Q1. State the signs indicating the proximity of drift ice?

(Mar-05, 07, Dec-09

• Ans: - Detection by radar - especially in a calm sea (cannot be relied upon for bergy bits and
growlers).
• Visually – appears as a white mass when shone on by the sun, with not sun a dark mass. First
signs may be the wash of the sea breaking on its base
• Ice blink - sighted as a yellowish haze usually well before the ice itself is detected. If overcast an
ice blink will tend to have a white layer reflecting with the cloud formation.
• Sea surface temperature – If carefully watched in the North Atlantic may indicate entry into a cold
ice bearing current. If the recoded temp is 1°C then ice can be assumed to be within 150 nautical
miles. If below -1°C then ice is within 50 nautical miles.
• Fog bank - Ice edge is often accompanied by a thick bank of fog.
• Wildlife – prior to sighting ice or fog banks, it is more likely that observation of wildlife will
provide indication of ice e.g. walrus, seals, and different species of birds far from land.
• Sea state – a distinct change in sea state, where an abrupt smoothing of the sea and a reduction in
swell indicates that ice could well be to windward
• Noise – a thunderous roar is heard when a growler is calved.

Q2. Describe the methods of avoiding or reducing ice accumulation and accretion. (Mar-05, 07,
Dec-09
Ans:- Ice accumulation may occur from three causes:
• Fog, combined with freezing conditions;
• Freezing rain or wet snow;
• Spray or sea water breaking over a ship, when the air temperature is below the freezing point
of sea water (about -2° C).
If these conditions are expected, the prudent course is to:
• steer towards warmer conditions, or
• Seek shelter, as soon as possible.

If unable to reach shelter or warmer conditions, it has been found best to:
• reduce spray to a minimum by heading into the wind and sea at the slowest speed possible, or
• Run before the wind at the least speed that will maintain steerage.
Additionally:
• Manual removal / clearance may be considered.
• Use of de-icing agents

Q3. State the publication that obliges a Shipmaster to report ice and severe ice accretion. (Mar-05,
07, Dec-09
Ans:- Under SOLAS Chapter V, 2004, the Master of every ship encountering dangerous ice or conditions
that will cause ice accumulation on ships, is required to report these conditions, format of the report can
be found in The Mariners Handbook (NP 100).

Q4. Outline the reporting requirements of each of the following: (i) ICE (ii) Severe ice accretion.
(Mar 05, May 12, Nov 13, May 17,
Ans:- (i) The message should contain:
• The type of ice
• The position of the ice
• GMT and date of the observation
(ii) The message should contain:
• The date and GMT
• The position of the ship
• The air and sea temperatures
o The force & direction of the wind
Q5. List the MAIN topics of “Guidance to Masters and Navigating Officers” section of the Bridge
Procedure Guide. (Oct 05,
Ans: The “Guidance to Masters and Navigating Officers” section contains:
1. Bridge Organisation
2. Passage Planning
3. Duties of the Officer of the Watch
4. Operation and Maintenance of Bridge Equipment
5. Dynamic Positioning
6. Maritime Pilotage

Q6. State SIX checklists contained in Part C of the Annexes contained within the Bridge Procedure
Guide. (Oct 05,
Ans: Checklists from part C are:
1. C1 Main Engine or Steering Gear Failure;
2. C2 Collision;
3. C3 Standing or Grounding;
4. C4 Man Overboard
5. C5 Fire
6. C6 Flooding
7. C7 Search and Rescue
8. C8 Abandoning Ship

Q7. The BPG states ‘The need to maintain a proper lookout should determine the basic
composition of the navigational watch. There are, however, a number of circumstances and
conditions that could influence at any time the actual watchkeeping arrangements and bridge
manning levels.
1. Outline the rationale and objective of forming a bridge team when a vessel is
navigating in restricted waters. (Nov 05, Nov 07, Oct 08, Oct 09, Feb 12, Nov 17,
2. State TEN factors that should be considered when determining the composition of a
navigational watch (Nov 05, Nov 07, Oct 09, Feb 12, Jul 13, Oct 14, Nov 17,
3. State the specific condition when the officer of the watch may act as the sole lookout.
(Nov 05, Oct 09, Mar 12, Dec 15, Oct 16, Mar 17,
4. Outline the additional factors to be considered when determining if the officer of the
watch may act as sole lookout. (Nov 05, Mar 17,
Ans: (1) The Bridge Procedures Guide Edition 4 (2007) paragraph 1.2.5 “The Bridge Team” states:

