Navigation & Passage Planning Flashcards
1
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
Which IMO convention establishes the principles for maintaining a safe navigational watch?
A
The International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)
2
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
When may a vessels bridge be manned by only one officer?
A
If approved by the master, sole lookout may be appropriate in daylight, good visibility, an appropriate navigational and traffic situation, and when a lookout is immediately available to be summoned to the bridge whenever the OOW deems it necessary.
3
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
How might the status of engine room manning affect the bridge?
A
Many vessels operate with unmanned machinery spaces (UMS) on passage. When they do, this may increase the number of alarms that sound on the bridge, increasing the workload on the OOW. This should therefore be taken into account when considering the appropriate level of bridge manning.
4
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
Who just always be physically on the bridge when the vessel is underway?
A
A suitably qualified watchkeeping officer
5
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
How might bridge manning levels change during a passage?
A
The master may decide to increase bridge manning levels during bad weather, poor visibility, or when the vessel is close to navigational hazards or areas of high traffic density. The bridge manning may also vary from day to night if the vessel operates with a sole lookout by day.
6
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
What is the difference between a lookout and a helm?
A
A lookout is focused on maintaining a good lookout, whereas a helm is focused on steering the vessel. If the lookout is asked to take the wheel, they are not considered able to maintain a good lookout, unless on a small vessel with unobstructed all around visability.
7
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
When should the OOW not commence the handover?
A
The OOW should not commence the handover if they are in doubt whether the relieving Watch are capable of carrying out their duties, such as through intoxication with drugs/alcohol or due to fatigue. They should also not commence the handover when a maneuver is in progress.
8
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
What should occur before the handover begins?
A
The relieving officer should be given time to allow their eyes to adjust and to begin to gain situational awareness. They should also review the masters standing and/or night orders.
9
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
If the relieving officer is fatigued to the point that the OOW believes that they will not be able to safely carry out the watch, what should they do?
A
They should immediately call the master and not handover the watch.
10
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
What should the handover process at sea end with?
A
A formal and explicit exchange with of the conn.
11
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
When the master is on the bridge, who gives helm orders?
A
It depends on which of the officers on the bridge at the time has the conn. The presence of the master on the bridge doesn’t relieve the OOW of the responsibility to keep a safe watch until formally and explicitly relieved.
12
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
Which MGN gives guidance on the maintenance of a safe navigational watch?
A
MGN 315 (M) - keeping a safe navigational watch on merchant vessels.
13
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
Which part of the STCW convention relates to watchkeeping?
A
Chapter VIII.
Part A of the STCW code contains standards regarding watchkeeping
Part B contains guidance regarding watchkeeping
14
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
What are the three key priorities of a safe navigational watch?
A
- Safety of crew/guests
- Safety of the vessel
- Protection of the marine environment
15
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
Which of the COLREGS require the maintenance of a good lookout?
A
Rule 5
16
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
What must the OOW do regarding the passage plan in order to maintain a safe navigational watch?
A
The OOW must execute the approved passage plan and inform the master if they need to deviate from the planned track and/or leave the planned cross-track corridor.
17
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
Is the OOW permitted to operate the engines without seeking permission from the master?
A
Yes. The engines must always be at the disposal of the OOW so that they can take action if necessary.
18
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
What should the OOW do if they are on the bridge with the pilot and they are in doubt as to their action or intentions?
A
The OOW should seek clarification from the pilot and if doubt still exists, they just notify the master immediately and take whatever action they deem necessary before the master arrives.
19
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
When and why is the pilot card used?
A
The pilot card is presented to the pilot by the master during the master/pilot exchange. It provides an overview of the vessels particulars, current condition and crucial maneuvering information.
20
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
How should the bridge be manned while at anchor?
A
Although the STCW code does permit the master some leeway, the best practice dictates that the bridge should be manned by a suitable qualified officer at all times while at anchor.
21
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
Which code gives guidance on the keeping a watch at anchor, in port and during cargo operations?
A
The STCW code
22
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
What action should the OOW take on receiving a weather warning?
