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Officer Of the Watch Unlimited

Officer Of the Watch - ships of 500Gt and above [OOW Unlimited] STCW Reg II/I

Introduction

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Objectives of this Wikibook

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The United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Officer Of the Watch exam has a a very vast and various syllabus. This Wiki has the purpose to give a reference guide to each point in the syllabus in order to make it more easy to find answers. As I am working on this I have taken the backbone structure of this Wikibook "Yach Officer Exam Guide"

Extracts from the officials documents

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MGN 69 (M) TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE – PART 11 Conduct of MCA Oral Examinations

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All the information give in here are referred back to the Merchant Guidance Notice 69 (M). In particular page 9 to 11.

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Plan and conduct a passage including position determination

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a) passage planning with respect to the use of navigational publications including navigational charts (including ECDIS and RCDS), sailing directions, light lists, tide tables, radio navigational warnings and ship's routeing information;

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This subject was generated from SOLAS Ch V Regulation 19.2.1.4[1]. The answer is quite broad.

Key points
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The passage plan ensures that the bridge management team is fully aware of the vessel intended voyage and of the contingency plans. The plan is from berth to berth and any changes to the intended voyage must be amended in the plan. The master is overall responsible for the plan but may delegate the task of creating it. The plan is consigned into a passage plan book and always available on the bridge.

  • Appraisal
  • Planning
  • Execution
  • Monitoring
Appraisal
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From consulting all relevant publications, all the potential dangers on the voyage are clearly identified. After considering existing routeing schemes, environmental factors reporting systems and vessels traffic services a clear indication of a safe route can be obtained.

The passage planning shall take into consideration:

  • The condition and state of the vessel.
  • Any special characteristics of the cargo.
  • The provision of a competent and well-rested crew.
  • Requirements for up-to-date certificates.
  • Appropriate scale, accurate and up-to-date charts and publications.
Planning
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Tracks can be laid on the chart from berth to berth indicating the predetermined margins of error. Danger areas are marked on the charts, as are points, which could be useful for navigation. In the event of an emergency, contingency plans are also considered. The plan is approved by the master prior to sailing and must be kept on board of the vessel for 12 months.

The detailed voyage or passage plan should include the following factors:

  • The plotting of the intended route or track of the voyage or passage on appropriate scale charts.
  • The main elements to ensure safety of life at sea (Safe speed, speed and course alterations, clearance under the keel, contingency plans)
  • The details of the voyage or passage plan should be clearly marked and recorded.

Each voyage or passage plan as well as the details of the plan, should be approved by the ship’s master prior to the commencement of the voyage or passage.

Execution
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Once the departure time is known, the estimated time of arrival at the destination can be found. ETA's at critical points in the plan can also be determined. Time of high water and clearer identification can be gained of the conditions the vessel is likely to face the throughout the voyage. Factors which should be taken into account when executing the plan, or deciding on any departure therefrom include:

  • The reliability and condition of the vessel's navigational equipment;
  • Estimated times of arrival at critical points for tide heights and flow;
  • Meteorological conditions, (particularly in areas known to be affected by frequent periods of low visibility) as well as weather routeing information;
  • Daytime versus night-time passing of danger points, and any effect this may have on position fixing accuracy;
  • Traffic conditions, especially at navigational focal points.
Monitoring
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The vessel progress is continually checked against the planned route. Any necessary deviations are amended in the plan and the bridge management team advised. The navigational equipment is monitored and checked on passage and prior departure. The plan should be available at all times on the bridge to allow officers of the navigational watch immediate access and reference to the details of the plan.

b) the requirements of ship routeing and mandatory reporting systems;

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The answer can be found in SOLAS Ch V - Regulation 10.

Paragraph 7 - A ship shall use a mandatory ships' routeing system adopted by the Organization as required for its category or cargo carried and in accordance with the relevant provisions in force unless there are compelling reasons not to use a particular ships' routeing system. Any such reason shall be recorded in the ships' log.

Basically ship's routeing systems are put in place by countries that believe part of their waters require a specific routing for traffic. More in depth information can be found in SOLAS Ch V - Annex 5. It is important to remember that A ship navigating in or near a traffic separation scheme adopted by IMO shall in particular comply with rule 10 (TSS) of the 1972 Collision Regulations.