“The bridge team is established so that the most effective use can be made of available manpower
in order that established work procedures are followed, risk is minimised and ships are navigated
safely. All ship’s personnel who have bridge navigational watch duties will be part of the bridge
team. The master and pilot(s), as necessary, will need the support of the team, which will comprise
the OOW, a helmsman and look-out(s) as required.

The OOW is in charge of the bridge and the bridge team for that watch, until relieved.

It is important that the bridge team works together closely, both within a particular watch and
across watches, since decisions made on one watch may have an impact on another watch.

The bridge team also has an important role in maintaining communications with the engine room
and other operating areas on the ship”

(2) The Bridge Procedures Guide Edition 3 (1998) paragraph 1.2. “Composition of the navigational watch
under the STCW Code” states:
In determining whether the composition of the navigational watch is adequate to ensure that a
proper look-out can he maintained continuously, the master should take into account all relevant
factors including the following:
 o visibility, state of weather and sea;
o traffic density, and other activities occurring in the area in which the ship is navigating;
o the attention necessary when navigating in or near traffic separation schemes or other
routeing measures, or within industrially controlled work zones;
o the additional workload caused by the nature of the ship’s functions, immediate operating
requirements and anticipated manoeuvres;
o the fitness for duty of any crew members on call who are assigned as members of the
watch, including compliance with applicable work hour regulations;
o knowledge of and confidence in the professional competence of the ship’s officers and
crew;
o the experience of each 00W, arid the familiarity of that 00W with the ship’s equipment,
procedures and manoeuvring capability;
o activities taking place on board the ship at any particular time, including radio
communication activities, and the availability of assistance to be summoned immediately
to the bridge where necessary;
o the operational status of bridge instrumentation and controls, including alarm systems;
o rudder and propeller control and ship manoeuvring characteristics;
o the size of the ship and the field of vision available from the conning position;
o the configuration of the bridge, to the extent that such configuration might inhibit a
member of the watch from detecting by sight or hearing any external development;
o any other relevant standard, procedure or guidance relating to watchkeeping arrangements
and fitness for duty.

(3) STCW states that “In certain circumstances of clear daylight conditions the Master may consider that
the OOW may be the sole look-out.”

(4) The additional factors to be considered on each occasion are that:

• the OOW has had sufficient rest prior to commencing the watch;
• in the judgement of the OOW, the anticipated workload is well within his capacity to maintain a
proper lookout and remain in full control of the prevailing circumstances;
• back up to the OOW has been clearly designated;
• the OOW knows who will provide that back-up assistance, in what circumstances back-up must be
called, and how to call it quickly;
• designated back-up personnel are aware of response times, any limitation on their movements, and
are able to hear alarm or communication calls from the bridge;
• all essential equipment and alarms on the bridge are fully functional.

Q8. Whilst on passage heavy weather is forecast, state SIX items contained in the Bridge Procedure
Guide, Bridge Checklists for a vessel navigating in heavy weather. (Oct 06,
Ans: Six items from the BPG Heavy Weather Checklist are:

• Have the Master, Engine Room and Crew been informed of the conditions?
• Have all moveable objects been secured above and below decks, particularly in the Engine
Room, Galley and in Storerooms?
• Has she ship’s accommodation been secured and all ports and deadlights closed?
• Have all weather deck openings been closed?
• Has the Speed and Course been adjusted as necessary?
• Have the crew been warned to avoid the upper deck areas made dangerous by the weather?
• Have safety lines/hand ropes been rigged where necessary?
• Have instructions been issued on monitoring weather reports?