A
The OOW should immediately inform the master.
23
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
How should the OOW monitor the vessels position while at anchor?
A
The OOW should continuously monitor the vessels position using a variety of independent means, such as radar ranges and bearing from conspicuous points and/or visual bearings/transits, in addition to GNSS/ECDIS anchor Watch functions.
24
Q
Keeping a Safe Watch:
When keeping a deck watch in port, what should the OOW monitor regarding the crew?
A
The OOW should monitor the crew and ensure that they are working safely and using appropriate PPE and that risk assessments, permits to work and toolbox talks are in place. They should also ensure that sufficient crew are onboard at all times to enable the vessel to respond to an emergency.
25
**Keeping a Safe Watch:**
What action should the OOW take when they suspect that the vessel is dragging anchor?
They should immediately call the master. In the time it takes the master to come to the bridge or if they cannot be reached, the OOW should take all actions required for the safety of the vessel, such as mustering the anchor party and veering more chain and/or ordering the engine room to start main engines.
26
**Keeping a Safe Watch:**
What is the alcohol limit for seafarers?
STCW mandates an alcohol limit of no greater than 0.05% blood alcohol or 0.25mg/l in breath.
The Railway & Transport Safety act 2003 adds a limit of 67mg/1000ml of urine.
27
**Keeping a Safe Watch:**
What are the minimum hours of rest?
1. 10 hours in 24 hour period
2. 77 hours in a 7 day period
3. Those hours may be divided into no more than 2 periods, one of which shall be at least 6 hours long
4. The interval between consecutive periods of rest should not exceed 14 hours
28
**Keeping a Safe Watch:**
What international conventions contain the hours of rest requirements?
They were originally laid down in the IMO’s STCW and were then incorporated into the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
29
**Keeping a Safe Watch:**
The 2nd Officer arrives on the bridge for a handover looking severely fatigued. What should the officer going OOW do?
1. Call the master
2. Do not commence handover
3. Continue to maintain a safe navigational watch
4. Once on the bridge, inform the master of the situation and await their instructions
30
**Keeping a Safe Watch:**
How should hours of rest be recorded?
Each seafarer just keep a daily record of their hours of rest which just be submitted to the master and signed by both parties. The seafarer must be given a copy and the records just be kept onboard for at least one year.
31
**Keeping a Safe Watch:**
In the context of hours of rest, what is compensatory rest?
Compensatory rest must be given when a seafarer who was on call had their rest period disrupted by alarms or callouts. This is to make up for the rest time which was lost.
32
**Keeping a Safe Watch:**
When may the master suspend the hours of rest requirements?
During emergencies or overriding operational conditions, where essential work cannot be delayed for safety, security or environmental reasons or could not reasonably have been anticipated at the commencement of the voyage.
33
**Keeping a Safe Watch:**
What is the difference between tiredness and fatigue?
Tiredness is a temporary state of reduced alertness and performance due to insufficient sleep
Fatigue is more chronic and profound exhaustion that can result from prolonged exhertion or inadequate rest over a long period
34
**Passage Planning:**
What is the acronym for the four stage process of passage planning?
APEM
1. Appraisal
2. Planning
3. Execution
4. Monitoring
35
**Passage Planning:**
Which IMO Resolution relates to passage planning?
IMO Resolution A. 893(21) - Guidelines for voyage planning
36
**Passage Planning:**
Which chapter of SOLAS relates to passage planning?
Chapter V (Safety of Navigation). Of particular relevance are regulation 34 (Safe navigation and avoidance of dangerous situations), annex 24 (Voyage planning) and annex 25 (Guidelines for voyage planning)
37
**Passage Planning:**
Which stage of the APEM process involves gathering together information from all relevant sources?
Appraisal
38
Which stage of the process commences shortly before departure?
Execution
39
**Passage Planning:**
The rule of thumb is that we should always plan and navigate on the ____ ____
Chart available.
Largest chart
40
**Passage Planning:**
How may the SMS affect the passage plan?
