Description

Seamanship Notes – Second Edition 

Seamanship Notes – Second Edition is a practical seamanship notes book designed to support students preparing for MCA Certificate of Competency exams. It also serves as a valuable revision guide for seafarers looking to refresh their knowledge of navigation, cargo handling, emergency response, and shipboard operations.

The seamanship notes book provides a structured and accessible overview of the key subjects covered in the MCA Certificate of Competency syllabus. It is designed to make studying less overwhelming by presenting essential information in a clear format that supports revision, recall, and confidence building.

This guide covers a broad range of topics including passage planning, navigational charts, buoyage, electronic navigation systems, COLREGS, cargo handling, emergency response, survival procedures, pollution prevention, and onboard ship operations. Its study-friendly structure makes it especially useful for both exam preparation and professional knowledge refreshment.

The publication also directs readers towards primary maritime sources and supports learning aligned with international standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the MCA, and other recognised industry bodies.

Why This Seamanship Notes Book is Essential for MCA Exam Preparation

MCA oral and written exams require a broad understanding of practical seamanship, navigational awareness, operational procedures, and emergency readiness. This book helps candidates revise efficiently by breaking down the syllabus into manageable subject areas and key reference points.

For broader seamanship and navigation understanding, this guide works effectively alongside Bridge Procedures Guide – Sixth Edition and The Pocket Book of Anchoring, supporting bridge operations, safe navigation, and anchoring procedures.

It also complements core navigation references such as COLREG: Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, with additional professional resources available in the deck department industry bodies collection.

Who Should Read This Seamanship Notes Book?

This book is ideal for deck cadets, junior officers, MCA exam candidates, and seafarers looking to refresh their operational knowledge. It is also valuable for maritime colleges, training institutions, and onboard study programs.

Whether used for exam preparation, structured revision, or professional development, this guide provides a practical framework for building confidence across the core subjects of seamanship.

Contents Listing:

Section 1 – Navigation

1 Passage Planning 

2 Navigational Charts and Publications 

3 Radio Navigational Warnings 

4 Ships Routeing Information 

5 Mandatory Reporting Systems 

6 IALA Systems of Maritime Buoyage 

7 Electronic Navigation Systems 

8 Electronic Chart Systems 

9 Radar and ARPA 

10 The Azimuth Mirror 

11 Marine Sextant 

12 Sources of Meteorological Information 

13 Meteorological Instruments 

14 Characteristics of Weather Systems 

15 Reporting and Recording Systems 

16 The Principles of Navigational Watchkeeping 

17 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) 

18 Practical use of RADAR and ARPA 

19 Bridge Equipment 

20 Steering Control Systems 

21 The Bridge Procedures Guide 

22 Compasses 

23 Gyro Compass 

24 Associated Equipment 

25 Manoeuvre the Ship 

26 Preparation and Duties 

27 Use and Care of Mooring Lines and Associated Equipment 

28 Ship Handling 

29 Turning Short Round 

30 Action in the Event of a Failure 

31 Proper Procedures for Anchoring 

Section 2 – Cargo Handling and Stowage

32 Use and Care of Synthetic Fibre and Wire Ropes 

33 IMO Conventions and Guidelines Concerning the Safe Handling of Cargoes Onboard the Vessel 

34 Carriage of Goods by Sea 

35 Use of the Hydrometer 

Section 3 – Response to Emergencies

36 Response to Navigational Emergencies 

37 Precaution for the Protection and Safety of Passengers 

38 Use of the International Aeronautical and Marine Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual 

39 Distress and Emergency Signals 

40 Search and Rescue Around the UK and Worldwide 

41 Organisational Procedures for Emergency Parties and Drills 

42 Knowledge of Fire Prevention and Fire-Fighting Appliances 

43 Classes of Fire 

44 Properties of Fire Extinguishers 

45 Use and Care of Life Saving Appliances 

46 Markings on Survival Craft and Associated Equipment 

47 Launch and Manage Survival Craft 

48 Knowledge of SOLAS Training Manual 

49 Basic Principles of Survival 

50 Emergencies in Port 

51 Sources of Medical Information 

52 International Code of Signals and IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases 

53 IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases 

Section 4 – Onboard Ship Operations

54 MARPOL Prevention of Pollution 

55 MARPOL Precautions to Prevent Pollution from Ships 

56 The Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) 

57 Contents of SOPEP Plan 

58 Garbage Management Plan 

59 Anti-Pollution Equipment 

60 Fundamentals of Watertight Integrity 

61 Preparations for Heavy Weather 

62 Legislative Requirements 

63 Merchant Shipping Health and Safety Legislation 

64 IMO Conventions 

65 International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (ISM) 

66 The Maritime Labour Convention 

67 Flag State and Port State 

This book is an essential revision resource for anyone preparing for MCA professional exams or strengthening their practical seamanship knowledge. By covering the full syllabus in a clear and structured way, it helps readers study more effectively, build confidence, and improve operational understanding onboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Seamanship Notes Book used for?

This book is used for MCA Certificate of Competency exam preparation and for refreshing knowledge of navigation, cargo handling, emergency response, and shipboard operations.

Who should read this Seamanship Notes Book?

It is suitable for deck cadets, junior officers, maritime students, and seafarers preparing for MCA exams.

Does the book follow the MCA syllabus?

Yes, it is structured around the MCA examination syllabus and provides an overview of the main topic areas.

Does it cover navigation and emergency response?

Yes, it includes navigation, COLREGS, emergency response, survival procedures, and onboard operational topics.

Is this book useful for revision?

Yes, its structured format makes it especially useful for revision, recall, and exam preparation.