LIGHT HOUSE

CHAPTAR02 LIGHT HOUSE 7

TOPIC 1: NAVIGATION
1) Plan and Conduct a Passage Including Position Determination
a) Passage planning with respect to the use of publications including navigational charts
(including ECDIS and RCDS), sailing directions, tide tables, Notices to Mariners,
radio navigational warnings and ship's routing information.

Ans: PASSAGE PLAN

As per BPG A passage plan is a compressive guide from berth to Barth which is developed
and used by a vessel bridge team to determine the most favorable route to identify potential
problem or hazard along the route and adopt bridge management practice to ensure the
vessels safe passage.
There are four stages of passage planning.
They are
1. appraisal,
2. planning,
3. execution,
4. monitoring.

1. Appraisal: This is the process of gathering all information relevant to the proposed
passage, including ascertaining risk and assessing its critical areas. This involves information
extracted from publications as well as those within the chart. The appraisal will include
details from:
1. Chart catalogue
2. Voyage Charts
3. Routing Charts
4. Load Line Chart
5. Ice chart
6. Piracy Charts
7. Admiralty Sailing Directions
8. Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signal
9. Admiralty List of Radio Signals
10. Admiralty Distance Tables
11. Tide Tables
12. Notices to Mariners
13. Tidal Stream Atlas
14. IMO ships routing
15. IMO routing guideline
16. Mariner’s Handbook
17. Ocean Passage of the World
18. Ocean current atlas
19. Tidal steam atlas
20. IMSAR vol 3
21. IMDG code vol-1,2&3 and its supplements
22. International code of signals
23. Nautical Almanac
24. Nautical table
25. Guide to port Entry
26. Draft of Ship
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27. Owners and other sources

28. Personal Experience
29. Navigational Warnings

Taking into consideration Master’s guidelines, company 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.

Method:
1. Take out position from Admiralty Sailing Directions, guide to port entry.
2. Go to the chart catalogue, take planning chart routing chart, Index chart.
3. Check the chart up to date either correct that first.
4. For relevant passage plan follow above publication.

2. Planning: The second stage of passage planning is known as 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
course of the ship is actually laid out on the charts of suitable scale and all additional
information is marked As follows:

1. Charted tracks
2. No go areas
3. Mark all Navigational marking
4. Mar all way point
5. Course alterations and wheel over points
6. Margin of safety
7. Parallel indexing
8. Abort point.
9. Contingencies and Anchorage.
10. Clearing line and bearings
11. Change in engine status
12. Minimum UKC
13. Use of Echo sounder
14. Where to call master.
15. Where to report VTS
16. Tss and Heavy traffic area.

3. Execution: In this stage the navigating officers execute the plan that has been prepared:
1. After departure the speed should be adjusted based on the ETA and the accepted
weather and oceanographic conditions. (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.)
2. Check Navigation equipment and reliability. (RADAR range increase and ECDIS
being used, appropriate limits must be set with regard to the safety settings.)
3. Reporting point and system.
4. Check weather condition and traffic

4.Monitoring: The fourth and final stage of passage planning is monitoring.

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1. Fix of the position of the vessel frequently, such that it remains within the safe
distance from any danger areas.
2. Check vessel position visually.
3. Parallel indexing can be used to maintain safe distance alongside any hazards to
navigation.
4. Should not depend on navigational equipment only.

A safe and successful voyage can only be achieved by close and continuous monitoring of
the ship’s progress along the pre-planned tracks.

Passage plan on ecdis:

As per BPG check list chapter-3

1. Take the departure and arrival port from master.
2. Take the ships draft from chief officer
3. Set the safety parameter (depth counter, shol, wreck shallow
water)
4. Go to the admiralty digital catalogue (ADC) then make random
passage plan between departure and arrival port. Then go to the
route to basket from here I will get the expired or back dated
chart. Give requisition to company through master to get update
chart and update license.
5. With update and corrected chart make passage plan to arrival
port
6. Set the safety mark and alarm.
7. Mark:
a. Contingencies and Anchorage.
b. Abort point
c. Wheel over point
d. No go areas
e. Calling master
f. Reporting areas or vts.
g. Mark all Navigational marking
8. Take approval from master. And save.

b) Port radio services ; VTIS, port operation and pilot services.