Q9. Whilst on passage the vessel is to transit an area of offshore installations. Explain FIVE bridge
operational factors that should be considered by the OOW prior to a vessel entering an area of
offshore installations. (Oct 06, Feb 14, May 17,
Ans: Five items to be considered are:

• Have the engines on Standby, the helm in hand steering and the vessel ready for immediate
manoeuvre
• Keep at least 500m from any installations
• Be vigilant of day signals/ lights for vessels that might be Restricted in their Ability to
Manoeuvre e.g. whilst anchor handling and Supply Vessels making an approach on the rigs
• Underkeel clearance may be reduced by wellheads and underwater pipelines
• Do not anchor in areas where there are pipelines – they may not be on the chart yet due to
having just been layed
• Possible magnetic anomalies around the pipelines
• Rigs may not be where charted – not yet recorded on Riglists

Q10. State SIX other items of bridge equipment that the OOW should check every watch during an
ocean passage. (Jul 07, Nov 16,
Ans: Items of other Bridge equipment to be checked during an Ocean Passage include:

• Gyro Repeaters synchronisation

• Magnetic Compass Error/Deviation
• Steering in Hand function
• Radar Performance
• AIS function
• VHF Function
• GMDSS equipment function
• GPS/Electronic Fixing aids cross check & function
• Nav lights function
• Whistle function
• Met equipment function (Wet & Dry thermometers, Precision Aneroid Barometer,
Barograph)

Q11. With reference to the Bridge Procedure Guide, list the TEN circumstances when the Master
must be called. (Oct 07, Jul 10, Mar 13, Oct 16,
Ans: The OOW should notify the Master immediately:

• if restricted visibility is encountered or expected

• if traffic conditions or the movements of other ships are causing concern
• if difficulties are experienced in maintaining course, 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 a change in soundings occurs
• of breakdown of the engines, propulsion machinery remote control, steering gear or any
essential navigational equipment, alarm or indicator
• if the radio equipment malfunctions
• in heavy weather if in any doubt about the possibility of weather damage
• if the ship meets any hazard to navigation, such as ice or a derelict
• if any vessel security concerns arise
• in any other emergency or if in any doubt

Q12. State TEN other checklists contained in Section B of the Bridge Procedure Guide. (Oct 07,
Ans: Ten checklists from section B include:

B1 Familiarisation with bridge equipment

B2 Preparation for sea
B3 Preparation for arrival in port
B4 Pilotage
 B5 Passage plan appraisal
B6 Navigation in coastal waters
B7 Navigation in ocean waters
B8 Anchoring and anchor watch
B9 Navigation in restricted visibility
B10 Navigation in heavy weather or in tropical storm areas
B11 Navigation in ice
B12 Changing over the watch
B14 Pre-operational DP checklist

Q13. The Bridge Procedure Guide contains advice regarding the recording of bridge activities.
Explain the requirements and purpose of recording bridge activities. (Oct 07, Oct 14,
Ans:
• The BPG requires that a “proper formal record of navigational activities and incidents
which are of importance to the safety of navigation, is kept in appropriate log books”
• Paper records should have the times and dates of the start and stop marked on them, and be
kept at least to the end of the voyage. This will act as evidence should any claims be made
against the vessel.
• Enough information should be kept in logbooks and charts to allow the actual track of the
vessel to be reconstructed and the charts should not be cleaned off until the end of the
voyage for the same reasons as above.

Q14. State a reason why the Engine Room should be given one hours notice prior to any planned
reductions in speed. (Oct 07, Oct 14, Jul 17,
Ans: One hours notice is given:
• To allow for the manning and machinery status of the Engine Room to be adjusted as required
for standby
• To allow the testing of steering gear, engines and communications to take place.

