Bridge Equipment and Watch Keeping (BWK)

• DGS EXAMINATION FORMAT

• Electronic Systems of Position Fixing

• Global Navigation Satellite Systems

• Principles, Block Diagram and Working of Global Navigation Satellite System

• New Terrestrial Electronic Position Fixing Systems (eLoran)

• Global Positioning System (GPS)

• Basic Principle of GPS System and DGPS

• Errors of GPS and DGPS

• Performance Standards for GPS

• Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)

• Introduction to ECDIS

• Comparison of ECDIS and Paper Charts

• Difference between Raster and Vector Charts

• Difference between ECS and ECDIS

• Automatic Identification System (AIS)

• Purpose of AIS

• Information Exchanged and Types of Messages

• Ship to Ship Data Exchange

• Information Displayed on AIS Screen

• Limitations of AIS

• Precautions During Use of AIS for Collision Avoidance

• Performance Standards for AIS

• LRIT (Long Range Identification and Tracking)

• Purpose of LRIT

• Data Transmitted by LRIT

• Authorised ReceiversUsers of LRIT

• Difference Between LRIT and AIS

• Performance Standards for LRIT

• VDR (Voyage Data Recorder)

• Concept and Purpose of VDR

• Playback Options

• Details of Data Recorded on VDR and the Duration of Data Stored

• Modules of VDR

• Float-Free

• S-VDR (Simplified VDR)

• Performance Standards for VDR

• Echo Sounders and Speed Measurements

• Echo Sounders

• Basic Principle, Block Diagram and Operation of Echo Sounder

• Errors of Echo Sounder

• Performance Standards for Echo Sounder

• Speed Log

• Basic principle of Electro Magnetic Log

• Basic Principle of Doppler Speed Logs

• Limitations of Speed Logs

• Janus configuration

• Performance Standards for Speed Log

• Compass - Magnetic and Gyro

• The Magnetism of the Earth

• Magnetic Poles and Variation

• The Magnetic Compass

• Liquid and Dry Card Magnetic Compass

• Binnacle, Lubber line and Ship’s Deviation

• The Gyro-Compass

• Free Gyroscope

• Gyroscopic Inertia and Precession

• Tilt and Drift, Damping, North Seeking Ability of Gyro Compass

• Basic Knowledge of the Errors of Gyro and Application of Course

• Latitude and Speed Errors

• Calculation of Gyro Error

• Steering Control Systems

• Steering Control Systems -1

• Operational Procedures

• Change Over from Manual to Auto and Vice-Versa

• Procedure for Testing of Steering System

• Use of Rate of Turn Indicator (ROTI)

• Performance Standards for ROTI

• The Automatic Pilot

• Auto-pilot

• Principle and Functions

• Auto Pilot Alarms

• Various Settings of the Auto-Pilot for Optimal Performance

• Performance Standards for Auto Pilot

• Course Recorder

• Checks and entries on course recorder

• Maintain a safe Navigational Watch

• Watch-Keeping

• Watch-keeping Arrangements and Procedures

• Keeping a safe navigational watch

• Principles Observed in Keeping a Safe Navigational Watch

• Relieving of Duties and Procedure of Taking Over Watches

• Action on Receiving Storm Warning

• Entries in Logbook

• Bridge Manning Levels

• Bridge Procedures Guide and its Contents

• Keeping an Effective Anchor Watch

• Relieving of Duties

• Procedure for Taking Over Watches

• Action on Receiving Storm Warning -(2)

• Entries in Logbook- (2)

• Thorough Knowledge of Effective Bridge Team Work Procedures

• Maintaining Situational Awareness

• Use of Ships Routeing

• Effective use of information from navigational equipment

• Radar

• ARPA

• AIS

• Electronic Position Fixing Systems

• IBS

• ECDIS

• Emergency Communication

• Use of Reporting Systems

• Ship Reporting Systems

• VTS Reporting Procedures

• Navigational equipment and techniques used for safe navigation in restricted visibility

• Parallel Index Technique

• Radar Clearing Ranges

• Responsibilities

• The Conduct of Blind Pilotage

• Planning of Blind Pilotage

• Content, Application and Intent of COLREG 72

• Rules of the Road (First Part)