The SMS will outline the company’s procedures that relate to passage planning. This is likely to include supporting documentation and company policies for things like minimum UKC, ECDIS contours, etc.
41
**Passage Planning:**
What does CATZOC stand for and what does it indicate
Category zone of confidence
Indicates the accuracy of the electronic chart data
42
**Passage Planning:**
How often are Cumulative Notice to Marina’s published?
Twice a year in January and July
43
**Passage Planning:**
What do weekly NM’s contain?
Updates for charts and publications so that they can be kept up-to-date
44
**Passage Planning:**
What does Ocean Passages for the world (NP 136) contain?
This publication shows common deep-sea voyages on major routes, with details of weather, currents, ice hazards, load line zones and distances between major ports. Individual chapters cover each of the world’s oceans, with details of the weather, climate, wind, currents, swell, seasonal factors and ice hazards.
45
**Passage Planning:**
Which volume of ALRS contains information on pilot services, vessel traffic services and port operations?
Admiralty List of Radio Signals - Volume 6
46
**Passage Planning:**
How are the sailing directions used for passage planning?
They contain vital information for passage planning on port approach and coastal navigation, including…
- navigational hazards,
- buoyage,
- pilotage,
- regulations,
- general notes on the countries port facilities, seasonal currents, ice and climate conditions.
47
**Passage Planning:**
When are the Masters preferences likely to be incorporated into the passage planning process?
The Master will express their preferences to the OOW at the beginning of the APEM process, although there may be additional comments made during the Masters review once the appraisal and planning stage have been completed
48
**Passage Planning:**
Who just give the final approval of a passage plan?
The master, once a full review has been completed.
49
**Passage Planning:**
Where does the masters review fall into the passage planning process?
At the end of the planning stage but before the execution stage commences.
50
**Passage Planning:**
How are no go areas highlighted on an electronic chart?
Most no go areas will be highlighted automatically by the safety contour, but the OOW may use user chart objects to highlight additional areas of hazard.
51
**Passage Planning:**
What will provide guidance on the companies procedures relating to the passage plan?
The safety management system
52
**Passage Planning:**
What is a commit point or an abort point?
A commit point is a point of no return after which it will be much more difficult to bring the vessel into a safe area. Prior to passing the commit point, the bridge team must have ensured that key systems are online and tested, and to agree that the cease is able to continue the approach.
53
**Passage Planning:**
Where just the passage plan start and finish?
Berth to berth so that it covers the entire passage.
54
**Passage Planning:**
A vessel has a service speed of 10 knots. The distance of the passage is 140 nm.
If the vessel was to depart at 1800, when is the ETA?
0800 the next day
55
**Passage Planning:**
When does the execution stage of the passage plan commence?
Once an accurate ETD and ETA are known or as departure time nears, if known in advance.
56
**Passage Planning:**
With regard to timings, what would be ascertained during the execution stage of APEM?
ETAs and tidal conditions for critical points of the passage plan, as well as a review of manning levels at those points.
57
**Passage Planning:**
How must the vessels progress along the passage plan be monitored?
Continuously and closely using all available means and not relying on one source of position input such as GNSS
58
**Passage Planning:**
When does the monitoring stage of the APEM process start and finish?
The monitoring stage will commence on departure and continue until the vessel has arrived at its destination
59
**Passage Planning:**
What process should be followed if the OOW feels it necessary to deviate from the planned passage?
1. Inform the Master
2. Draw up an amendment to the passage plan
3. Seek the approval of the master for the amended plan
4. Implement the amendment
60
**Charts and Publications:**
On which chart projection does a line of constant direction create a straight line?
Mercator chart
61
**Charts and Publications:**
Which chart projection is used to more easily plot a great circle?
Gnomic
62
**Charts and Publications:**
What is chart projection?
The way in which the spherical shape of the earth is projected onto a flat surface
63
**Charts and Publications:**
Distances are distorted more at higher latitudes on which type of chart?
Mercator
64
**Charts and Publications:**
Which projection is used for most charts found onboard vessels?
Mercator
65
**Charts and Publications:**
On which chart can you find mean sea surface pressure for the time of year?