Q15. State TEN items of bridge equipment that should be checked prior to entering restricted
waters. (Oct 08, Jul 10, Nov 17,
Ans: The TEN items of bridge equipment that should be checked prior to entering restricted waters:-
• Visibility, state of weather and sea;
• Traffic density, and. Other activities occurring in the area in which the ship is navigating;
• The attention necessary when navigating in or near traffic separation schemes or other routeing
measures;
• The additional workload caused by the nature of the ship's functions immediate operating
requirements and anticipated manoeuvres;
• The fitness for duty of any crew members on call who are assigned as members of the watch;
• The knowledge and confidence in the professional competence of the ship's officers and crew;
• The experience of each OOW, and the familiarity of that OOW with the ship's equipment,
procedures and manoeuvring capability;
• Activities taking place on board the ship at any particular time including radio communication
activities, and the availability of assistance to be summoned immediately to the bridge when
necessary;
• The operational status of bridge instrumentation and controls, including alarm systems;
• Rudder and propeller control and ship manoeuvring characteristics;
• The size of the ship and the field of vision available from the conning position;
• The configuration of the bridge, to the extent such configuration might inhibit a member of the
watch from detecting by sight and hearing any external development;
• Any other relevant standard procedure or guidance relating to watch-keeping arrangements and
fitness for duty.
Q16. State FIVE factors to be considered when determining the frequency of position fixing in
restricted waters. (Oct 08,
Ans: The FIVE factors to be considered when determining the frequency of position fixing in restricted
waters are:-
• The proximity of navigational hazards;
• Speed;
• Prevailing visibility;
• Range of fixing methods available for cross checking to take place;
• Reliability of fixing methods available.

Q17. Explain the obligations the OOW will have when in the presence of a pilot. (Jul 10
Ans: (Note – The question uses the words”when in the presence of a pilot”. The question is to be
interpreted as meaning during the pilotage rather than when the pilot arrives on the bridge)

The obligations of the OOW when in the presence of a pilot:

• The presence of a Pilot does not relieve the Master or the OOW of their duties and obligations for the
safety of the ship. Both should be prepared to exercise their right not to proceed to a point where the
ship would not be able to manoeuvre or would be in danger; (Para 3.3.3.1 BPG Edn 4 2007)-
• If the Master leaves the Bridge, the OOW should always seek clarification from a Pilot when in any
doubt as to the Pilot’s actions or intentions;
• If a satisfactory explanation is not given, the OOW should notify the master immediately, taking
whatever action is necessary before the Master arrives.(Para 3.3.3.4 BPG Edn 4 2007)

Q18. With reference to the Bridge Procedures Guide and MGN 315, keeping A Safe Navigational
Watch on Merchant Ships: (Oct 10,
1. List the information that the OOW should inform the relieving OOW during the
handover of a navigation watch;
2. State the instances when the handover of a navigation watch should be deferred.
Ans: (1) The following should be handed over:
• the vessel's estimated or true position;
• the vessel's intended track, course and speed and draught;
• any conditions and dangers/hazards to navigation expected to be encountered during the
watch;
• predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility and the effect of these factors upon course and
speed;
• any errors in gyro and magnetic compasses;
• the status of all bridge equipment;
• the settings of bridge/engine controls;
• the manning of engine room;
• the presence and movement of vessels in sight or known to be
• in the vicinity;
• the vessel’s security status;
• any standing orders/night orders/special instructions for the navigation of the vessel;
• the possible effects of heel, trim, water density and squat on under keel clearance;
• any special work on deck
• any instructions/information given to the watchkeeping personnel to ensure the keeping of
a safe navigational watch, including maintenance of a proper look-out.

(2) The handover should be deferred when:

• The officer to be relieved is not satisfied that the relieving officer is: (i) unfit to take
over the watch through illness;
(ii) Unfit to take over the watch through drink drugs or fatigue;
(iii) Unable to carry out duties temporarily due to night vision;
 • If a manoeuvre is taking place;
• If an action is taking place to avoid danger.

Q19. State the factors that should be considered prior to the OOW acting as sole-lookout in daylight
conditions. (Dec 10, Mar 12, Dec 15,
Ans: Maintaining a continuous state of vigilance by sight and hearing as well as by all other available
means, with regard to any significant change in the operating environment.

Q20. State the purpose of maintaining a lookout (Dec 10, Mar 12, Nov 14, Dec 15,
Ans: Fully appraising the situation and the risk of collision, stranding and other dangers to navigation;
and Detecting ships or aircraft in distress, shipwrecked persons, wrecks, debris and other hazards to
safe navigation.

