BRIDGE PROCEDURES Flashcards

1
Q

Describe how you would conduct pre-departure checks

A

Voyage plan
• Passage plan checked and approved
• Charts and publications available
• Route set up and displayed appropriately
• Latest navigational warnings and weather forecast checked

Equipment tests and checks
• Main engine propulsion checks. Thrusters. Emergency stops. DP system.
• Steering gear checks and Stabilisers
• Gyro/magnetic compass and repeaters
• Electronic position fixing systems, ECDIS, Radar(s) and ARPA
• Echo sounder and Speed and distance log
• AIS (voyage data updated and correct) and LRIT
• Navigation lights, shapes and sound signals. Foremast
• Signalling equipment including flags, search lights and signal lamps
• GMDSS communications and GMDSS log
• Internal communications (particularly bridge to engine room/bridge to mooring stations)
• Binoculars, window wipers, blinds, BNWAS, Panel lamp test
Port and pilotage
• Port authorities and harbour master informed
• Pilot Card prepared
• Pilot boarding time confirmed
• Pilot boarding arrangements ready for disembarkation of the Pilot
• Port and VTS channels monitored
Deck
• Anchors cleared away
• Passerelle or gangway retracted and stowed
• Lines checked and flaked
• Capstans and windlasses checked and operational
• Stowage plan complete
• Hull openings secure and watertight
• Stability and draught information available
• Watertight doors closed
• Loadline checked and noted

Customs/shoreside arrangements
•	Clearance to sail received
•	All stores and supplies onboard
•	Garbage discharge appropriately
•	Line handlers arranged
•	Stowaway search completed
After departure
•	Thrusters retracted and shut down
•	Anchors secured
•	VTS reporting complied with
•	Stabilizers active
•	AIS updated
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2
Q

Pre-arrival checks

A

Passage plan
• Pre-arrival documentation complete and sent
• Updated passage plan checked and approved by me Master
• Updated passage plan briefed to the Bridge Team
• Updated route displayed on ECDIS as appropriate
Equipment tests and checks
• Main engine propulsion checks. Thrusters. Emergency stops. RPM and ROT indicators
• Steering gear checked. Both steering pumps active. Stabilisers housed
• Gyro and magnetic compass and repeaters
• Electronic position fixing systems, ECDIS, Radar(s) and ARPA
• Echo sounder
• Navigation lights, shapes and sound signals. Foremast
• Signalling equipment including flags, search lights and signal lamps
• Internal communications (particularly bridge to engine room/bridge to mooring stations)
Deck
• Anchors cleared and ready for use
• Lines checked and flaked
• Capstans and windlasses checked and operational
• Watertight doors closed
Manning
• Bridge team ready
• Cargo/passenger details available
• Engine room informed and ready
• Mooring stations manned and ready
• Personnel briefed on manoeuvre
Port and Pilotage Requirements
• Master/Pilot information exchange checklist completed
• Pilot Card prepared
• Pilot boarding time confirmed
• Pilot boarding arrangements ready for disembarkation of the Pilot
• Port and VTS channels monitored

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3
Q

How would you conduct steering tests?

A

Every watch/After prolonged use of the autopilot. Before entering coastal or congested waters
• Check and confirm rudder response to manual steering from the bridge positions using each steering gear power unit singly and together.
Prior to departure (No more than 12 hours prior to departure)
• Check communications between the bridge and the steering gear compartment
• Test and confirm the operation of the following:
o Main steering gear, Auxiliary steering gear, Remote steering gear
o Steering positions on the bridge
o Rudder angle indicators
o Emergency power supply, Power failure alarms, Automatic isolating arrangements
Emergency steering drills should take place at least every 3 months and should include direct control from within the steering gear compartment, the communications procedure with the bridge and, where applicable, the operation of alternative power supplies.

Checks and tests should consist of the following:
• Confirm the full rudder movement according to the required capabilities of the steering gear;
• Check the timing of rudder movement from hard-over to hard-over, using each steering gear power unit singly and together
• Visually inspect the steering gear and linkages for damage.