Routing chart
66
**Charts and Publications:**
What’s the difference between a Routing Chart and a Mariners Routing guide?
Routing charts are used to assist with high-level route planning for ocean passages, whereas Mariners, Routing Guides provide essential routing information for busy and complex shipping routes
67
**Charts and Publications:**
What are Maritime Security Charts used for?
They aid passage planning through key areas of the world where there are significant security risks
68
**Charts and Publications:**
Why can Port Approach Guides be useful for the Master-Pilot Exchange?
They bring together key information for an entire port entry/exit and present it on one chart
69
**Charts and Publications:**
How many types of chart are produced by the UKHO?
There are five types of chart:
1. Standard Nautical chart
2. Port approach guide (withdrawn 20 April 2023)
3. Maritime security chart
4. Mariners Routing guides
5. Routing Charts
70
**Charts and Publications:**
What information do routing charts contain?
They include routes and distances between major ports, ocean currents, ice limits, load lines and weather related information, such as wind roses, sea/air temperatures, frequency/intensity of storms and average air pressure
71
**Charts and Publications:**
Which electronic chart type is preferable when navigating with an ECDIS unit?
ENC
72
**Charts and Publications:**
Does a small scale chart represent more or less land/sea area?
More. A small scale chart uses a smaller scale to represent more land/sea area on a single chart
73
**Charts and Publications:**
Which scale is an ENC at scale 6?
Berthing
74
**Charts and Publications:**
What is an ECDIS called when it is used to display RNCs?
A Raster Chart Display System (RCDS)
75
**Charts and Publications:**
Which electronic chart type enables the interrogation of chart data?
ENC’s
76
**Charts and Publications:**
Which electronic chart type is a database of information which is then represented graphically to the user?
ENC’s
77
**Charts and Publications:**
Which electronic chart type can make it easier information on berth, names/numbers?
RNCs, because this information is often harder to find on ENC’s and can be laid out less clearly
78
**Charts and Publications:**
What is the abbreviation for Wreck?
Wk
79
**Charts and Publications:**
Which UKHO publication provides information about the symbols used on paper charts?
NP 5011 - Symbols and abbreviations used on Admiralty Paper Charts
80
**Charts and Publications:**
Which UKHO publication provides information about the symbols used on electronic charts?
NP 5012 Admiralty Guid to ENC Symbols used in ECDIS
81
**Charts and Publications:**
What does M.fS.bkSh mean on a chart?
Mud, fine sand, broken shell
82
**Charts and Publications:**
What does VQ mean on a chart?
Light flashing very quick
83
**Charts and Publications:**
what does a letter situated within a magenta diamond indicate on a chart?
This is a Tidal diamond, which can be used in conjunction with the table situated on the chart to determine the tidal streams in that location for hours before and after high water.
84
**Charts and Publications:**
Which UKHO publication supports passage planning of port approach and coastal navigation and also contains detailed information on ports?
Admiralty Sailing Directions
85
**Charts and Publications:**
Which UKHO Publication provides information on the GMDSS system?
ALRS Volume 5 - Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems
86
**Charts and Publications:**
Which two UKHO publications are used during celestial navigation?
The Nautical Almanac and the Admiralty Sight Reduction Tables for Marine Navigation
87
**Charts and Publications:**
Which piece of software has largely replaced the use of Admiralty Tide Tables and Tidal Stream Atlases onboard?
Admiralty Total Tides (ATT)
88
**Charts and Publications:**
What is an AENP?
Admiralty Electronic Nautical Publication
89
**Charts and Publications:**
Which UKHO publication gives contact details and procedures for ports around the world?
ALRS Volume 6 - Pilot services, vessel traffic services and port operations
90
**Charts and Publications:**
Which volume of IAMSAR is carried by vessels?
Volume III - Mobile facilities
91
**Charts and Publications:**
Which UKHO publication contains information on international standard and daylight savings time and dates?