Q21. Outline the mandatory periods (Dec 10,

Ans: The Mandatory Periods
• All persons who are assigned duty as an officer in charge of a watch or as a rating forming part of
a watch shall be provided a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24hr period.
• The hours of rest may be divided into more than two periods, one of which shall be at least 6
hours in length.
• The requirement for rest periods laid down in the previous two paragraphs need not be maintained
in the case of an emergency or drill or in other overriding operational conditions.
• Notwithstanding the provisions of the first two paragraphs, the minimum period of ten hours may
be reduced to not less than 6 consecutive hours provided that any such reduction shall not extend
beyond two days and not less than 70 hours of rest are provided each seven day period.
• The period between rest periods shall not exceed 14 hours
• Administrations shall require that watch schedules be posted where they are easily accessible.

Q22. With reference to the Bridge Procedures Guide and MGN 315, Keeping A Safe Navigational
Watch on Merchant Ships: (Feb 11, Mar 13, Jul 14,
1. Outline the primary duties of the OOW in order to maintain a safe navigational
watch;
2. List EIGHT duties that the OOW should perform whilst the vessel is at anchor.
Ans: Awaiting answers from Bridge Watchkeeping Lecturers

Q23. With reference to the Bridge Procedures Guide, state TEN relevant factors to ensure the
composition of the Navigation watch is adequate. (Jun 11, Mar 17,
Ans: Ten relevant factors to ensure the composition of the Navigational Watch is adequate:

From the Bridge Procedures Guide:

• Visibility, state of weather and sea.

• Traffic density, and other activities occurring in the area in which the ship is navigating.
• The attention necessary when navigating in or near TSS or other routeing measures.
• The additional workload caused by the nature of the ship’s functions, immediate operating
requirements and anticipated manoeuvres.
• The fitness for duty of any crew members on call who are assigned as members of the
watch, including compliance with applicable work hour regulations.
• Knowledge of and confidence in the professional competence of the ship’s officers and
crew.
• The experience of each OOW, and the familiarity of that OOW with the ship’s equipment,
procedures and manoeuvring capability.
• Activities taking place on board the ship at any particular time, including radio
communication activities.
• The availability of assistance to be summoned immediately to the bridge when necessary.
 • The operational status of bridge instrumentation and controls, including alarms.
• Rudder and propeller control and ship manoeuvring characteristics.
• The size of the ship and field of vision available from the conning position.
• The configuration of the bridge, to the extent such configuration might inhibit a member of
the watch from detecting by sight or hearing any external development.
• If working in an active DP mode, the need for a dedicated, competent DPO to be in charge
of the positioning of the ship and the operation of the DP system.
• Any other relevant standard, procedure or guidance to watchkeeping arrangements and
fitness for duty.

Q24. With reference to the Bridge Procedures Guide and MGN 315, Keeping A Safe Navigational
Watch on Merchant Ships: (Jul 11, Jun 14, Jul 17,
1. State the THREE conditions that the OOW shall ensure before handing over the
navigational watch
2. State the TWO circumstances that the OOW shall not hand over the watch
3. State NINE factors that the relieving OOW should personally satisfy themselves
when taking over the navigational watch.
Ans: (1) The OOW shall:
• Ensure that the members of the relieving watch are fully capable of performing their duties
• Ensure that the night 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.
(2) The OOW 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.
(3) The relieving officer shall:
• Prior to taking over the watch verify the vessels estimated or true position
• Confirm the vessels intended track, course and speed
• Note any dangers to navigation expected to be encountered during the watch
• Be aware of prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility and the effect of these
factors upon course and speed
• Note any errors in gyro and magnetic compasses
• Note the status of all bridge equipment
• Note the settings of bridge/engine controls and manning of the engine room
• Be aware of the presence and movement of vessels in sight or known to be in the vicinity
• Give watchkeeping personnel all appropriate instruction and information which will ensure the
keeping of a safe navigational watch, including maintenance of a proper lookout.
Q25. The Bridge Procedures Guide, Annex A5, contains the required boarding arrangements for
pilots. (Oct 11,
1. State the maximum freeboard for using a pilot ladder by itself
2. State the required arrangements when the freeboard is greater than the maximum
freeboard for using a pilot ladder and no side door or hoist is available
Ans: (1) The maximum freeboard is 9 metres.
(2) The required arrangements when the freeboard is greater than the maximum freeboard for using a
pilot ladder and no side door or hoist is available are:
• Accommodation ladder should be used in conjunction with the pilot ladder.
• The pilot ladder must extend at least 2 metres above the lower platform of the accommodation
ladder.
• The accommodation ladder should rest firmly against the ships side.
• The accommodation ladder should lead aft with a maximum slope of 55o.
• The lower platform should be horizontal and there should be rigid handrails.
• The lower platform should be 3 to 7 metres above the water depending upon size of pilot launch
and height of swell.
• There should be an officer in contact with the bridge standing by.

