Which of the following should always be taken into consideration when planning a boating trip?

Shipping cargo from one port to another involves coordinated working of several operations of both land and ship staff. One of the most integral parts of a shipping operations is the cargo or voyage planning, which is mainly undertaken by a navigational officer of a ship.

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A passage plan is a comprehensive, berth to berth guide, developed and used by a vessel’s bridge team to determine the most favourable route, to identify potential problems or hazards along the route, and to adopt Bridge Management Practices to ensure the vessel’s safe passage. SOLAS Chapter 5, Annexes 24 & 25 titled “Voyage Planning” and “Guidelines for voyage planning” respectively, give specific regulatory information with regard to the passage plan.

Passage planning includes a complete description of the ship’s passage which is prepared by an experienced deck officer of the ship. This is done to ensure that the ship sticks to the required routes for reaching the port of destination.

Which of the following should always be taken into consideration when planning a boating trip?
Image Credits: Nachiketh Bhattathiri

While making a passage plan, the officer must keep in mind that the ship must reach the destination safe by abiding to both local and international rules and regulations.

In this article, we will discuss the basic and essential stages of ship’s passage planning.

Ship Passage Planning – Essential Steps

A ship’s passage planning involves 4 major steps/stages. They are as follows:

1.  Appraisal

2. Planning

3. Execution

4. Monitoring

Each stage in the passage planning has its own importance and it is extremely important to carry out each one of them with utmost care and up-to-date seamanship to ensure a safe sail.

In the start, a rough estimate is made of the whole sailing process. Once the rough plan is ready, it is further tweaked and modified/refined considering various details obtained from charts, pilot book, weather routing etc. These processes are carried out throughout the appraisal and planning stages.

In the next two stages i.e., execution and monitoring, the plan is used as a guideline, and the sailing is executed taking into consideration various factors, both observed and predicted.

Each aspect of passage planning has been explained in detail below:

Appraisal

In this stage, the master of the ship discusses with the chief navigating officer (usually the Second Mate), as to how he intends to sail to the destination port. (In some cases it may be required for the master to plan the passage). This is the process of gathering all information relevant to the proposed passage, including ascertaining risks and assessing its critical areas. This involves information extracted from publications as well as those within the chart. The appraisal will include details from:

  • Chart Catalogue
  • Charts
  • Ocean Passages of The World
  • Routeing Charts
  • Admiralty Sailing Directions
  • Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals
  • Admiralty List of Radio Signals
  • Tide Tables
  • Tidal Stream Atlas
  • Notices to Mariners
  • Admiralty Distance Tables
  • Ships Routeing
  • Navigational Warnings
  • Mariner’s Handbook
  • Load Line Chart
  • Draft of Ship
  • Owners and other sources
  • Personal Experience

Taking into consideration master’s guidelines, company’s guidelines, ship’s cargo, marine environment, and all other factors that may affect the ship, the navigating officer draws upon a general track, which the ship shall follow.

For the ease of planning, this plan is first laid out on a small scale chart, which is later transferred to larger scale charts, and then minor modifications are made as and when deemed necessary.

Planning

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. In this stage, the intended courses of the ships are actually laid out on the charts of suitable scale and all additional information is marked. The plan is laid out from pier to pier, including the pilotage waters.

It is a good practice to mark dangerous areas such as nearby wrecks, shallow water, reefs, small islands, emergency anchorage positions, and any other information that might aid safe navigation.

Which of the following should always be taken into consideration when planning a boating trip?
Image for representation purpose only.

In addition to the above-mentioned things, is it advisable to layout the rate of turn for waypoints and laying out of PI ranges for suitable objects, if any.

Reporting areas should also be clearly marked on the charts. Elements of the Planning phase include:

  • No-Go areas
  • Margins of safety
  • Charted Tracks
  • Course alterations and wheel over points
  • Parallel Indexing
  • Aborts and Contingencies
  • Clearing line and bearings
  • Leading lines
  • Tides and current
  • Change in engine status
  • Minimum UKC
  • Use of Echo Sounder
  • Head Mark
  • Natural Transit

Aborts: When approaching constrained waters, the vessel might be in a position beyond which there is no possible action but to proceed. For example, the vessel enters an area so narrow that there is no room to return. It is for this purpose that a position is drawn on the chart showing the last point wherein the passage can be aborted.

