What is meaning of Passage Planning ?

1. The plotting of the intended route or track of the voyage or passage on appropriate scale charts: the true direction of the planned route or track should be indicated, as well as all areas of danger, existing ships’ routeing and reporting systems, vessel traffic services, and any areas where marine environmental protection considerations apply;
2. The main elements to ensure safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation, and protection of the marine environment during the intended voyage or passage; such elements should include, but not be limited to:
   • Safe speed, having regard to the proximity of navigational hazards along the intended route or track, the manoeuvring characteristics of the vessel and its draught in relation to the available water depth;
   • Necessary speed alterations en route, e.g., where there may be limitations because of night passage, tidal restrictions, or allowance for the increase of draught due to squat and heel effect when turning;
   • minimum clearance required under the keel in critical areas with restricted water depth;
   • positions where a change in machinery status is required;
   • course alteration points, taking into account the vessel’s turning circle at the planned speed and any expected effect of tidal streams and currents;
   • the method and frequency of position fixing, including primary and secondary options, and the indication of areas where accuracy of position fixing is critical and where maximum reliability must be obtained;
   • use of ships’ routeing and reporting systems and vessel traffic services;
   • considerations relating to the protection of the marine environment; and
   • contingency plans for alternative action to place the vessel in deep water or proceed to a port of refuge or safe anchorage in the event of any emergency necessitating abandonment of the plan, taking into account existing shore-based emergency response arrangements and equipment and the nature of the cargo and of the emergency itself.
   • The details of the voyage or passage plan should be clearly marked and recorded, as appropriate, on charts and in a voyage plan notebook or computer disk.
   • Each voyage or passage plan as well as the details of the plan, should be approved by the ships’ master prior to the commencement of the voyage or passage.

Execution

1. Having finalized the voyage or passage plan, as soon as time of departure and estimated time of arrival can be determined with reasonable accuracy, the voyage or passage should be executed in accordance with the plan or any changes made thereto.
2. Factors which should be taken into account when executing the plan, or deciding on any departure there from 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;
3. Daytime versus night-time passing of danger points, and any effect this may have on position fixing accuracy; and
4. Traffic conditions, especially at navigational focal points.
5. It is important for the master to consider whether any particular circumstance, such as the forecast of restricted visibility in an area where position fixing by visual means at a critical point is an essential feature of the voyage or passage plan, introduces an unacceptable hazard to the safe conduct of the passage; and thus whether that section of the passage should be attempted under the conditions prevailing or likely to prevail. The master should also consider at which specific points of the voyage or passage there may be a need to utilize additional deck or engine room personnel.

Monitoring

1. 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.
2. The progress of the vessel in accordance with the voyage and passage plan should be closely and continuously monitored. Any changes made to the plan should be made consistent with these Guidelines and clearly marked and recorded.

To have a look on Passage Plan format, Please click here.