Ans: Port Radio Service:

VTS (Vessel traffic Service)

VTS mainly maintain, monitor & manage the vessel traffic. It also gives the information
about
01. Berthing availability
02. Pilot boarding time
03. Port security level
04. Protection of the marine environment.
05. Vessel route etc.
VTIS (Vessel Traffic Information Service)
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Having advance VTS info that is essential for navigation for some special ports waters.
Mainly use some busiest port of the world such as Singapore straits & Singapore ports.

Following ship need to participate in the straight or port water.

01. Vessel grt 300 and above
02. Carrying hazardous cargo

Content of VTIS Report:

01. Ships name
02. Call sign
03. Imo NO.
04. Position of vessel
05. Course and speed
06. Ships draft
07. Air draft
08. Any breakFrom
downwhere you will get CRS info?
09. Type of cargo.
Ans:
01. Admiralty List of Radio Signals vol -1 (ALRS vol -1)
02. Admiralty Sailing Directions
03. ITU list of coast station

From where you will get port and pilot boarding ground ( PBG) info?

Ans:
01. Guide to ort entry
02. Admiralty List of Radio Signals vol -6 (ALRS vol -6)
03. Admiralty Sailing Directions
04. Ocean Passage of the World
05. Chart
06. Notices to Mariners

VTMIS:

Vessel traffic management information system. This is an extension of advance VTS. The
VTMIS provide;

01. Management of all IMO regulation in the VTIMB area.

02. Management all information system.
03. Quarantine Control
04. Coast Guard Operation
05. Port Security
06. Collision avoidance
07. Utilization of port infrastructure.
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08. Better Traffic Control

c) The requirements of ship's routing and mandatory reporting systems.

Ans: Ship routing:

Ships' routing measures adopted by IMO to improve safety of navigation at sea include, for
example:
1. traffic separation schemes;
2. two-way routes;
3. recommended tracks;
4. deep water routes (for the benefit primarily of ships whose ability to maneuver is constrained
by their draught);
5. precautionary areas (where ships should navigate with particular caution);
6. areas to be avoided (for reasons of exceptional danger or especially sensitive ecological and
environmental factors)
Mandatory reporting systems
As per SOLAS ch-V reg 11 (eleven) Ship reporting systems contribute to safety of life at sea,
safety and efficiency of navigation and/or protection of the marine environment. There are
three main reporting system

i. AMVER – For America

ii. AUSREP- For Australia
iii. JASREO For Japan
AMVER: Automatic Mutual Assistance Vessel rescue system. It is voluntary Reporting
System operated by Us coast guard. It covers Polar Atlantic Ocean and some part of pacific
ocean.
Content of Report:
01. Ships name
02. Call sign
03. Imo NO.
04. Type of vessel
05. Type of cargo.
06. Next port
07. Previous port

AUSREP Reporting:
The following report must be provided to Australian Ships reporting System
01. Sailing plan
02. Position of report (these will obtained automatically from the ship’s AIS transmitter)
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03. Deviation report

04. Final report
05. Special report [ eg: IMDG cargo report or Harmful substance report.
Reports to be send to AUSREP the sailing plan]
* The sailing plan must be sent 24 hours period to entering to the area of ASRUP owned
boundary or up to two hour after crossing the boundary must be report by:

1. All Austrian registered ship From where we get a mandatory

2. Foreign Ship When entering AUSREP owned ship reporting info?
boundary
1. Imo ship routine part- g
3. Ship not registered in Australia but engaged in
2. ALRS vol-6 part 1
coastal trade
3. MGN 153 (M&F)

d) IALA systems of maritime buoyage

Ans: From BOOK Np 735

The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

(IALA) is a non profit, international technical association. Established in 1957, it gathers
together marine aids to navigation authorities, manufacturers, consultants, and, scientific
and training institutes from all parts of
the world and offers them the
opportunity to exchange and compare
their experiences and achievements.

