Master has the overriding authority and responsibilities in decision making with regard to safety and pollution prevention, Master should not be constrained by commercial pressures when making such decision.
All navigational equipment including but not limited to radar, GPS, echo sounder, compass, navigational lights, horn, electronic and / or paper charts, binoculars must be in good operational condition, maintained and inspected regularly (at least on weekly basis). All nautical publications and charts / navigation are to be kept connected to the latest connection.
A comprehensive passage plan must be made and available before every voyage. Waypoints (avoid using any offshore installation or other movable floating objects such as navigation buoy, anchor buoy, etc. as a waypoint) and Course Lines shall be plotted on the relevant charts as well as into the GPS. This voyage passage plan will be submitted to shore operations team for final approval prior to ship’s departure.
Master shall ensure that the watch-keeping arrangements of the ship are effectively maintained at all times. The Officer Of the Watch (OOW) is responsible, under the overall command of the Master, for the safe operation of the ship. There will be no less than 2 (two) persons on the bridge at all times during transit / passage.
Mobile phones, tablets, computer or any reading material are prohibited to the OOW when performing Navigational Watch.
Under Keel Clearance (UKC) as per below must be adhered to:
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- When navigating within a port or secured to a berth, UKC must not be less than 20% of maximum draught of the vessel; but not less than 1 meter from the keel to the seabed.
- In open coastal waters, confined waters and approaches to ports, a minimum dynamic UKC of 20% of the draught but not less than 1 meter shall be maintained.
- On ocean passages, the vessel should be kept clear of any localized shallow areas by at least 500 meters.
Safe navigation is of paramount importance and will take priority over any other parameters.
Master must be aware of the entire port information guide for his next port of call to ensure compliance towards all Port Regulations and Instructions for safe entry navigation. All potential hazards are to be taken note and relevant mitigations are to be provided as required.
When navigating near to concentration of fishing boats and along straits, steering must always be on manual mode.