Elements and Performance Criteria
- Plan passage
- Appropriate charts and publications are accessed and checked for currency
- Destination is identified, and course and waypoints are plotted
- Estimated time of arrival (ETA) at waypoints and final destination are calculated
- Safe passage is plotted to comply with all navigational buoys, marks and beacons
- Navigational hazards are identified to avoid dangers to vessel
- Weather information is accessed to determine expected weather pattern for intended passage
- Proposed course is modified as necessary, to meet expected weather conditions
- Fuel consumption for passage, including a reserve, is calculated
- Conduct a pre-departure check
- Propulsion equipment and alarms are tested for serviceability and vessel hull is checked for seaworthiness
- Navigation equipment and alarms are checked to ensure they are in proper working condition and set for the passage
- Navigation equipment is checked for errors and allowances are made in planning the passage
- Fuel is checked to ensure there is adequate fuel on board for intended passage
- Safety equipment is checked for compliance with legislation
- Communications equipment is checked to ensure it is in proper working condition
- Anchoring and mooring equipment is checked to ensure it is adequate and in good condition
- Vessel and equipment are secured for sea
- Conduct passage
- Local authorities are advised of departure and passage plan
- Vessel is steered and propulsion equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner to complete pre-planned course
- Pilotage techniques and navigational equipment are used to monitor vessel position and maintain vessel in safe waters at all times
- Errors detected with navigational equipment are corrected to maintain planned passage
- Navigational buoys, marks and beacons are identified and complied with
- Situational awareness is maintained to avoid navigational hazards and to comply with regulations for prevention of collision at sea
- Weather and sea conditions are monitored during passage and correct adjustments are made for changing conditions
- Complete passage