IALA buoyage system provides six types of

marks:

01. Lateral marks

02. Cardinal marks
03. Isolated danger Marks
04. Safe Water Marks
05. Special Marks
06. Emergency Wreck Marking Buoy
1.
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e) Electronic navigational systems, limitations and sources of error, methods of

correction:

Ans: These systems use electronic technologies to determine a vessel’s or aircraft’s position,
direction, and speed. Common types include:

1. GPS (Global Positioning System)

2. Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging)
3. ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)
4. AIS (Automatic Identification System)
5. Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)
6. GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)

Each system either works independently or in integration to enhance navigational accuracy

and situational awareness.

Limitations and Sources of Error

GPS/GNSS Errors

1. Signal Blockage or Weak Signal (e.g., urban canyons, dense forests, or heavy storms)
2. Multipath Errors: Signals reflect off buildings or water surfaces, causing incorrect
readings.
3. Atmospheric Effects: Ionospheric and tropospheric delays distort signal timing.
4. Satellite Geometry: Poor satellite positioning (high DOP – Dilution of Precision)
reduces accuracy.
5. Jamming/Spoofing: Intentional or unintentional interference with signals.

Methods of Correction

1. Differential GPS (DGPS): Uses fixed ground-based reference stations to broadcast

correction signals.
2. WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS: Satellite-based augmentation systems for higher precision.
3. Multi-constellation Receivers: Use GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Bayou together to
reduce dependency on one system.
4. Regular System Checks: Using known reference points for verification.

Radar Errors

1. Clutter: Rain, waves, or birds can clutter the display.

2. Shadow Zones: Large objects block detection behind them.
3. Range and Bearing Errors: Poor calibration or echoes can misrepresent positions.
4. Target Discrimination: Hard to differentiate between closely spaced objects.

Methods of Correction

1. Tuning and Gain Adjustments

2. Use of ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) for accurate tracking
3. Cross-checking with AIS and visual sightings
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ECDIS Errors

1. Chart Accuracy: Relies on the accuracy of digital charts.

2. Software Bugs or Outdated Charts
3. Operator Error: Misinterpretation or incorrect settings.

Methods of Correction

4. Regular Updates of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs)

5. Training and Familiarization to reduce operator errors
6. Cross-verification with radar, GPS, and manual observations

AIS Limitations

1. Not All Vessels Use AIS (especially small boats or non-compliant ones)
2. Signal Overload in congested areas
3. Data Errors from incorrect input or spoofing

Methods of Correction

1. Use in Combination with Radar and Visual Observation

2. Filter Settings to reduce overload and clutter
3. Verification of Data against known sources (like port control or VTS)

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)

 Drift Over Time: Without GPS correction, it accumulates error due to sensor bias.

Use GPS fixes to correct drift regularly

f) Limitation of electronic chart system including ECDIS and RCDS

navigational chart systems

Ans:
01. ECS (Electronic Chart System):
a. A broad term for any system that displays electronic charts.
b. Can include RCDS and ECDIS.
c. Does not necessarily meet the IMO performance standards for ECDIS.
02. RCDS (Raster Chart Display System):
a. A type of ECS that displays rasterized navigational charts.
b. Raster charts are like scanned versions of paper charts.
c. May not provide the same level of detail or functionality as ECDIS.
d. Used when Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) data is unavailable.
03. ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System):
a. A more advanced type of ECS that uses Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs).
b. ENCS are digital vector-based charts, providing more detailed and interactive
navigation capabilities.
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c. Must meet the performance standards set by the IMO.

d. Can be operated in two modes: ECDIS mode (using ENCs) and RCDS mode
(using raster charts).
e. Used on ships as a substitute for paper charts, according to the IMO