Q26. The Bridge Procedures Guide, Annex A7,- Guidance on steering gear test routines contains
guidance on the rudder movement and the procedures to be implemented in the steering flat during
the test. (Oct 11,
1. Outline the guidance on these aspects of the steering gear tests.
Ans: Checks and test should include:

• The full rudder movement according to the required capabilities of the steering gear.
• The timing of rudder movement from hardover to hardover, using each steering gear
power unit singly and together, to ensure consistency with previous tests.
• A visual inspection of the steering gear and its connecting likage.
• The operation of the means of communication between the bridge and the steering gear
compartment.

Q27. With reference to the Bridge Procedures Guide and MGN 315, keeping A Safe Navigational
Watch on Merchant Ships:Outline the guidance on how the OOW may full engage the look-out’s
attention. (Oct 09, Mar 12, Dec 15, Mar 17,
Ans: MGN 315 paragraph 9.2 states:
“As a way of fully engaging the look-out’s attention consideration should be given to keeping the look-
out appraised of the current navigational situation with regard to expected traffic, buoyage, weather,
landfall, pilotage and any other circumstance relevant to good watchkeeping.”

Q28. With reference to the Bridge Procedures Guide:

1. List EIGHT items of equipment that should have been prepared and checked prior to
the vessel’s arrival in port. (May 12,
2. State FOUR checks that have to be made by the OOW when navigating in ICE. (May
12, Nov 13, Jul 16, May 17,
Ans: (1) As per checklist B3 in Bridge Procedures Guide:

• Course and engine movement recorders

• Clocks synchronised
• Communications between the MCR and mooring stations
• Signalling equipment, including flags and lights
• Deck lighting
• Mooring winches including heaving lines
• Pressure on the fire main
• Anchors cleared.

(2) As per checklist B11 in Bridge Procedures Guide:

• Has the Master, Engine room and crew been informed
• Have watertight doors been confirmed shut
• Has speed been moderated
• Has frequency of soundings of tank and bilges been increased.
Q29. With reference to the Bridge Procedures Guide: The OOW on the bridge of a ship observes a
crew member fall overboard from the port side focsle. State TWELVE actions to the situation. (Nov
12, Feb 15, Oct 17,
Ans: Actions after observing a crew member falling overboard from the port side of the focsle:

• Sound General Alarm

• Release Smoke Float(s)
• Hand steering and Commence Williamson/Single turn to port
• Note Position
• Press MOB button on GPS
• Engines to Standby
• Post extra lookouts as they arrive
• Hoist O flag
• Send Mayday message
• Sound three prolonged blasts on the ships whistle
• Inform Master if not already on the bridge
• Assume role of On Scene Commander
• Preserve VDR records
• Muster Rescue boat crew

Q30. With reference to the Bridge Procedures Guide: - (Feb 13, Nov 13, May 16, May 17,
1. List TWELVE bridge checklists;
2. List SIX emergency checklists;
3. Explain why teamwork is considered good management of bridge procedures.
Ans: (1) Bridge Checklists:
• Familiarisation with bridge equipment
• Preparation for sea
• Preparation for arrival in port
• Pilotage
• Passage planning appraisal
• Navigation in coastal waters
• Navigation in ocean waters
• Anchoring and anchor watch
• Navigation in restricted visibility
• Navigation in heavy weather or in a TRS
• Navigation in ice
• Changing over the watch
• Calling the Master
• Operational checklist for Dynamic Positioning

(2) Emergency checklists:

• Main engine or steering failure
• Collision
• Stranding or grounding
• Fire
• Flooding
• Search and Rescue
• Abandoning ship

(3) Teamwork Is Considered Good Management of Bridge Procedures

• Safe navigation requires effective command, control, communication and management. It is
people who control ships and it is therefore people together with management and teamwork are
key to reliable performance.
 • People make mistakes so it is necessary to ensure that monitoring and checking prevent chains of
error from developing. Equipment can fail and the unexpected can happen, so contingency
planning is necessary.
• Good management of bridge procedures combines clarity of purpose, the ability to delegate
authority, effective organisation, motivation and the ability to motivate others.