• Introduction and Objectives

• Part A – General

• Introduction and Objectives-2

• Rule 1 Application

• Rule 2 Responsibility

• Rule 3 General Definitions

• Conclusion

• Part B – Steering and Sailing rules

• Section I (for any condition of visibility)

• Introduction and Objectives-3

• Rule 4 Application Rule 5 Look-out

• Rule 6 Safe speed

• Rule 7 Risk of collision

• Rule 8 Action to avoid collision

• Rule 9 Narrow channels

• Rule 10 Traffic separation schemes

• Conclusion-2

• Section II (for vessels in sight of one another)

• Rule 11 Application

• Rule 12 Sailing Vessels

• Rule 13 Overtaking

• Rule 14 Head-on situation

• Rule 15 Crossing situation

• Rule 16 Action by give-way vessel

• Rule 17 Action by stand-on vessel

• Rule 18 Responsibilities between vessels

• Conclusion-3

• Section III (for restricted visibility)

• Introduction and Objectives-4

• Rule 19 Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

• Rules of the Road (Second Part)

• Introduction and Objectives -5

• Part C – Lights and Shapes

• Introduction and Objectives-5

• Rule 20 Application

• Rule 21 Definitions

• Rule 22 Visibility of lights

• Rule 23 Power-driven vessels underway

• Rule 24 Towing and pushing

• Rule 25 Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars

• Rule 26 Fishing Vessels

• Rule 27 Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre

• Rule 28 Vessels constrained by their draught

• Rule 29 Pilot vessels

• Rule 30 Anchored vessels and vessels aground

• Rule 31 Seaplanes

• Conclusion-4

• Part D – Sound and Light Signals

• Introduction and Objectives-6

• Rule 32 Definitions

• Rule 33 Equipment for sound signals

• Rule 34 Manoeuvring and warning signals

• Rule 35 Sound signals in restricted visibility

• Rule 36 Signals to attract attention and Rule 37 Distress signals

• Conclusion-5

• Part E - Exemption

• Part F Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention

• COLREG Annexes

• Objectives and introduction-7

• Annex I

• Annex II

• Annex III

• Annex IV

• Conclusion-6

• Bridge Resource Management

• Allocation, Assignment, and Prioritization of Resources

• Effective Communication

• Assertiveness and Leadership

• Obtaining and Maintaining Situational Awareness

• Use of Radar and ARPA to Maintain Safety of Navigation

• Fundamental Theory

• Fundamental Principles of Radar

• Block Diagram

• Use of Various Controls

• Radar as Range and Bearing Measuring Instrument

• Safe Distances - Radar Spares and Magnetic Compasses

• Radiation Hazards and Precautions

• Radiation Hazard near Antennae and Open Wave-guides

• Safety Precautions Necessary in the Vicinity of Open Equipment

• Characteristics of Radar Sets

• Introduction

• Bearing Range Accuracy

• HBW and VBW

• Pulse Length and Pulse Recurrence Rate

• Maximum and Minimum Range of Radar

• Range and Bearing Discrimination

• Factors External to the Radar set Affecting Radar Detection

• Introduction-2

• Radar Horizon

• Sub Refraction, Super Refraction & Ducting

• Effect of Precipitation and Sea on Radar Detection

• Faulty Interpretation

• Factors that Might Cause Faulty Interpretation

• Indirect Echoes and Side Echoes

• Multiple Trace or Second Trace Echoes

• Setting Up and Maintaining Displays

• Function and Adjustment of Controls

• Transmitter Controls

• Display and Reception Controls

• Different Types of Display

• Performance Monitor

• Measurement of Range and Bearing

• Range and Bearing Accuracy

• Error in Range and Bearing

• Marine Radar Performance Specifications

• Performance Standards for Radar Equipment

• Limitations of the Radar X-band and S-band

• Plotting

• Drawing of Relative Motion Triangle and Identification of Various Vectors and Angles

• Plotting Devices

• Drawing the Relative Motion Triangle on a Plotting Chart

• Choosing Vectors for Optimum Efficiency

• Advantages and Limitations of Use of Relative and True Vector

• Closest Point of Approach (CPA)

• CPA, TCPA and Bow Pass

• Plotting in Relative and True Presentation

• Effect of Course and Speed Changes on the Display

• Advantages of Compass Stabilization of a Relative Display

• Standardized Report Format and Reporting Procedure -Elements of the Two Parts of a Repott