ALRS Volume 2 - Radio AIDS to Navigation, differential GPS (DGPS) legal time, radio time signals and electronic position fixing system
92
**Charts and Publications:**
You are on passage and notice that the planned track can be safely shortened. Would you make the change and alter course?
No. The Master is always required to approve any changes to the passage plan.
93
**Charts and Publications:**
How many reasons to call the Master are given in the STCW Code?
Ten
94
**Charts and Publications:**
Which two reasons to call the Master relate to navigation marks?
The OOW should call the Master if they fail to sight a navigational mark that they expected to see or if they see a navigation mark that they didn’t expect to see.
95
**Charts and Publications:**
Which two reasons to call the Master relate to the COLREGs?
The OOW should call the Master if the traffic conditions or the movements of the other vessels are a cause for concern (I.e. if another vessel is behaving inappropriately) and if in doubt (I.e. if the OOW is not sure what the correct action is in a situation)
96
**Charts and Publications:**
How do the OOW’s responsibilities change when the Master enters the bridge?
They don’t change. The presence of the Master on the Bridge does not relive the OOW of their responsibility to maintain a safe watch until the Master has formally taken the conn.
97
**Charts and Publications:**
In general terms, how should the OOW call the Master?
The OOW should call the Master by whatever means are appropriate, be explicit about the need for the Master to come to the Bridge. When the Master arrives, the OOW should brief them precisely and concisely on the situation and, where appropriate, make suggestions to help the Master’s decision making process
98
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
How long do temporary NTMs typically last for?
3-6months
99
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
What is AIO, in the context of ECDIS?
Admiralty Information Overlay
Contains navigational information, including Ts & Ps, and is designed to be displayed over an ENC on an ECDIS to provide the OOW with additional information during passage planning.
100
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
How often are cumulative lists of NTM’s published and what are they used for?
Twice a year in January and July to aid with identification of outstanding NTMs and to provide an audit trail for chart and publication corrections
101
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
Where and when is the Cumulative Summary of Amendments to Sailing Directions Published?
It’s published annually (in January), as part of the Annual summary of NTMs
102
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
Why are preliminary notices published?
They are issued to warn that important changes affecting navigation will take place soon or when change affecting navigation has taken place but full information is not yet available
103
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
How many sections are there in the weekly NTMs?
Eight.
They include the
1. explanatory notes and publications list
2. Updates to standard Nautical Charts,
3. reprints of NAVAREA 1 navigation warnings
and five further sections containing updates to various publications and the Admiralty Digital Services.
104
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
Where would you find a summary of the Ts and Ps still in force at the start of the year?
The Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners (NP 247)
105
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
What are Notices to Mariners?
Notices to Mariners advise seafarers of important changes to charts and publications. They contain all of the corrections, alterations and amendments for the UKHO’s charts and publications and are published in three different formats; weekly, annually and cumulatively
106
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
How frequently are chart corrections published in NTMs?
Weekly
107
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
Complex chart corrections are often promulgated in what format?
As a block or patch which can be cut out and stuck on to the chart
108
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
What should the OOW do with the NTM index of chart corrections?
They should cross check the NTM index against the vessels chart folio index and make a list of which charts require correction
109
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
Small chart corrections are usually printed on what type of paper and why?
Translucent tracing paper which can be overlaid onto the chart
110
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
Which publication contains all symbols and abbreviations used on paper charts?
NP 5011 - Symbols and Abbreviations used on Admiralty Paper Charts
111
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
Why is Magenta ink used for chart corrections?
It stands out clearly as a correction but ensures that the correction will not disappear under red lightning
112
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
How often are AVCS, DVDs published?
Every week
113
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
If more than one update DVD arrives onboard at the same time, what must the OOW do?
The DVDs are cumulative so only the latest ones need to be loaded
114
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
What is the latest edition of the S-52 Presentation Library?
Edition 4.0
115
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
What is a cell permit?
Permits control which cells the ECDIS unit will display. They can be purchased for periods from three to twelve months
116
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
How can the OOW or Master verify that the latest updates have been applied to the ECDIS?
It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, each ECDIS should be able to run an ENC update Status Report which will confirm to which week the cell have been updated.
