Description

The passage planning practice book provides a structured, hands-on approach to voyage planning, helping navigators develop practical skills required for safe and efficient navigation. Working through a full passage example, it demonstrates how theoretical principles are applied in real operational scenarios.

This guide covers all stages of passage planning, including appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring. It includes chart extracts, checklists, and templates, enabling bridge teams to build a complete passage plan step by step while understanding key navigational tasks and decision-making processes.

The publication supports international navigation standards and aligns with guidance from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), making it a valuable resource for improving compliance and operational safety.

Why This Passage Planning Practice Book is Essential for Safe Navigation

Effective passage planning requires both theoretical understanding and practical application. This book bridges that gap by allowing navigators to test their knowledge, identify risks, and develop safe planning habits through realistic voyage scenarios.

To gain a complete understanding of passage planning, this guide is designed to be used alongside Passage Planning Principles – Second Edition, which provides the foundational theory and concepts behind each stage of the planning process.

For broader navigation awareness, it also works effectively with Lights and Shapes at Sea and COLREGS Sound and Light Signals, supporting interpretation of navigational signals during voyage execution.

Additional supporting resources can be found in the ECDIS book collection, helping bridge teams integrate planning with digital navigation systems.

Who Should Read This Passage Planning Practice Book?

This book is ideal for Masters, deck officers, cadets, and maritime professionals responsible for voyage planning and navigation. It is particularly useful for those seeking to develop practical planning skills and improve real-world application of navigation procedures.

Whether used for onboard training, exam preparation, or professional development, this guide provides the tools needed to prepare accurate and effective passage plans.

This book is designed to be read alongside the first chapter of ‘Passage Planning Principles (ISBN 978-1-85609-853-3), where many of the terms and concepts are described in more detail. 

Contents Listing:

1 Voyage Instructions 

2 Confirmation of Destination 

2.1 Task 1: Confirm Destination 

2.2 Task 2: Establish Route 

2.3 Task 3: Calculate Distances 

3 Appraisal 

3.1 Task 4: Collate Company, Master and Charterer’s Instructions 

3.2 Task 5: Gather General Information 

3.3 Task 6: Collect and Note Cargo Information 

4 Planning 

4.1 Procedure for Chart Selection 

4.2 Task 7: If the largest-scale charts for the voyage (or part of the voyage) are not on board, they must be requisitioned 

4.3 Task 8: Identify predicted areas of danger and mark on charts 

4.4 Task 9: Lay off the courses, clear of hazards and dangers 

4.5 Calculation of Wheel Over Point 

4.6 Steps to Draw Wheel-Over Bearing by Advance Transfer Method 

4.7 Use of Large-Scale Plans within Small-Scale Charts 

4.8 Task 10: Mark all identified hazards 

4.9 Use of the ‘Admiralty List of Lights 

4.10 Use of Admiralty List of Radio Signals 

4.11 Calculation of Radar Horizon 

4.12 Transferring Position from one Chart to Another Chart 

4.13 Use of Admiralty List of Radio Signals for Information about RACONS 

4.14 Use of Admiralty List of Radio Signals for information on DGPS Beacons 

4.15 Task 11: Identify the hazards 

5 Execution 

5.1 Task 12: Allocate Resources for Bridge Team Management 

6 Monitoring 

6.1 Task 13: Continuously monitor progress along the planned track 

6.2 Anchor Plan 

6.3 Berthing Plan 

Appendices 

Appendix 1: Own Passage Checklist 

Appendix 2: Passage Plan, Bab-el-Mandeb to Jeddah Pilot Station 

Appendix 3: Passage Plan, Jeddah Pilot Station to Berth 

Appendix 4: Passage Planning Notebook 

Appendix 5: Port Entry Information – Jeddah 

Appendix 6: Ship’s Particulars and Manoeuvring Characteristics 

Appendix7: Chartwork Legends 

This book is an essential resource for developing practical passage planning skills and improving navigation safety. By combining structured guidance with real-world examples, it helps bridge teams plan effectively, reduce risk, and operate with confidence in complex maritime environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this passage planning practice book used for?

This book is used to develop practical voyage planning skills through real-world examples and structured exercises.

Who should read this passage planning practice book?

It is suitable for Masters, deck officers, cadets, and maritime professionals involved in navigation and voyage planning.

Does it include real voyage examples?

Yes, it includes a detailed passage from Rotterdam to Gibraltar with charts, checklists, and planning steps.

Should it be used with Passage Planning Principles?

Yes, it is designed to complement Passage Planning Principles, which provides the theoretical foundation for planning.

Is this book suitable for training?

Yes, it is widely used for onboard training, exam preparation, and improving practical navigation skills.