Pilot information Exchange

2.2 Role of OOW

Regardless of who is conning the vessel the OOW must never assume that the Master and/or
pilot are aware of any potential hazardous situation. It is the responsibility of the OOW to advise
the Master/Pilot if the vessel is "off track". He must never hesitate to convey any doubts that he
may have with regard to the safe navigation of the vessel.

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Section 2
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Passage Planning
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In situations where the bridge manning has been increased due to weather conditions or traffic
density the bridge OOW should continue with his duties plotting the course of the vessel.
Additional personnel should be used only for those tasks for which they were specifically
summoned.

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