Unit 5
Passage Planning: Berth to Berth
Voyage
Introduction to Passage Planning
• Passage planning is the process of developing a
comprehensive plan for a ship's voyage from
berth to berth.
Purpose:
• A passage plan or voyage plan is developed and
used by a ship's bridge team to find the safest,
most favourable & economical route.
• It Ensures safety, efficiency & compliance with
international and local regulations.
Key Considerations in Passage Planning
1. Navigational Hazards are identified: wrecks,
reefs, obstructions, shallow water.
2. Ensure sufficient sea room & depth is available:
Draft & displacement, depth of water, distance off
dangers.
3. Include appropriate position fixing opportunities.
4. Comply with reporting & ship routeing measures.
5. Comply with local & international regulations.
6. Take into account traffic conditions.
7. Take into account anticipated weather conditions
from berth to berth.
Four Stages of Passage Planning
• Four Key Stages:
1. Appraisal
2. Planning
3. Execution
4. Monitoring
SOLAS chapter V Regulation 34, Annex 24 and 25 -
Guideline for Voyage Planning (IMO Resolution 893(21))
and STCW Code Section A VIII/2 part 3-1 - provide the
guidance for Passage Planning.
Appraisal Stage
1. During appraisal all information relevant to the
passage is gathered & the risks are identified.
2. The ship's master will discuss with the second
mate (the officer in charge of navigational matters)
the voyage order received, destination port and how
he intends to sail there.
3. A general decision is made on the route to be
followed.
4. During this stage it is determined if all the latest
editions of navigational charts & publications
required for the voyage are available & up-to date.
Appraisal Stage
5. Relevant information required for passage planning is
taken from a number of publications such as:
• Admiralty Chart Catalogue:
It shows the area of coverage of charts & publications.
It is used to identify the charts & publications required
for the intended passage.
• Ocean Passages of the World:
Recommended routes based on historical data & includes
details of winds, weather, currents & ice hazards.
• Sailing Directions(Pilot Books):
Detailed coastal and harbor information such as
navigational hazards, buoyage systems, pilotage, port
facilities, tidal streams & currents.
Appraisal Stage
• Routeing Charts:
Published for main oceans for the 12 month period. Includes seasonal
wind, ocean currents, and ice conditions, limits of load line zones, routes
& distances between principal ports
• Admiralty List of Radio Signals(ALRS) 8 Volumes:
Information on maritime communication, radio aids to navigation, Met
observation stations, GMDSS, Pilot services, Vessel Traffic Services &
Reporting Systems, Satellite Navigation System.
• Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals:
Key navigational aids such as lighthouses, buoys, etc.
• Guide to Port Entry:
Detailed information about port facilities, anchorage, and services.
• Tide tables
• Mariners handbook
It contains advice and recommendations on navigation & general
information that is of interest to the mariner.
• Loadline charts
Routeing Charts
Appraisal Stage
6. The information necessary to make an appraisal of the
intended passage will include:
- Currents(direction & rate of set)
- Tides
- Draft of the ship & UKC required at different stages of
the passage.
- Weather reports
- Navigational warnings
- Owner’s & charterers instruction
- Past passage records & personal experiences.
7. All the navigational equipment needed for the passage
are to be checked & ensured to be working in good
condition.
Appraisal Stage
8. An overall assessment of the intended passage is made
by the Master in consultation with the navigation officer
& other deck officers who will be involved.
9. The appraisal will provide the Master & the bridge
team a clear indication of all the areas of danger & the
areas in which it will be possible to navigate safely.
10. Keeping in mind the condition of the ship, her
equipment & any other circumstances a judgement on
the margin of safety which must be allowed in various
sections of intended passage is made & understood by all
concerned.
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PASSAGE PLANNING
PLANNING STAGE
PLANNING STAGE
1. Having made a full appraisal using all information at hand pertaining to
the passage, the OOW, under the authority of the Master is to prepare a
detailed plan for the passage.
2. In this stage, the intended courses of the ship are laid out first on the
small-scale & then transferred onto large scale charts. The courses are laid
out from pier to pier, including the pilotage waters.
3. Clearly mark dangerous areas such as nearby wrecks, shallow water,
reefs, obstructions and any other areas hazardous to navigation as NO-GO
AREAS.
4. Courses are plotted on the largest scale charts clear of areas of danger
allowing for a margin of safety determined by local, company regulations &
Master’s instruction.
5. The safest & shortest route should be selected, however a longer
distance should always be accepted in preference to a shorter more
hazardous route.
PLANNING STAGE
• No-Go areas
A no go area is an area where the vessel cannot /should not go, as that is
dangerous because of a shallow nature or any other surface / sub surface
obstruction identified as dangerous to navigation for seagoing ships or any other
condition which can compromise the safety of the vessel
PASSAGE PLANNING
PLANNING STAGE
PLANNING STAGE
• Margins of safety A safety margin is required around the
no-go areas at a distance that, in the worst probable
circumstances, the part of the ship being navigated (the
bridge) will not pass.
PLANNING STAGE
6. Write the courses and distances on each leg in
pencil.
7. Whenever alteration of courses are shown on the
chart, identify & mark the wheel over (WO) positions &
ranges/bearings from clearly identifiable, conspicuous
shore objects or radar targets. Where possible use
beam bearings for alterations.
8. Abort point & Contingency anchorages should be
clearly marked on the chart.
PLANNING STAGE
• Charted Tracks
• Waypoint
• Course alterations and wheel over points
PLANNING STAGE
Abort Point. Abort point is the point after which there is no
sea room to turn the vessel and return back.
PLANNING STAGE
Contingency Anchorage: These are Pre-planned emergency
anchorages in case of unforeseen circumstances such as ,
engine failure, steering failure, weather etc.
PASSAGE PLANNING
PLANNING STAGE
9. Mark Clearing line and bearings: Clearing bearings are just what
they sound like: bearings that keep you clear of any nearby hazards.
Traditionally, you use a prominent mark on the chart that you'll be
able to identify at a reasonable range, Draw a line on the chart, from
the mark along the safe side of any dangers en route.
PLANNING
10. Parallel Indexing is a technique used as a measure to monitor
the progress of a vessel on the track and to minimize the cross track
distance and to keep vessel at a safe distance from the shoreline or
rock.
Selection of a Suitable Anchorage
Key Considerations:
1. Depth of water at anchorage.
2. Holding ground quality (sand, mud, gravel).
3. Shelter from wind and current.
4. Proximity to the port or intended destination.
5. Local regulations and available services.