Q31. For the purpose of familiarisation, list FIFTEEN items of bridge operational equipment which
have to be studied and fully understood before keeping a Navigational watch. (Jul 13,
Ans: Fifteen pieces of bridge operational equipment
• Autopilot
• Hand steering
• Radars
• ECDIS
• GPS
• AIS
• GMDSS equipment
• Telegraph
• Main Engine emergency stops
• Echo sounder
• Course recorder
• Whistle
• Off course alarm
• Dead man alarm
• Telephone
• Fire alarm panel
• Navigation light panel and associated alarms

Q32. State the required action by the OOW if he considers that a pilot has issued an incorrect
rudder order. (Jul 13,
Ans: The Required Action By The OOW If He Considers That A Pilot Has Issued An Incorrect Rudder
Order Are:
• Clarify order from pilot
• Call Master
• Take any required corrective action to ensure safety of the vessel

Q33. With reference to the Bridge Procedures Guide:- (Mar 14, Jul 15, Oct 16,
1. State two types of official electronic charts in use
2. Explain the differences between the two types of charts formats.
Ans: (1) The two types of official electronic charts in use are:-
a. Vector or Electronic Charts (ENCs)
b. Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs)
(2) The differences between the two types of charts formats are:-
• Vector charts are stored in a layered digital database which allows chart data to be displayed as a
seamless chart. It also allows for data which is not required at the time to be removed so as to
reduce chart clutter.
• ENCs allow three dimensional route safety zone monitoring where chart depth contours and air
draft clearances around the vessel can be monitored automatically and alarms will be triggered
automatically if a safety zone is breached.
• Raster charts on the other hand are exact copies of paper charts which means that raster charts
have to be individually selected and displayed.
• RNCs do not have the same intelligence as ENC’s meaning that the contained chart data cannot
trigger automatic alarms in the same way as ENC route safety zone monitoring without the
addition of manual user-inserted information during route planning
RNC ‘look-ahead’ capability is limited in comparison and care must be taken because datums and
projections may differ between raster charts.

Q34. List ELEVEN of the identified requirements of a navigating officer performing a navigational
watch. (Jun 14,
Ans: The ELEVEN of the identified requirements of a navigating officer performing a navigational watch
are:-
• Keep the watch on the bridge
• 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 pilots 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 in mind that perceptions of watchkeeping officers on different types and sizes of vessel may
vary considerably when assessing a close quarters situation and the time in which avoiding actions
should be taken
• Keep a proper record during the watch on the movement and activities relating to the navigation of
the vessel
• Station a person to steer the vessel and to 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
lookout 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. Radar should be available for
use at all times to enable the officers to use the equipment in clear weather so as to fully
appreciate the limitations of the equipment
 • At sufficiently frequent intervals during the watch check the vessels 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. These fixes shall be carried out by more than one method
whenever circumstances allow. The largest scale chart on board, suitable for the area and
corrected with the latest available information shall be used. This includes local navigation
warnings and temporary and preliminary notices to mariners.

Mariners are also reminded of the requirements to use the latest editions of all supporting navigational
publications such as charts, list of lights, list of radio signals, pilot books etc. Such publications should be
carefully corrected.

Q35. List SIX actions required by the OOW when heavy weather is forecasted. (Feb 15, Oct 17,
Ans: The SIX actions required by the OOW when heavy weather is forecasted are:-
• Have all departments been informed?
• All moveable objects secured.
• Has the accommodation been secured?
• Have all weather deck openings been secured?
• Adjust speed and course as necessary.
• Warnings posted to warn crew not to go out on deck?
• Rig safety lines as necessary
• Monitor weather reports.