• Use of Trial Manoeuvre and Predictive Motion Vectors

• Use of Radar in Navigation

• Fixing ship’s position by ranges of two or more points

• Obtaining Position Fix by Radar Bearings and Ranges

• Possible Errors and Reliability of Fix

• Aids to Radar Navigation

• Use of Passive (Trails, History) and Active Aids

• RACONs

• SARTs

• AIS Overlay on RadarARPA

• Parallel Indexing Technique

• Use of Parallel Indexing Technique in Radar Navigation

• Wheel Over Positions and Safety Margins

• Radar and COLREG 1972

• Relationship of COLREG 1972 to the Use of Radar

• Lookout, Safe Speed and Plotting of Targets

• Actions to be Taken to Avoid Collision in Clear and Bad Visibility Conditions

• Review of Plotting Techniques

• Introduction and Learning Objectives

• Course, Speed, Aspect, CPA and TCPA Determination

• Avoiding Actions

• Principal ARPA Systems

• Vectors (Relative and True)

• Digital Read-out

• Potential Points of Collision and Areas of Danger

• IMO Performance Standards for Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA)

• Requirements for Acquisition and Tracking of Targets

• Operation Warnings

• Gyro and Log Inputs

• Acquisition of Targets

• Manual and Automatic Acquisition of Targets

• Guard Rings and Guard Zones

• Tracking Capabilities and Limitations

• Principle of Tracking by ARPA

• Target Swap

• Processing Delays – Reason for Delay in Display

• Setting Up Displays

• Optimum Display of Echoes

• Use of Echo Referencing in the True Motion Mode

• Representation at Target Information-Benefits and Limitations of Operational Warnings

• Errors of Interpretation

• Lost Target

• Incorrect Interpretation of ARPA

• Errors in Displayed Data

• Errors in Bearing by Backlash and Ship Motion

• Errors in Asymmetrical Antenna Beam, Azimuth Quantization

• Error Range by Rolling of “Own Ship”

• Range Quantization

• Effects of Heading and Speed Errors on Derived Information

• System Operational Tests Self-diagnostic Routines

• Risks of Over-reliance on ARPA

• Obtaining Information from ARPA Displays

• Critical Targets

• Relative and True Course and Speed of Target

• CPA and TCPA Targets

• Application of COLREG 1972

• Analysis of Displayed Situations

• Actions to Avoid Close Quarter Situations

• Ground Stabilization

• Errors Involved in Ground Stabilization

• Advantages and Limitations of Ground and Sea Stabilization

• Caution to be Taken When Used in Conjunction with Doppler Log (Doppler Feed to ARPA)

• Use of ECDIS to Maintain the Safety of Navigation

• Capability and Limitations of ECDIS

• Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) Data

• Raster charts

• Vector charts

• The Singapore ENC

• Data Accuracy and Presentation Rules

• Display Options and Other Chart Data Formats

• Dangers of Over Reliance

• Functions of ECDIS Required by Performance Standards in Force

• Operation, Interpretation, and Analysis of Information Obtained from ECDIS

• Use of Functions that are Integrated with Other Navigation Systems in Various Installations

• Safe Monitoring and Adjustment of Information

• Own Position and Display

• Route Monitoring and Custom Information

• RADAR and AIS Overlay

• Confirmation of Vessel Position by Alternate Means

• Efficient Use of Settings to Ensure Conformance to Operational Procedures

• Alarm Parameters for Anti-Grounding

• Proximity to Contacts and Completeness of Chart Data

• Backup Arrangements

• Adjustment of Settings and Values to Suit the Present Conditions

• Situational Awareness While Using ECDIS

• Safe Water and Proximity of Hazards

• Set and Drift

• Chart Data and Scale Selection

• Suitability of Route

• Contact Detection and Management

• Contingency Plans for Response to Emergencies

• Muster List

• Duties of Remote Control Operations

• Divisions of the Crew into a Command Team, Emergency Team, Back-up Team and Engine Room Team

• Essentials of Good Communication between Command team and Emergency teams

• Actions to be taken in various emergencies

• Measures to be taken in Emergencies for the Protection and Safety of the Ship, Passengers and Crew