New 2nd officer should be check:

01. Operational manual
Limitations of ECDIS 02. Base CD
03. Enc update or not
01. Over-Reliance on 04. Check passage plan on ECDIS
Automation- Navigators may 05. Check next passage plan on ECDIS
become too dependent and fail 06. All license or expire date.
to cross-check with traditional
methods or visual
observations.
02. Chart Data Quality & Accuracy-ENCs are only as good as the data used to create
them. Some areas may have outdated or incomplete surveys.
03. Software or System Failure
a. Bugs, crashes, or hardware issues can affect performance.
b. Power outages can disable the system entirely.

04. Human Error -Misinterpretation of chart symbols or failure to correctly configure

safety settings (e.g., safety contour, safety depth).
05. Lack of Standardization - Different manufacturers use different interfaces and
controls, which can confuse operators not familiar with a specific model .
06. Requires Regular Updates -If ENCs are not updated frequently, they may be
outdated and unsafe for navigation.
07. Limited Chart Coverage - Some remote or underdeveloped areas may lack full ENC
coverage.

08. Not Always Compatible with Paper Chart Practices- Traditional practices like
Duty of 2nd officer in case of ECDIS failure:
1) A single unit failure then use second system
2) If both system shutdown. shut down system and inform master.
3) Check on ECDIS
a) Anti-collision
b) Anti-grounding
c) Safety depth
d) Safety counter.
e) Velocity vector
f) Chart limit
4) Check primary and secondary position source are working correctly being selected.
5) Check Heading source are working correctly being selected
6) Confirm current position and heading of the vessel.
7) Conduct alarm safety test

plotting bearings and courses aren’t always replicated exactly in ECDIS.

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Requirements of ECDIS

According to SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19.1.2 and 19.2.1.4, ECDIS must meet
certain functional standards and integrate into the ship’s navigation system.

1. Conformance with IMO Performance Standards

 Must be Type Approved IMO Resolution A.817(19) (later revised by
MSC.232(82))
 Must display official ENCs (Electronic Navigational Charts)
2. Functional Capabilities:
ECDIS must be able to:
 Use official charts (ENCs) and automatically apply updates
 Plan and monitor routes
 Provide continuous position fixing (via GPS, GNSS, etc.)
 Give alarms and warnings (e.g. shallow water, route deviation)
 Integrate with:
o AIS (Automatic Identification System)
o Radar
o Gyrocompass
o Speed log
o Echo sounder
3. Backup Arrangements (Regulation 19.2.1.5):
ECDIS must be backed up by either:
 A second ECDIS, fully operational
 Paper charts (only if permitted by the Flag State)
4. Independent power supply

Limitations of RCDS As per SOLAS CH –V regulation 19 Adopted at

june,2009 ECDIS Mandatory for:
01. No Vector Features
8) Passenger ships ≥ 500 GT
RCDS shows raster 9) Tankers ≥ 3,000 GT
images of paper charts, 10) Cargo ships ≥ 10,000 GT
so there’s no interactive
functionality (e.g., no
object querying or
automated safety checks).

02. No Full IMO Compliance

Cannot be used as a standalone primary navigation system unless special

permission is granted. Typically used only in areas where ENCs are
unavailable.

03. Chart Clarity & Scaling Issues

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a. Zooming in too far can blur the image or distort symbols/text.

b. Not optimized for dynamic interaction like vector charts.

04. No Alarms or Automated Safety Features

Unlike ECDIS, RCDS won't alert the navigator if the ship is heading toward danger
like shallow waters or restricted zones.