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4
Q

Describe a how you would handover a watch at sea

A

The outgoing officer shall:
• ensure that the members of the relieving watch are fully capable of performing their duties
• ensure that the vision of the relieving watch is fully adjusted to the light conditions
• ensure that all standing orders and the Master’s night orders are fully understood
The outgoing officer shall not hand over the watch:
• if there is reason to believe that the relieving officer is not capable of carrying out the watchkeeping duties effectively, in which case the Master should be notified
• when a manoeuvre is in progress until such action has been completed
The relieving officer shall:
• verify the vessel’s estimated or true position, intended track, course and speed
• note any dangers to navigation expected to be encountered during the watch
• be aware of the presence and movement of vessels in sight or known to be in the vicinity
• be aware of prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility
• note the settings of bridge/engine controls and manning of engine room
• note the status of all bridge equipment. note any errors in gyro and magnetic compasses
• give watchkeeping personnel all appropriate instructions and information

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5
Q

What Is the relationship between the master and the pilot?

A

The Master has ultimate responsibility for the safety of the ship and prevention of pollution. The Bridge Team is not relieved of its responsibility for safe navigation following the embarkation of the Pilot.
The Pilot should effectively communicate expert local knowledge, information and advice to the Bridge Team. Pilots should in turn be supported by all appropriate shipboard personnel in their execution of safe navigation
At all times it should be clearly understood by the Bridge Team, including by the Pilot, whether the Master, Pilot or OOW has control of steering and propulsion.

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6
Q

What information should be exchanged between the master and the pilot?

A

The Pilot and the Master should exchange information as soon as practicable after the Pilot has boarded the ship.
• The pilotage plan and the circumstances when deviation from the plan may be required.
• Contingency plans should also be considered. Possible abort points.
• Presentation of a completed standard Pilot Card
• Ship’s dimensions and manoeuvring information should be provided in the form of the Wheelhouse Poster and manoeuvring booklet

  • Updates on local conditions such as weather, depth of water, tides and tidal streams;
  • An update on traffic conditions;
  • Information on berthing arrangements mooring arrangements and other external facilities;
  • Any unusual ship handling characteristics and machinery, navigational equipment and crew limitations
  • All defects that might affect the manoeuvrability of the vessel

• Formal confirmation of the working language.

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7
Q

Watchkeeping under pilotage

A
  • Appropriate scale charts available with route plotted
  • ECDIS terminals are setup correctly for navigation in pilotage waters with route displayed
  • Bridge appropriately manned to: Maintain a proper look-out, Monitor the progress of the ship and navigation safer, Monitor communications between Pilot, shore, tugs and mooring craft, carry out orders and instructions given by pilot
  • Mooring stations informed of berthing arrangements
  • Engine room and mooring stations regularly updated on pilotage progress
  • MPX completed and pilotage plan agreed upon
  • Pilot informed of the location of life-saving appliances provided for their use
  • Appropriate flags and navigation lights or shapes displayed
  • Preparation for departure or arrival checklists complete
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8
Q

What special arrangements would you make when navigating in coastal waters?

A
  • Appropriate scale charts available with route plotted and ECDIS terminals are setup correctly
  • Position of the ship is fixed regularly and cross referenced at appropriate intervals
  • Proximity to shallow water and the effect of squat monitored
  • Bridge manning appropriate to maintain a proper look-out
  • Effects of weather and currents for the area understood. MSI is monitored and plotted as appropriate. Traffic conditions in the area understood
  • Engines ready for immediate use. Helmsman is available at immediate notice
  • Echo sounder checked. Radar performance and Gyro/magnetic compass errors checked
  • Vessel reporting and routeing requirements are understood and followed
  • Measures taken to comply with environmental pollution regulations
  • Ship security procedures understood and followed
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9
Q

What special arrangements would you make when navigating in ocean waters?

A
  • Appropriate scale charts available with route plotted, ECDIS terminals are setup correctly
  • Confirm the ship’s position at appropriate intervals
  • Bridge manning appropriate to maintain a proper look-out
  • Monitor changes in weather and make regular barometer observations
  • Monitor NAVAREA navigational warning broadcasts
  • All measures taken to comply with environmental and pollution prevention regulations
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10
Q

Describe preparations you would make for navigating in ice

A
  • Close all watertight doors
  • Moderate speed as appropriate in the conditions
  • Inform the crew, including the engine room of the proximity of ice
  • Increase the frequency of sounding tanks and bilges
  • Take precautions to ensure machinery is not damaged. Ensure fire mains system does not freeze over.
  • Take measures to prevent ice accretion
  • Monitor ice advisory service broadcasts. Report Dangers in accordance with SOLAS V
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11
Q