• Actions to be taken on Stranding

• Initial Damage Assessment and Control

• Sounding of Compartments

• Sounding Depths All Round the Ship Using Hand-Lead

• Actions to be Taken Following a Collision

• Initial Damage Assessment and Control-2

• Stoppage of Engine

• Preparing Life Boat

• Launching a free-fall lifeboat

• Sending Emergency Signal

• Precautions for the Protection and Safety of Passengers in Emergency Situations

• Warning and Evacuating All Passengers

• Taking a Roll Call, Instructing Passengers During Drills and Supply of Blankets

• Means of Limiting Damage Following a Fire or Explosion

• Cooling of Compartment Boundaries

• Inspection for Damage

• Procedure for Abandoning Ship

• Transmission of Distress Call Until Acknowledged

• Extra Food and Blankets

• EPIRB, SARTs and Hand Held VHF sets

• Warm clothing and lifejackets

• TPAs and Immersion Suits

• Launching in Heavy Weather

• Use of Rocket Line-Throwing Appliances

• Breeches buoy

• Use of Emergency Steering and its Arrangements

• Arrangements for Towing and being taken in tow

• Towing Equipment and Tools on Board Ship

• Methods of Towing Disabled Ship

• Communication Between Two Ships

• Emergency Towing Booklet

• Rescue of Persons from Sea or from a Vessel in Distress

• Use of oil in rough weather

• Waiting for Day Light and Providing a Lee

• Method of Rescue When Sea Conditions are Too Dangerous to Use Boat

• Response to Distress Signal at Sea

• Measures for Assisting a Vessel in Distress

• Contents of the IAMSAR

• Various Search Pattern and Signals to be Made by Ships and Aircraft

• Use of IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases and English in Written and Oral Form

• Contents of SMCP

• Preparing Charts and Other Nautical Publications

• Understanding Meteorological Information and Messages Concerning Ships Safety and Operation

• Communicating with Other Ships, Coast Stations and VTS Centres

• Performing the Officer’s Duties also with a Multilingual Crew

• Standard Marine Communication Phrases

• Using and understanding the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP)

• Transmit and Receive Information by Visual Signalling

• Signalling by Morse Code (Transmission and Reception)

• Morse Symbols for the Alphabet and Numerals

• Transmitting and Receiving Single Letter Signals by Morse Light

• Ability to Transmit and Receive the Distress Signal “SOS”

• Ability to Transmit and Receive the Urgency Signal “XXX”

• Ability to Transmit and Receive the Safety Signal “TTT”

• Using International Code of Signals

• Recognition of International Codes Flags and Pendants

• Purpose of International Code of Signals

• Meanings of Single-letter Flag signals

• International Code Signal of Distress

• Manoeuvring the Ship

• Effects of Various Deadweights and Draughts

• Trim, Speed and Under-Keel Clearance, Turning Circles and Stopping Distances

• Manoeuvring Data of Ship

• Advance, Transfer, Drift Angle and Tactical Diameter

• Track Reach, Head Reach and Side Reach

• Turning Circles of a Ship and Directional Stability

• Pilot card

• Wheelhouse Poster

• Effect of Wind and Current on Ship Handling

• Effect of Wind on a given Ship while Moving and making Large Turns

• Effect of Wind and Current on the Motion of the Ship

• Manoeuvres for the Rescue of a Man Overboard

• Man-Overboard Procedures

• Initial Actions

• Use of Man-Overboard Function in GPS for Homing in to the Man in the Water

• Preparations for Rescuing Man

• Picking Up Man and Picking Up Boat

• Immediate and Delayed Action

• Sequence of Actions when a Person is Seen to Fall Overboard

• Squat and Shallow-Water and Similar Effects

• Shallow Water

• Squat and Bank Effect

• Proper Procedures for Anchoring and Mooring

• Procedure for Anchoring

• Precautions to be Taken

• Using Correct Terminology for Communication Between Bridge and Anchor Station Crew

• Use of Anchor Buoys

• Marking of the Cable

• Sealing of Spurling Pipes

• Joining of Two Mooring Ropes

• Slip wire

• Mooring Plan of a Ship

• Optimum Mooring Pattern and Rope Leads

• Dangers of using Different Rope Types in One Mooring System

• Rigging Pilot LadderCombination Ladder

• Making Fast Tugs and using Fenders during Berthing