117
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
How should chart 1 be used on an ECDIS?
Chart 1 can be used to ensure that the new symbols introduced in edition 4.0 of the S-52 Presentation Library are displayed correctly
118
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
Which section of the weekly NTMs contains corrections for the Sailing Directions?
Section IV
119
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
What are the two methods of correcting paper nautical publications?
Either pasting the correction directly into the publication over the affected information or crossing out the affected information and storing the correction in a separate file
120
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
What are the two stages of the correction process for paper nautical publications?
Apply the correction to the publication and record the correction in the correction index inside the front cover
121
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
How often are new editions of ALRS published?
They are published annually, with the exception of ALRS Volume 4 which is published every 18 months
122
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
Which paper nautical publications are corrected using notices to mariners?
Admiralty Sailing Directions
Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals
Miscellaneous Admiralty Nautical Publications such as Mariners Handbook
123
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
AENPs meet the carriage requirements of which convention?
SOLAS Chapter V
124
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
What’s the difference between Admiralty e-Nautical Publications and Admiralty Digital Publications?
Admiralty e-Nautical Publications are a way of accessing nautical publications as e-books rather than hard copies but the content itself is identical to the paper versions. Admiralty Digital Publications are standalone software products which allow access to the information in a much more interactive format
125
**Updating Charts and Publications:**
How many Admiralty Digital Publications are there
1.Digital List of Lights
2. Digital Radio Signals
3. Total Tides
126
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
Will the high tide be highest during springs or neap tides?
Spring tides
127
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What is the primary reference point for heights and depths on a chart?
Chart Datum also known as Lowest Astronomical Tide
128
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What is drying hight?
Areas of the seabed or land which are higher than chart datum and would therefore be uncovered (dry) by the stated amount if the hight of tide was zero.
129
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
what is the charted vertical clearance and why is this important?
It’s the hight of the lowest point of a bridge or obstruction, normally measured from the highest astronomical tide (HAT). The OOW needs to know the charted vertical clearance in order to calculate weather or not the vessel will be able to pass safely underneath the obstruction
130
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What are MHWN and MLWN?
MHWN is the average hight of high water above chart datum during neap tide and MLWN is the average hight of low water above chart datum during neap tides. The difference between the two values is the Neap Range.
131
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
Why do neap tides result in smaller tidal ranges than spring tides?
During neap tides the moon and sun are not in alignment. This means that their gravitational forces are not adding to each other and so the tidal bulges which these forces create are at their smallest.
132
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What is a secondary port?
Ports for which tidal heights and times have to be determined using a correction from a specified standard port
133
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
On a UKHO paper chart, what does the green area indicate?
Drying heights
134
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What does total depth mean?
The actual depth of water in a position at a certain time, combining charted depth and hight of tide
135
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
On a UKHO paper chart, what does it mean when a depth sounding has a line underneath the larger number?
It means that it’s a negative depth sounding, I.e. drying hight
136
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
Using the data, calculate the vessels UKC
Charted depth = 3.2m
Hight of tide = 4.8m
Draft = 2.9m
Total depth = Charted depth + Hight of tide
3.2 + 4.8 = 8m
UKC = Total depth - draft
8 - 2.9 = 5.1m
137
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
When does square typically begin to occur?
When the total depth is less than twice the vessels draft. This typically defines the term shallow water for particular vessels
138
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What is Minimum UKC?
Minimum UKC is the lowest UKC that the Master or Company are happy for the vessel to have at any time. They will typically document this value in the Masters Standing Orders or the Company’s SMS
139
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What is air draft?
The vertical distance from the waterline to the highest point of the ship
140
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What is charted vertical clearance?
The height of the lowest point of a bridge or obstruction, normally measured from the highest astronomical tide
141
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What is the significance of a negative value with calculating clearance under a bridge?
A negative clearance value means that the vessel is taller than the bridge and will therefore collide with it
142
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
Which two values are added to calculate the height of a bridge above chart datum?
The Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) and the charted vertical clearances of the bridge
143
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
Why are there two columns for rates in the tidal diamond table?
Because rates vary between springs and neap tides. The left one is for rates at spring tides and the right one is for rates at neap tides
144
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What is the symbol for a tidal diamond?
A magenta diamond with a capital letter inside
145
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What piece of information is required before the tidal diamond table can be used?
The high water time in the designated Standard Port. This would be obtained from the Admiralty Tide Tables
146
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
How many hours are given in a tidal diamond table?
Thirteen. Six hours before high water, high water and then six after high water
147
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
If the arrow on the Tidal Stream Atlas has (09,21) written next to it, what is the tidal stream during a neap tide?
0.9knots
148
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
what does the direction of the arrow on a Tidal Stream Atlas indicate?
The direction in which the current is flowing in that position
149
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What does the size of the arrow on a Tidal Stream Atlas indicate?
It is a geographic representation of the strength of the current in that position. Longer and thicker arrows indicate locations with stronger currents
150
**Tides, Currents and Clearances:**
What will be the effect of a favorable current?
A favorable current will increase the vessel’s speed over the ground (SOG)
151
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
When the water level is falling, what type of tide is it?
Ebb tide
152
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
What are tidal curves used for?
To determine tidal height at a specific time for periods between high and low water
153
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
In the context of a tidal curve, what is a sloping line?
The line connecting the high water and low water heights on the left-hand side of the tidal curve diagram?
154
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
How must seasonal corrections be applied when calculating the height of tide for a secondary port?
The seasonal correction for the standard port must be removed before the difference are calculated. Seasonal corrections for the secondary port must then be applied to the secondary port once the differences have been applied.
155
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
What information does the secondary port tide tables provide?
In addition to the number, name and location of the port, they provide differences between the standard port and the secondary port in question for high and low water times and heights
156
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
Between which two points do you draw the sloping line on the tidal curve?
High water and low water
157
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
What does the time axis below the tidal curve use as a reference point?
The time of high water. The scale enables intervals before or after high water to be ascertained
158
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
Why is the interpolation factor important when using tidal curves?
Tidal curves have lines for both neap and spring tides. When the range is neither neap nor springs, the user must calculate the interpolation factor to enable them to decide which point between the two curves to use
159
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
Why might someone wish to calculate the Hight of tide for a specific time?
Minimum Hight of tide to enter a port or maximum hight to pass under a bridge
160
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
What is a standard port?
A standard port is a port for which tidal predictions are directly given in the table
161
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
Why do tidal Stream Atlases have multiple chartlets for each area?
Because each chartlet indicates the expected tidal streams for different hours before and after high water
162
**Tidal Hight and Stream Calculations:**
What is the computation rates table used for, with regard to tidal streams?
It’s used to make a more accurate calculation of the tidal streams given in the tidal stream atlases
163
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Which scale on the chart can we use to measure distances?
Latitude scale
164
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Why should we always try to plot using three lines of position?
To ensure accuracy and make it easier to identify if one line of position is erroneous
165
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What is the correct symbology for a position fix obtained using two bearings and one range?
The bearing should have an arrow on the end of the line of position, pointing away from the object. The ranges should have an arrow at each end of the arc, pointing outwards. The fix should be highlighted using a circle and the time should be marked next to the fix
166
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
How should the OOW select points from which to take multiple ranges or bearings?
They should ensure that they are easily identifiable, conspicuous points and that they are equally spaced around the horizon, ideally around 60° apart
167
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
How can you plot your vessel’s position at anchor without GPS or Radar?
Horizontal Sextant Angle (HSA)
168
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
How many lines of position does a running fix require?
One
This LOP is then transferred to create a second LOP, forming a fix.
169
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Between a running fix and a fix from doubling the angle on the bow; which is more accurate?
A running fix is more accurate because it incorporates set and drift into the final position.
170
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Plane and Parallel sailing produce what kind of course?
A Rhumb line course
171
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Which symbol is added to a DR position?
DR positions are marked with the time and no other symbology
172
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Out of a DR and an EP, which gives us a more accurate understanding of the vessel’s position?
