SAILING COURSE (02-demo)


Sailing Course / Module 5 / Navigation - Passage Planning

Introduction and Learning Outcomes


Passage/voyage planning describes the procedure used to develop a complete description of the vessel's voyage from departure to arrival or ‘berth to berth’. The passage plan is designed to provide all the necessary information required for the bridge team to navigate the vessel safely. It should be comprehensive, detailed and easy to interpret.


OBJECTIVE

In this navigation module you can expect to:

  • learn the basic principles of passage planning;
  • gain a knowledge of the four stages of a passage plan;
  • learn that documents/publications are used to supplement nautical charts;
  • know what a good passage plan must contain;
  • understand how to break the planning stages down into steps to ensure nothing is overlooked or missed;
  • learn how to calculate distances to determine the best route to be taken;
  • have an understanding of the resources to be used in the preparation stages of passage planning, and have knowledge of the best practices used;
  • learn what should be marked on the charts and included in the plan;
  • understand that prior to execution of the plan it must be approved by the master;
  • understand why risk assessments are important to the execution of the plan;
  • gain basic knowledge of the principles of bridge resource management; and,
  • understand why it is important that the plan is monitored and recorded once executed.

Passage planning is a complex subject and carries with it HUGE RESPONSIBILITY. However, while complex it is not difficult if the principles are followed and no stage or step is skipped. It is really just the consideration and compilation of all required information. The completion of a well planned safe passage is incredibly rewarding and satisfying. A skill to be proud of!


The 5 P’s of Life...

Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance