Seamanship Notes - Second Edition

This book is based on the MCA examination syllabus and has been written to make the syllabus less daunting. Its structured approach to studying – using tables and bullet points to highlight key pieces of information – will help the reader gain confidence in the topic areas.

It also brings together links to publications produced by the IMO, the MCA, the International Chamber of Shipping, P&I Clubs and other non-governmental organisations, to help the reader source additional knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of each topic.

The purpose of this book is to support students studying towards their Maritime and Coastguard Agency professional exams.

The contents of the book are structured around the MCA examination syllabus. The book has been written to provide a brief overview of each topic. Tables and bullet points have been used as I am a great advocate of the ‘flashcard’ study technique and this style lends itself to that.

There are links to primary sources of information and documents which will help you gain a deeper understanding of each topic.

There are so many excellent publications in the public domain produced by the likes of IMO, the MCA, International Chamber of Shipping, P&I clubs and other non-governmental organisations that can really develop your knowledge and be taken forward in your professional environment.

The reason why I wanted to bring this book together was because on first reading, the syllabus can seem quite daunting. By taking a structured approach to your studying and having knowledge of where to find key sources of information you can soon gain confidence in the topic areas.

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

Witherby Publishing Group Ltd

Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.

Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.

Angus Ferguson

Angus Ferguson gained his Master Mariner Certificate of Competency before moving into maritime education. In January 2020, he founded Onboard Maritime, a digital maritime training company that aims to make quality learning accessible to maritime professionals, no matter where they live or work in the world.

www.onboardmaritime.com