An EP because it takes into account the set and drift experienced by the vessel during the time period.
173
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What is the correct symbology for an EP?
A triangle and the time.
174
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What is the difference between a tidal stream and a current?
A tidal stream is caused by tidal movement as a result of gravitational force of the sun and the moon, whereas a current is a non-tidal movement of water mainly due to wind, oceanographic or topographical causes
175
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Why must the OOW not rely on EP’s and DR’s to monitor the vessel’s position?
Although reliable over short term, errors with the heading/speed inputs and the effects of wind, tide and current can build up rapidly over time, making the DR/EP position les and les accurate.
176
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
The motion of the vessel, without consideration for tide or current, is called what?
The ware track
177
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What is set and drift?
The movement of the water body in which the vessel is sailing. Set is the currents direction, expressed in degrees. Drift is the current’s speed, measured in knots
178
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What is the correct symbology for a ground track?
Two arrows pointing in the direction of travel, positioned half way along the line.
179
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What other terms are often used to describe the ground track?
Course made good (CMG)
180
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
In which nautical publication can information on time zones be found?
In the standard time section of the Nautical Almanac
181
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Time can be calculated by dividing what by what?
Time = Distance/Speed
182
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What is another name for Greenwich Mean Time?
Universal Time
183
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Which scale on the chart can be used to measure distance?
The latitude scale
184
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
Why should we always try to plot using three lines of position?
To ensure accuracy and make it easier to identify if one line of position is erroneous
185
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What is the correct symbology for a position fix obtained using two bearings and one range?
The bearings should have an arrow on the the end of the line of position, pointing away from the object. The ranges should have an arrow at each end of the arc, pointing outwards. The fix should be highlighted using a circle and the time should be marked next to the fix
186
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
How should the OOW select points from which to take multiple ranges or bearings?
They should ensure that they are easily identifiable, conspicuous points and that they are equally spaced around the horizon, ideally around 60° apart.
187
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What kind of course is produced by Mercator sailing?
Rhumb line
188
**Terrestrial Navigation and Chart Work:**
What is a Mercator part?
The length along a meridian on a Mercator chart between the equator and that parallel of latitude expressed in units of the longitude scale
189
**Celestial Navigation:**
Where can you find the information required to calculate sunrise and sunset for your position?
In the daily pages of the Nautical Almanac
190
**Celestial Navigation:**
What is an Increment?
A correction for the minutes and seconds between the figures given for each hour in the Almanac
191
**Celestial Navigation:**
When can you take an azimuth?
Azimuth can be taken at any time the body is visible
192
**Celestial Navigation:**
When can you take an amplitude?
Amplitudes can only be taken when the body is on the corrected horizon. For the sun and moon, this is semi-diameter above the observed horizon.
193
**Celestial Navigation:**
Which publication contains the ABC tables?
Norie’s Nautical table
194
**Celestial Navigation:**
Why is the graduated arc 120° but the frame only represents 60° of arc?
Because when a ray of light is reflected twice in the same plane the angle between the first ray and the second ray is twice the angle between the two plane mirrors
195
**Celestial Navigation:**
In what order should the correctable errors be adjusted?
1. Perpendicularity
2. Side
3. Index
196
**Celestial Navigation:**
How would you take the altitude of a celestial body with a sextant?
Bring the body to a position just below the horizon (easterly object) and wait for it to rise to the horizon before noting the time. For westerly objects, place the body just above the horizon and note the time once it’s dropped sufficiently to brush the horizon
197
**Celestial Navigation:**
Define Civil Twilight
Civil twilight is the period when the sun is 6° below the true horizon (or 96° from the observer’s zenith)
198
**Celestial Navigation:**
When does Meridian passage occurs?
When the sun crosses the observer’s meridian of longitude and at that point is at the highest altitude above the observer’s position
199
**Celestial Navigation:**
Can you use astronomical twilight to take a sun sight?
No. The period where the suns geometric center is 12° below the horizon is considered night, and is therefore too dark to discern the horizon
