Navigation Safety and Position Fixing sop 7.2

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the minimum frequency for cross-checking position equipment in good visibility?

Every 20 minutes

Every 10 minutes

Every 15 minutes (correct)

Every 30 minutes

What should be increased when operating in restricted visibility at night?

The speed of the vessel

The frequency of position fixing (correct)

The use of visual aids

The number of crew members

Which technique is least effective for position fixing during darkness?

Employing electronic range markers

Estimating distance based on landmarks (correct)

Cross-referencing with nautical charts

Using radar for cross verification

What should a lifeboat station's local knowledge LOP typically include?

Hazardous areas and significant points of concern Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is crucial for planning a safe route in hazardous areas?

Storing pre-planned routes on chart plotter Signup and view all the answers

What should be the frequency of position fixing while on passage?

At regular intervals Signup and view all the answers

Which should be used for cross-checking positions if a radar is available?

Electronic range markers and electronic bearing lines Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical action to take when there is a discrepancy in position verification?

Stop and reassess the position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration for safe navigation while on passage?

Ignoring restrictions on visibility Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to increase the risk for the person in command when operating in hazardous areas?

Operating in areas with known hazards Signup and view all the answers

When planning a passage, what should happen if significant delays are expected?

Communicate with the coastguard Signup and view all the answers

When should laminated paper plans ideally be used?

As supplemental tools for navigation Signup and view all the answers

What role do navigation aids play during passage planning?

They assist in fixing and validating position Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the formal passage plan?

A detailed weather report and resource use Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to monitor fuel consumption during a passage?

To calculate how much fuel is left for the journey Signup and view all the answers

What can negatively affect compass accuracy during navigation?

Placement of metal objects nearby Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the RNLI Standard Operating Procedure for Navigation Safety?

To ensure the safe navigation of RNLI ILBs and IRHs Signup and view all the answers

Which documentation is recommended for understanding the basic principles of keeping a navigational watch?

STCW ‘Basic principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch’ Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential pre-requisite for safe navigation according to the RNLI SOP?

Local knowledge LOP familiarity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a hazard in the RNLI SOP for Navigation Safety?

Underwater currents Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT part of the local knowledge LOP that should aid in safe navigation?

Predicted weather patterns Signup and view all the answers

What document provides guidance on voyage planning relevant to the SOP?

IMO ‘Guidance on voyage planning’ Signup and view all the answers

When monitoring weather and sea conditions, what hazard is specifically mentioned in the RNLI SOP?

Weather and sea conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the review frequency stated for the RNLI SOP Navigation Safety?

Biennial Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Position Fixing

A position can be considered fixed when a formal cross-check of equipment has been completed, like a visual fix when passing a named post/marker and cross-checking the vessels position on the plotter.
Using multiple navigation aids to cross check position is good practice.
At a minimum, cross-checking of equipment should be done every 15 minutes, however, this should increase when approaching or prior to entering areas of known hazards.

Position Fixing in Restricted Visibility or Nighttime

Frequency of position fixing and cross-checking equipment should increase.
Use electronic range markers and electronic bearing lines to cross check position on electronic charts when using radar.
Landmarks and buoys can be used to estimate range of visibility.

Transiting Areas of Known Hazards

Lifeboat station local knowledge LOP should detail all hazardous areas the ILB / IRH will regularly operate in and any other significant points of concern.
Pre-planned routes should be stored on the chart plotter to help keep the craft safe while transiting hazardous areas.
Laminated paper plans should also be carried.
Proper use should be made of suitable transits, clearing lines, radar techniques (if available) or any other means available.

### Operating in Areas of Known Hazards

Consider using other more suitable rescue assets such as coastal rescue teams or helicopters, if possible.
A proper plan and dynamic risk assessment must be made prior to entering these areas.
A good briefing must be given to the crew, roles allocated, and contingencies discussed.
Local knowledge should be used.
Any reference points or landmarks should be identified to assist in maintaining a safe position.
Good situational awareness must be maintained by the person in command.
If in any doubt about the safety of the crew or craft, the ILB / IRH must move to a safer area and re-assess.

A formal passage plan is to be made when passaging a boat / hovercraft.
Position is to be fixed at regular intervals and cross checked using other navigation aids.
Use of DR/EP to monitor intended/expected progress vs actual.
ETA is to be monitored and any significant delays communicated to coastguard.
Any deviations necessary from planned route to be replotted, assessed and COIR informed when possible.
Weather is to be monitored and cross checked with expected forecast.
Fuel consumption / economy is to be monitored.

Points to Keep in Mind

Full use shall be made of navigation aids.
Crew should be fully briefed and updated on the plan and their responsibilities.
Restricted visibility is not limited to fog; it encompasses being in or near fog, heavy rain, mist, snow, etc.
If the cross-checking of navigation aids doesn’t match, the craft should be stopped until the person in command can validate their position.
If your position is not known, then you should stop and reassess.
The compass error can increase significantly due to metal objects in the vicinity such as safety harnesses.
Regular checks of the compass against transits is good practice.

Compass Errors

Regularly check the compass against transits.

Local Knowledge

Familiarity with a station’s local knowledge LOP is essential for safe navigation.
The LOP should contain:
- Information on safe pilotage (if applicable).
- Pre-planned routes saved on the chart plotter.
- Transits and/or other identifying features that can be used in the area.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers essential practices for position fixing in navigation, emphasizing the importance of equipment cross-checking. It discusses tactics for restricted visibility, nighttime navigation, and transiting hazardous areas to ensure safe operations. Test your knowledge and enhance your understanding of maritime navigation safety.