Contingencies: The bridge team must always be aware that the events might not go as planned and that emergency action might be required. Contingency plans account for such situations, clearly shown on the chart so that the OOW can take swift action in such a jam. Contingency planning will include alternative routes, safe anchorages, waiting areas, emergency berths.

Execution

In this stage, the navigating officers execute the plan that has been prepared. After departure, the speed is adjusted based on the ETA and the expected weather and oceanographic conditions. The speed should be adjusted such that the ship is not either too early or late at its port of destination. The Master should find out how long his intended voyage is, accounting for water and fuel available. Also to be taken into account are any expected weather changes along the way. In case and ECDIS is being used, appropriate limits must be set with regard to the safety settings.

Monitoring

Monitoring is that aspect which takes into account checking of the position of the vessel, such that it remains within the safe distance from any danger areas. Parallel Indexing can be used to maintain safe distance alongside any hazards to navigation. A safe and successful voyage can only be achieved by close and continuous monitoring of the ship’s progress along the pre-planned tracks. Situations may arise wherein the navigating officer might feel it prudent to deviate from the plan. In such case, he shall inform the master and take any action that he may deem necessary for the safety of the ship and its crew. This stage is a very important stage wherein all the deck officers contribute their part to execute the plan. This calls for personal judgement, good seamanship and experience.

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. 

Before any boating trip, you should check the short-term and long-term local weather forecast as reported on the radio, TV or Internet. You should always factor these weather forecasts into your preparations as you make your trip plan.

What are important things to know when boating?

  • Focus on Training. …
  • Get the Right Paperwork. …
  • Always Check the Weather. …
  • Dress for the Occasion. …
  • Always have a “Float Plan” …
  • Always Have a Life Jacket. …
  • Having a Toolbox Is Necessary.

Which of the following is an operator’s first priority if they are involved in an accident with another vessel?

The first priority after any disaster is appropriate medical care. In a boating accident, you should check whether you or anyone else requires medical attention. If anyone has injuries, call for professional help right away. The Coast Guard is able to assist with this.

Which of the following is the best way to help ensure your safety and the safety of others when operating a vessel?

First, stay low and centered in your boat, and always maintain three points of contact when moving about your boat. Second, take corners at a safe speed and angle. Third, watch for other boats’ wake and take that wake head-on from the bow.

What should you always do when a person falls overboard Boatus?

  1. Reduce speed and toss the victim a PFD—preferably a throwable type—unless you know he or she is already wearing a PFD.
  2. Turn your boat around and slowly pull alongside the victim, approaching the victim from downwind or into the current, whichever is stronger.
  3. Stop the engine.

What should sportsman always consider when hunting from a boat?

what should sportsman consider when hunting from a boat? The things that hunters should be aware of are related to their safety. They should be responsible and careful in handling their hunting guns. Furthermore, the load in a hunting boat should be distributed evenly to hinder swamping or capsizing.

What is the best way of getting into a boat?

What do you know about boats?

A boat is a watercraft of a large range of types and sizes, but generally smaller than a ship, which is distinguished by its larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or its ability to carry boats. Small boats are typically found on inland waterways such as rivers and lakes, or in protected coastal areas.

When fueling your boat What should you remember to use?

Shut off all fuel valves and extinguish all open flames, such as galley stoves and pilot lights. Close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings to prevent fumes from entering the boat. Remove portable fuel tanks from the boat and fill them on the dock. Make sure that your fire extinguisher is within reach.

What is the first action that the boat operator should take immediately following a collison?

If your boat has been involved in a collision, perform the following: Step 1) Ensure that everyone is wearing a life jacket or PFD. Step 2) Visually and/or verbally confirm that all passengers are present and accounted for. Step 3) Determine if there are other craft in the vicinity that may offer assistance.