Describe an anchor watch

A
  • Check at sufficiently frequent intervals whether the ship is remaining securely at anchor by taking bearings of fixed navigational marks or readily identifiable shore objects
  • Determine and plot the ship’s position on the appropriate chart at appropriate intervals
  • Monitor swinging pattern
  • Ensure that inspection rounds of the ship are made periodically
  • Ensure that proper look-out is maintained
  • Ensure that the ship exhibits the appropriate lights and shapes and that appropriate sound signals are made
  • Ensure that the state of readiness of the main engines and other machinery
  • Ensure vessel access control precautions are maintained. Monitor swim platform.
  • Observe meteorological and tidal conditions and the sea state
  • Ensure the appropriate pollution prevention requirements and regulations are complied with.
  • Maintain record and fill out navigational logbook
  • Write up appropriate night orders. Specifying the conditions and criteria for calling me.
  • Remind the OOW to call me if we are dragging anchor or the visibility deteriorates
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12
Q

What would be included in your standing orders for anchor watch?

A
  • Position fixing frequency and techniques
  • Parameters for calling me
  • Vessels in the vicinity
  • Weather forecast
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13
Q

The OOW wakes you as because the vessel is dragging anchor. What are your actions?

A
  • Start main engines, start thrusters, Start steering pumps
  • Plot position, Check the depth, Check for navigational hazards
  • Inform vessels in the vicinity and Hoist the appropriate flag
  • Muster mooring party in the forward mooring deck
  • Consider attempting to heave anchor or dropping second anchor
  • Consider activating DP at anchor to reduce the swinging and dragging
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14
Q

Action on encountering restricted visibility

A
  • Engage hand steering. Have engines ready for immediate manoeuvre.
  • Advise the engine room and Reduce speed.
  • Exhibit navigation lights and sound the appropriate sound signals
  • Close all watertight doors and openings
  • Fix position
  • Increase bridge manning levels. Post additional lookouts and Carry out a radar watch
  • Comply with the appropriate section of the IRPCS.
  • Consider the possibility of anchoring or stopping the vessel
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15
Q

On what occasions would you request that the OOW calls you?

A

As required by the SMS, the masters standing orders and any daily/night orders
• If restricted visibility is encountered or expected
• If traffic conditions, density or the movements of other ships are causing concern
• In heavy weather, if any doubt about the possibility of weather damage
• When a distress alert has been received or a distress signal has been sighted
• If the ship meets any hazard to navigation, such as ice or a derelict

  • If difficulties are experienced in maintaining course
  • If amendments to the passage plan require immediate approval
  • When there is a significant difference between the latest observed position and the expected position of the ship
  • On failure to sight land, a navigation mark or obtain soundings by the expected time
  • If, unexpectedly, land or a navigation mark is sighted or an unexpected change in soundings occurs
  • If there is a breakdown of the engines, propulsion machinery remote control, steering gear or any essential navigational equipment, alarm or indicator
  • If the communications or GMDSS radio equipment malfunctions
  • If any vessel security concerns arise
  • In any emergency situation
  • In any cases when the situation is beyond the experience of the OOW or if there is any doubt regarding the safety of the ship, or ability to comply with regulatory requirements
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16
Q

Describe preparations you would make for heavy weather

A

• Consider possibility of adjusting the passage plan to avoid the weather

  • Inform the engine room of the weather conditions
  • Inform Galley in advance
  • Inform the crew of the need to avoid exterior areas. Noe exterior work.
  • Rig safety lines/hand ropes where necessary
  • Close and secure all weather deck openings (doors/hatches)
  • Close watertight doors
  • Close all ports and fit deadlights
  • Secure Anchors and equipment
  • Secure Cargo (as appropriate), tenders, appurtenances.
  • Secure Loose or movable objects in cabins and accommodation, on deck, engine room, galley
  • Assess the conditions of stability. Reduce Free surface effect
  • Monitor weather reports and navigational warnings
  • Make weather reports to appropriate authorities under the requirements of SOLAS V
  • Adjust vessel course and speed as necessary to ease vessel/avoid worst of motion
  • Periodic checks of all areas.
17
Q

What is the difference between a pilot card, a wheelhouse poster and a manoeuvring booklet?

A

The pilot card, to be filled in by the master, is intended to provide information to the pilot on boarding the ship. This information should describe the current condition of the ship, with regard to its loading, propulsion and manoeuvring equipment, and other relevant equipment.
The wheelhouse poster should be permanently displayed in the wheelhouse. It should contain general particulars and detailed information describing the manoeuvring characteristics of the ship, and be of such a size to ensure ease of use.
The manoeuvring booklet should be available on board and should contain comprehensive details of the ship’s manoeuvring characteristics and other relevant data

18
Q

What is a pilot?