Worth Mentioning also MGN 200: Observance of Traffic Separation Schemes[2]

c) IALA systems of maritime buoyage;

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The  International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities  (IALA) Maritime Buoyage System is divided into two regions.[3]

  • Region A includes part of the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia and part of the Pacific Ocean
  • Region B includes North and South America.

d) electronic navigational systems - limitations and sources of error, methods of correction;

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  • MGN 379 (M+F): Use of Electronic Navigation Aids[4]

e) limitations of electronic chart systems including ECDIS and RCDS navigational chart systems;

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Solas Ch V - Annex 14

3.) The mariners’ attention is therefore drawn to the following limitations of the RCDS mode:

3.1) unlike ECDIS where there are no chart boundaries, RCDS is a chart-based system similar to a portfolio of paper charts;

3.2) Raster navigational chart (RNC) data, itself, will not trigger automatic alarms (e.g. anti-grounding). However, some alarms can be generated by the RCDS from user-inserted information. These can includ

  • clearing lines
  • ship safety contour lines
  • isolated dangers
  • danger areas

.3.3) horizontal datums and chart projections may differ between RNCs. Mariners should understand how the chart horizontal datum relates to the datum of the position fixing system. In some instances, this may appear as a shift in position. This difference may be most noticeable at grid intersections and during route monitoring;

3.4) chart features cannot be simplified or removed to suit a particular navigational circumstance or task at hand. This could affect the superimposition of radar/ARPA;

3.5) without selecting different scale charts, the look-ahead capability may be somewhat limited. This may lead to some inconvenience when determining range and bearing or the identity of distant objects;

3.6) orientation of the RCDS display to other than chart-up, may affect the readability of chart text and symbols (e.g., course-up, route-up);

3.7) it may not be possible to interrogate RNC features to gain additional information about charted objects;

3.8) it is not possible to display a ship’s safety contour or safety depth and highlight it on the display, unless these features are manually entered during route planning;

3.9) depending on the source of the RNC, different colours may be used to show similar chart information. There may also be differences in colours used during day and night-time;

3.10) an RNC should be displayed at the scale of the paper chart. Excessive zooming in or zooming out can seriously degrade RCDS capability, for example, by degrading the legibility of the chart image; and

3.11) mariners should be aware that in confined waters, the accuracy of chart data (i.e., paper charts, ENC or RNC data) may be less than that of the position-fixing system in use. This may be the case when using differential GNSS. ECDIS provides an indication in the ENC which allows a determination of the quality of the data.

f) radar and ARPA - practical use of, modes of operation, limitations, sources of error and parallel indexing;

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g) to use an azimuth mirror for taking bearings, including the determination of compass errors;

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h) to use a sextant, identify and correct errors;

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i) sources of meteorological information, ability to use and interpret information obtained from ship borne meteorological instruments (the instruments supplied by the Meteorological Office will be taken as standard), knowledge of characteristics of various weather systems, reporting and recording systems.

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Maintain a Safe Navigational Watch

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a) a thorough knowledge of the principles of navigational watchkeeping at sea, including under pilotage, and watchkeeping at anchor and in port;

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b) a thorough knowledge of the content, application and intent of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea;

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c) radar and ARPA - practical use of, modes of operation, limitations, sources of error, plotting and parallel indexing;

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d) understand the use of bridge equipment, including rate of turn indicators, course recorders, echo sounders and NAVTEX;

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e) knowledge of steering control systems, including automatic pilot, operational procedures and change-over from manual to automatic control and vice-versa - adjustment of controls for optimum performance;

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f) knowledge and application of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide.

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Compasses

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a) use, care and limitations of the magnetic and gyro compasses, and associated equipment, including automatic pilot.

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Manoeuvre the Ship

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a) preparation for getting under way, duties prior to proceeding to sea, making harbour, entering a dock, berthing alongside quays, jetties, or other ships, and securing to buoys;

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b) use and care of mooring lines and associated equipment;

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c) helm orders, conning the ship, effects of propellers on the steering of a ship, effects of wind and current, stopping, going astern, turning short round, interaction and squat, manoeuvring in the vicinity of pilot vessels and other craft, embarking and disembarking a pilot;

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d) action in event of failure of:- bridge control, telegraph or steering; emergency steering arrangements.

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e) proper procedures for anchoring.

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Cargo handling & Stowage

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Loading and Unloading of Cargoes

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a) use and care of synthetic fibre and wire ropes, ascertaining of safe-working loads;

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b) basic knowledge of the regulations and recommendations affecting cargo handling, stowage, securing and carriage, including the IMDG Code;

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c) use of the hydrometer.

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Response to Emergencies

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Response to Navigational Emergencies

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a) initial action following: man overboard, collision, grounding, flooding or major mechanical damage, and receipt of a distress message; initial damage assessment and control, protection of the marine environment;

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b) precautions for the protection and safety of passengers in emergency situations;

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c) use of the International Aeronautical and Marine Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual (Volume III), distress and emergency signals; Search And Rescue around the UK and worldwide.