05. Manual Position Plotting- System can track GPS position, but no smart interaction
with charted features.

Some extra question Base on ECDIS

Q1. S-57 to S-101: Explaining the IHO standards for ECDIS Used for color
and symbol:

IHO maintains the following set of standards related to ECDIS:

- S-57 - Transfer Standard for Digital Hydrographic Data (including the
Product Specification for Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC);
- S-52 - Chart Content and Display Aspects of ECDIS;
- S-52 Annex A - ECDIS Presentation Library;
- S-64 - Test Data Sets for ECDIS;
- S-58 - ENC Validation Checks;
- S-61 - Product Specification for Raster Navigational Chart (RNC);
- S-62 - Data Producer Codes;
- S-63 - Data Protection Scheme;
- S-65 - ENCs: Production, Maintenance and Distribution Guidance;
- S-11 Part A - Guidance for the Preparation and Maintenance of International
(INT) Chart and ENC Schemes.

Q2 what is the primary and secondary chart of ECDIS?

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g) RADAR and PARA-practical use, modes of operation, limitation, sources of

error, parallel indexing and dangers of over-reliance.
h) To use an azimuth minor for taking bearings including the determination of
compass errors.
i) To use a sextant, identify and correct errors.
j) Sources of meteorological information, ability to use and interpret information
obtained from ship borne meteorological instruments, characteristics of various
weather systems, reporting procedures and recording systems
k) Basic knowledge of E-navigation, its objective, function

2) Maintain a Safe Navigational Watch

a) A thorough knowledge of the principles of navigational watch keeping at sea,
including under pilotage, and watch keeping at anchor, in port and during
arrival/departure port
b) A thorough knowledge of the content, application and intent of the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
c) ECDIS-ENC data, accuracy, safety settings, operation, dangers of over-reliance
d) Understanding the use of Bridge equipment, including rate of turn indicator, course
recorder, echo sounder, AIS, VDR, BNWAS and NAVTEX.
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e) Knowledge of steering control systems including auto pilot, operational procedures

and change over from manual to automatic control and vice-versa, adjustment of
controls for optimum performance, Steering test and drill, FU and NFU
f) Knowledge and application of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide
g) Precautions for ice navigation

3) Compasses
a) Use, care and limitation of the magnetic and gyro compasses and associated
equipment including auto pilot
4) Maneuver the Ship
a) Preparation for getting under way, duties prior to proceeding to sea, entering a dock,
berthing alongside quays, jetties or other ship and securing to buoys.
b) Use of mooring lines and associated equipment during berthing/unbreathing.
c) Helm orders, conning the ship, effects of propellers on steering of a ship, stopping,
going astern, short round turn, interaction, maneuvering in the vicinity of pilot vessels
and other craft, embarking and disembarking a pilot.
d) Effect of various deadweight, drafts, trim, speed and under keel clearances on turning
circle and stopping distances, maneuvering booklet, pilot card, effect of wind and
current on ship handling.
e) Action in event of failure: Bridge control, telegraph or steering; emergency steering
arrangements.
f) Maneuvers and procedures for the rescue of the persons overboard.
g) Squat, shallow water and similar effects
h) Proper procedures for anchoring and mooring

TOPIC 2: CARGO HANDLING AND STOWAGE

1) Loading and Unloading of Cargoes

a) Use and care of mooring lines and wire ropes, ascertaining of safe-working loads.
b) Use, care and maintenance of ship's machinery, deck appliances and cargo handling
appliances.
c) Basic knowledge of the regulations and recommendations affecting cargo.
d) Handling, stowage, securing and carriage, including the IMDG Code. Deck Cargo-
Grain cargo- Timber-Bulk-Ore-Container-Refrigerated Cargo-Dangerous Goods- Oil-
Chemical-Gas-Heavy Lift
e) Cargo securing manual
f) Use of the hydrometer
g) Cargo plan, monitoring cargo operation, cargo documents, record-keeping and
reporting defects
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TOPIC 3: RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES

1) Response to Navigational Emergencies

a) Initial action following: man overboard, collision, grounding, flooding or major
mechanical damage and receipt of a distress message, init.al damage assessment and
control, protection of the marine environment.
b) Precautions for the protection and safety of passengers in emergency situations
c) Use of the International Aeronautical and Marine Search and Rescue (IAMSAR)
Manual (Volume III), search and rescue world-wide