Which of the following actions should be taken if your boat has broken down on the water?

  • Alter the speed of the craft;
  • Anchor the craft;
  • Investigate the problem;
  • Correct the problem if possible; or.
  • Use signals to show distress and need for help.

Which of the following actions is required of powerboat a when approaching sailboat B?

Give way to your starboard side. Powerboat B: When white, red and green lights are visible, you are approaching a powerboat head-on. Give way to your starboard side. Powerboat A: When only red and green lights are visible, you are approaching a sailboat head-on.

Which of the following is the safest use of a life jacket or PFD?

The best answer is: whenever you’re in or around the water, not just operating a boat. However, a PFD should be always be worn while boating, and especially when boating in dangerous conditions.

Which of the following is an important consideration when choosing a personal flotation device PFD )?

When you’re choosing a PFD, you need to make sure that: It is the appropriate type for your boating location and activity; It is the right size and has enough buoyancy to support you in the water; and. It is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Which of the following is a requirement for life jackets quizlet?

Which of the following is a requirement for life jackets? They must be properly sized for the intended wearer.

When someone falls overboard What action should the skipper take Boatus?

If you find yourself in a crew overboard situation, you should turn in the direction of the person overboard. In the illustration, a person fell off the port side. The skipper should turn the boat to port. This will move the stern (and the propeller) to starboard and away from the person in the water.

What safety precaution should you take when hunting from a boat?

  1. Be aware that small, flat-bottom vessels are prone to capsizing or swamping.
  2. Keep weight low and distribute gear evenly in the vessel.
  3. Do not exceed the vessel’s capacity. …
  4. Take only well-trained dogs on board a small vessel. …
  5. Take precautions to avoid hypothermia in case you do capsize.

What happens when a person falls overboard?

React Immediately

Yell, “Man overboard!” so that everyone on board the boat is aware of the situation, and stop the boat as soon as you realize someone has fallen off the boat. At least one person should maintain visual contact with the victim (also called the swimmer), says the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety.

When hunting from a boat what is the best way to maintain stability quizlet?

When hunting or fishing from a boat, what is the best practice to follow to maintain the boat’s stability? To maneuver quickly, operators must use the throttle to maintain steering control.

What should anglers and hunters so when they are fishing or hunting from a boat?

  • Wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.
  • Never overload your boat (too many people or too much gear).
  • Take extra precautions to avoid falling overboard, capsizing, or swamping.

Which of the following is required to operate a boat in Florida?

In order to operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.

What are the steps to making a boat boarding?

How do you step on a boat?

  1. Ask permission to board. …
  2. Make sure the boat is close to the pier. …
  3. Always board near the middle. …
  4. Hold on to the shrouds before placing your foot on deck. …
  5. Place your foot and slowly transfer your weight. …
  6. Place your second foot only after you’ve transferred most of your weight.

How do you make a boat step by step?

  1. Fold the newspaper sheet in half (top to bottom). Then fold from side to side, to create a crease, and unfold.
  2. Next, fold the top left tip downwards, so it touches the middle crease. …
  3. Fold the bottom flap upwards, flip it over and fold the other bottom flap upwards.

What are boats planned for?

All boat designs for planing benefit from minimised weight; planing powerboats are commonly made from light alloy or use other reduced-weight construction techniques- RIBs are typical examples. Planing sailing boats need a good sail area and powerboats need a high-power engine.

What is the purpose of a boat?

A boat is designed to float on water, and can be used for travel, recreation, sports, fishing, transportation, military use and for rescue operations. Boats have been used by humans since the earliest civilizations when they were simply made of logs and reeds tied together to make rafts.

What is boating use?

Boats nowadays are essentially used for freight transport, travel, recreation, living, businesses, fishing, sports, military uses, etc. Generally, ships (big boats) are mainly used for freight transport, and small boats are used for recreation purposes, fishing, sports, businesses, etc.