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Response to Other Emergencies

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a) understanding of the organisational procedures for emergency parties and drills;

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b) knowledge of fire prevention, use and care of fire-fighting appliances, the shut-down and isolation of plant and equipment, escape and breathing apparatus, fire and safety plans;

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c) knowledge of classes and chemistry of fire;

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d) understanding of action to be taken in the event of fire including fires involving oil;

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e) use and care of life-saving appliances and equipment including hand held radios, EPIRBs, SARTs, immersion suits and thermal protective aids, and rocket line throwing apparatus;

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f) meaning of markings on survival craft and associated equipment;

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g) correct use of distress signals and awareness of penalties for misuse;

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h) launch and manage survival craft, recover rescue boats at sea;

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i) precautions for the protection and safety of passengers in emergencies;

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j) knowledge of the contents of SOLAS training manuals and maintenance logs;

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k) basic principles of survival;

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l) appreciation of action to be taken when emergencies arise in port;

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m) sources of medical information available.

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Communications

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a) use of distress and emergency signals, International Code of Signals and the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases;

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b) emergency communications within the GMDSS regulations.

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Onboard Ship Operations

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Pollution Prevention Requirements

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a) precautions to be taken to prevent pollution of the marine environment as required by the MARPOL conventions, including Restricted Areas and the disposal of pollutants;

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b) basic understanding of the SOPEP manual, Garbage Management Plan and anti-pollution equipment.

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Seaworthiness of the Ship

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a) understand fundamentals of watertight integrity, and the closing of all openings including hatch covers, access hatches and watertight doors;

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b) preparations for heavy weather.

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Legislative Requirements

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a) contents and use of Merchant Shipping Notices, Marine Guidance Notes, Marine Information Notes and Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners;

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b) knowledge and application of current Merchant Shipping Health and Safety legislation, and the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen;

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c) basic knowledge of relevant IMO conventions concerning safety of life at sea, and protection of the marine environment.

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d) purpose and application of the International Safety Management (ISM )Code;

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e) purpose of Flag State and Port State Control.

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Mandatory Bridge Publications

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  • Up-to-date charts
  • ALL Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals
  • NP100 The Mariners Handbook
  • NP202 Tides tables
  • ASD Admiralty Sailing Directions
  • Chart 5011 Symbols and Abbreviations used on Admiralty Charts
  • Nautical Almanacs
  • NavigationTables
  • Tidal Stream Atlas

Official international regulations

  • INTERCO
  • SOLAS
  • STCW95
  • MARPOL

Admiralty List of Radio Signals

  • Volume 1: Coast Radio Station
  • Volume 2: Radio Navigational Aids
  • Volume 3: Maritime Safety Information
  • Volume 4: Meteorological Observation Stations
  • Volume 5: Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
  • Volume 6: Pilot Services and Port Operations

MGN : Marine Guidance Notes

  • MGN 71 (M): Musters, drills, on-board training and instructions[5]
  • MGN 315 (M): Keeping a safe Navigational Watch on Merchant Vessel[6]
  • MGN 364 (M+F): Navigation: Traffic Separation Schemes[7]
  • MGN 369 (M+F): Navigation In Restricted Visibility[8]
  • MGN 379 (M+F): Use of Electronic Navigation Aids[4]
  • MGN 393 (M+F): Navigation Light Units[9]
  • MGN 448 (M): Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention, 1978 as Amended Manila Amendments: Medical Certification, Hours of Work and Alcohol Limits[10]

MSN : Merchant Shipping Notices

  • MSN 1767 (M): Hours of Work, Safe Manning and Watch keeping
  • MSN 1769 (M): ILO 178 International Labour Organisation Convention
  • MSN 1781 (M+ F): Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions
  • MSN 1792 (M): The Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY2)
  • MSN 1802 (M): Certificates of competency for deck officers

Reference list

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  1. ↑ https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/public/c4/solasv/regulations/regulation19.htm
  2. ↑ https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/public/c4/solasv/m_notice/mgn/mgn200.pdf
  3. ↑ http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/Ccg/InternationalAssociationofLighthouseAuthoritiesMaritimeBuoyageSystem
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-379-navigation-use-of-electronic-navigation-aids
  5. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/282336/mgn071.pdf
  6. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/442645/MGN_315.pdf
  7. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/440723/MGN_364.pdf
  8. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/440731/MGN_369.pdf
  9. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/440759/MGN_393.pdf
  10. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441028/MGN_448.pdf
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