2) Response to Other Emergencies

a) Understanding of the organizational procedures of the emergency parties and drills
b) Action during distress and when disabled, ship abandonment and rescue.
c) Precautions for towing other vessels and being towed
d) Safety during helicopter operation
e) Assisting vessels in distress and rescuing persons at sea
f) Knowledge of the fire prevention, use and care of the fire-fighting appliances, the
shut-down and isolation of plant and equipment, EEBD and SCBA, fire and safety
plans
g) Fire zone, emergency escape
h) Knowledge of classes and chemistry of fire
i) Understanding of action to be taken in the event of fire including fires involving oil
j) Use and care of life-saving appliances and equipment including Hand held radio,
EPIRBS, SARTS, Immersion suits, Thermal protective aids, Pyrotechnics and LTA
k) Meaning of marking on survival craft and associated equipment
l) Launch and manage survival craft and associated equipment
m) Knowledge of the contents of SOLAS training manual and maintenance logs.
n) Basic principles of survival technique.
o) Action to be taken when emergencies arise in port.
p) Sources of medical information available, practical application of medical guides and
advice by radio, including the ability to take effective action in case of accidents and
illnesses.
q) Precautions to safeguard against terrorism, piracy and armed robbery.
r) Knowledge of cyber security and precautions to safeguard against cyber-attack.

3) Communications
a) Use of distress and emergency signals, International Code of Signals and the IMO
Standard Marine Communication phrases.
b) Emergency communication within the GMDSS regulations
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TOPIC 4: ONBOARD SHIP OPERATIONS

1) Pollution Prevention Requirements

a) MARPOL 73/78, precautions to be taken to prevent pollution of the marine
environment as required by MARPOL, including special areas and the disposal of
pollutants
b) Basic understanding of SOPEP, SEEMP, P and A manual, Ballast water management
plan, Garbage Management Plan, Oil record book, Cargo record book, Garbage
record book, Ballast record book and anti-pollution equipment.
2) Seaworthiness of the Ship:
a) Basic knowledge and application of ship stability.
b) Understanding fundamentals of watertight integrity and the closing of all openings
including hatch covers, access hatches and watertight doors.
c) Preparation for heavy weather.
d) Name of the principal structures of vessels.
e) Maintaining water tightness integrity, load line items, actions to be taken during
ingress of water, jettisoning of cargo from deck, damage to hull and hatch, cargo
shifting
f) Dry docking with and without cargo.
g) Use and care of winch, windlass, capstan, davit, fair lead, fitting between anchor and
chain locker, (h) Anchor-types and their advantage and disadvantage, preparations for
anchoring, anchoring, with single anchor and use of second anchor, anchoring with
current and congested water, signs of anchor dragging and subsequent action.
h) Understanding of the purpose of the Enhanced Survey Program (j) Causes of
corrosion, inspection of cargo spaces and ballast tanks.
3) Legislative Requirements
a) Conventions by IMO, ILO including latest amendments
b) Basic knowledge of Bangladesh Merchant Shipping regulations.
c) International Maritime Law, UNCLOS-Territorial sea, Contiguous zone, EEZ,
Continental shelf, High seas, Archipelagic sea lane, International straits.
d) Contents and use of weekly, cumulative and annual summary of Admiralty Notices to
Mariners.
e) Knowledge and application of current Health and Safety regulations and the Code of
Safe Working Practice for Merchant Seafarers, entry into enclosed spaces, Risk
assessment and risk control.
f) Basic knowledge of relevant IMO conventions concerning safety at sea and protection
of the marine environment (SOLAS - MARPOL -STCW -LOAD LINE -TONNAGE
-FAL)
g) Certificates to be carried by ships.
h) Purpose and application of the ISM code and ISPS code.
i) Various requirements as per LSA code and FSS code.
j) Purpose of Flag State and Port state control.
k) Pilot ladder regulations.
l) Log books