A

The master of s ship entering a compulsory pilotage area is bound to accept the services of a certified pilot when offered. The pilot must be:
• Certified by the competent authority
• Experienced in ship handing including the use of tugs as appropriate.
• Able to provide a link between the master and local services.
• Has excellent knowledge of local navigational hazards, channels and conditions for which the passage planning may not have picked up upon

19
Q

What action must you take if you are unsure as to the intentions of the pilot?

A

• Probe. Enquire as to the intentions of the pilot.
• Agree or disagree with the pilot.
• Challenge the pilot if it is clear that the pilot is deviating from the pilotage plan
• Emergency. If the pilot is putting the vessel into danger, the pilot must be ordered to stop.
Master should take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the vessel and if necessary, remove the conduct of the vessel from the pilot until agreement or a safe solution to the conflicting actions can be found. If the master pilot relationship is irreparable after this action the master should consider requesting another pilot and taking his vessel to a safe place

20
Q

What is contained in a pilot card?

A
  • Detailed dimensions
  • Anchoring and mooring equipment
  • Characteristics of main engines and thrusters
  • Characteristics of steering system
  • Manoeuvring characteristics in deep and shallow waters. Turning circles
  • Stopping and speed control characteristics. Stopping ability.
21
Q

How would you setup the ECDIS?

A
  • Check primary position fixing system
  • Check system time is configured correctly
  • Ensure ECDIS setup is replicated on all ECDIS units
  • Ensure safety depth and safety contour settings are configured correctly
  • Ensure system units are configured correctly
  • Ensure that all relevant overlays are loaded
  • Ensure that alarms are configured correctly
  • Ensure that targets are configured correctly
  • Ensure the chart motion, chart orientation, screen layout, are configured correctly
  • Ensure the correct route is loaded for route monitoring
22
Q

How would you have the bridge manned?

A
  • Upon entering or leaving port. Myself, OOW, Look-out, Helmsman, CTO
  • Entering restricted waters. Myself, OOW, Look-out, Helmsman,
  • Coastal waters. OOW, Look-out
  • Ocean waters. OOW, Look-out (optional)
  • At anchor. OOW, look-out (optional)
23
Q

When is it possible to have the bridge manned by 1 person?

A

In certain circumstances of clear daylight conditions the Master may consider that the OOW may be the sole look-out. On each occasion the Master should ensure that:
• The prevailing situation has been carefully assessed and it has been established without a doubt that it is safe to do so;
• Full account has been taken of all relevant factors including but not limited to:
o state of the weather
o visibility
o traffic density
o proximity of dangers to navigation
o the attention necessary when navigating in or near traffic separation schemes
o design and layout of the bridge arcs of visibility
o radar equipment fitted and their limitations with respect to navigation
o other duties that the officer may have to engage in and which could be a distraction such as: operation of GMDSS and other communications equipment, navigational maintenance such as completion of logs and other record keeping and correction of charts and publications, routine testing and maintenance of bridge equipment
• In any event, an OOW acting as sole look-out should always be able to fully perform both the duties of a look-out and those of keeping a safe navigational watch. Assistance must be immediately available to be summoned to the bridge when any change in the situation so requires.

24
Q

Factors to be taken into account when composing a bridge watch

A
  • fatigue
  • weather conditions and visibility
  • proximity of navigational hazards which may make it necessary for the officer in charge of the watch to carry out additional navigational duties
  • use and operational condition of navigational aids
  • whether the vessel is fitted with automatic steering
  • whether there are radio duties to be performed
  • unmanned machinery space (UMS) alarms, controls and indicators provided on the bridge, procedures for their use and limitations
  • any unusual demands on the navigational watch that may arise as a result of special operational circumstances
25
Q

What are the duties of the OOW when performing the navigational watch?

A

keep the watch on the bridge and in no circumstances leave the bridge until properly relieved by an appropriate officer
Continue to be responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel despite the presence of the Master on the bridge until informed specifically that the Master has assumed the con and this is mutually understood
Notify the Master when in any doubt as to what action to take in the interests of safety
continue to be responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel despite the presence of a pilot on board if in any doubt as to the pilot’s actions or intentions, seek clarification from the pilot; if doubt still exists, they should notify the Master immediately and take whatever action is necessary until the Master arrives
not undertake any other duties that would interfere or compromise the keeping of a safe navigational watch. Ensure there are no distractions caused by the use of domestic radios, cassettes, CD players, personal computers, television sets, mobile phones, etc
Have available at all times, the services of a qualified helmsman in areas of high traffic density, in conditions of restricted visibility and in all hazardous navigational situations ensure the vessel is in hand steering
keep a proper record during the watch on the movement and activities relating to the navigation of the vessel
Put the steering into manual control in good time to allow any potentially hazardous situation to be dealt with in a safe manner. Officers are further reminded that when the vessel is in automatic steering it is highly dangerous to allow a situation to develop to the point where the OOW is without assistance and has to break the continuity of the look-out in order to take emergency action
Use the radar at all times in areas of high traffic density and whenever restricted visibility is encountered or expected and shall have due regard to its limitations.
At sufficiently frequent intervals during the watch check the vessel’s position, course and speed using all appropriate navigational aids and means necessary to ensure that the vessel follows the planned track. Take fixes at frequent intervals, using multiple methods.

26
Q

You sight a vessel aground

A
  • Stop the vessel
  • Close watertight doors
  • Fix position. Fix position of the other vessel
  • Check depth
  • Carry out a chart assessment.
  • Contact other vessel (Find out draught and time of running aground). Offer assistance
  • Pass well clear astern
27
Q

How would you transmit a distress call via GMDSS?

A
  • VHF DSC VHF channel 70,
  • VHF R/T channel 16 (156.8 MHz)
  • MF DSC 2187.5 kHz,
  • MF R/T 2182 KHz
  • HF DSC 8414.5 kHz, 4207.5 kHz, 6312 kHz, 12577 kHz or 16804.5 kHz;
  • HF R/T
  • SAT C
  • EPIRB
28
Q

How would you transmit a distress message on R/T?

A

MIPDANIO

29
Q

What are the distress signals?

A
  • a gun or other explosive signals fired at intervals of about a minute;
  • a continuous sounding with any fog-signalling apparatus;
  • rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals;
  • a signal made by any signalling method consisting of … — … (SOS) in the Morse Code;
  • a signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word .MAYDAY.;
  • the International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.;
  • a signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball
  • flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.);
  • a rocket parachute flare or a hand-flare showing a red light;
  • a smoke signal giving off orange-coloured smoke;
  • slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side;
  • a distress alert by means of digital selective calling (DSC) transmitted on VHF, or MF/HF
  • a ship-to-shore distress alert transmitted by the ship’s mobile satellite service provider
  • signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons;
  • survival craft radar transponders.
  • a piece of orange-coloured canvas with either a black square and circle
  • a dye marker.
30
Q

Preparations prior to entering ice

A

Deck Preparations
• measures have been taken to prevent damage to Vessel, Machinery, Pipelines and Equipment prior entry into areas with Freezing Conditions.
• Freshwater lines outside accommodation and E/R should be drained
• Freeze prevention for Fresh and Sea Water Tanks.
• Ensure full tanks have sufficient void to allow for expansion.
Crew Protection
• Crew shall be well equipped with warm working gear.
• Crew work shall be planned such that they are less exposed to cold weather.
• Heating in accommodation shall be checked for satisfactory working.
• Consideration for adding de-icing salt to prevent slipping could be carried out.
• All personnel shall be instructed in hazards of working in freezing conditions.
Nautical Instruments
• Continuous operation of the Radar
• Turn on Navigation Lights at all times (at sea).
• Switch on Heaters of the Air horn, Bridge Clear View Screen, Windows, etc.

31
Q

What is Ice accretion? How can you prevent it?

A

Accumulation of ice on the ship´s structure caused by fog, freezing drizzle, spray or seawater breaking over a vessel. Can severely compromise the stability of a vessel.
Reduce the amount of seaspray over the bow by reducing the apparent wind speed. Break the ice as soon as it forms

32
Q

How does ice affect the navigation equipment?

A
  • Radar. Ice can be difficult to detect.
  • Gyrocompass. Loses it´s horizontal deflective force.
  • Magnetic compass. The horizontal component of the earth´s magnetic field decreases.
  • A satellite compass is recommended
  • GNSS coverage is not as good due to the availability of satellites
  • Position fixing by visual bearings is more difficult in terms of identification of conspicuous objects.