Guidance

Seamanship & Meteorology Examination Syllabus

Published 3 January 2018

1. Course details

1.1 Duration

This course must take place over five days or 30 hours of formal instruction.

1.2 Assessment

Assessment will be by written 2.5 hour examination of five questions with one question being taken from each of the main sections of the syllabus.

The pass mark will be 60%.

2. Syllabus

2.1 Seamanship

2.1.1 Dangers and precautions necessary during heavy weather

1. Can state the precautions necessary when heavy weather is forecast.
2. Can describe the dangers of synchronous rolling.
3. Can describe the possible dangers to the vessel and crew of heavy rolling and pitching with regard to structural damage and types of injury to personnel.
4. Can describe the dangers of running before a following sea.
5. Can describe the dangers of excessive speed in adverse conditions.
6. Can state the procedure for heaving to, bow or stern to the sea.
7. Can describe the dangers of squalls to sailing vessels.
8. Can describe the handling characteristics of a disabled vessel in heavy weather and methods that can be used to prevent the vessel broaching to in a heavy sea.
9. Can describe the dangers of launching and manoeuvring a rescue boat or survival craft in heavy weather.

2.1.2 Precautionary measures for maintaining buoyancy

1. Can describe the importance of ensuring water-freeing arrangements are maintained with particular reference to deck drains and scuppers.
2. Can describe the importance of securing anchors and chains with reference to closing the hawse and spurling pipes.
3. Can detail the instructions to the crew for routine checks to maintain watertight integrity.
4. Can describe the possible dangers to buoyancy associated with side openings and shell doors.
5. Can describe the practical aspect of keeping records regarding watertight integrity.

2.1.3 Procedures when towing and being towed

1. Can describe the selection of suitable towing points.
2. Can describe the procedure for preparing to tow or to be towed, including the selection of suitable equipment with (if applicable) reference to the Emergency Towing Procedure of the vessel.
3. Can describe the various methods of passing and securing a tow.
4. Can describe the methods of steering a vessel under tow and when being towed.
5. Can describe the procedure of letting go a tow.

2.1.4 Ship handling

1. Can describe methods of handling a vessel in rivers, estuaries, restricted waters, and in harbours including knowledge of the following:
   1. Turning Short round;
   2. The effect and movement of the pivot point;
   3. The effects of different propeller configurations causing ‘Transverse thrust’.
2. Can describe the effects that weather, tide, head-reach, stopping distance and currents may have during ship handling.
3. Can define the following terms used in ship handling:
   1. Head reach;
   2. Advance and Transfer;
   3. Turning radius;
   4. Tactical diameter.
4. Can describe the factors that should be taken into account when approaching a dock or berth.
5. Can describe the effects that may be experienced when manoeuvring in shallow waters, including:
   1. Reduction of under-keel clearance by squat;
   2. Rolling and pitching.
6. Can state the sources of manoeuvring data and state how this should be provided and displayed.
7. Can describe the effect and dangers of interaction between passing vessels.
8. Can describe the design and limitations of different manoeuvring and propulsion systems.
9. Can state the precautions necessary when embarking, navigating and disembarking a pilot.
10. Can outline the requirements when navigating with a pilot on board.

2.1.5 Procedures for bringing a vessel to anchor

1. Can describe the factors in selecting an anchorage, with regard to weather and the type of the holding ground.
2. Can describe the methods of anchoring using one or two anchors.
3. Can describe the operation of a running moor, standing moor and Mediterranean moor.
4. Can describe the procedure for clearing a fouled anchor.
5. Can describe the requirement for an anchor watch.
6. Can describe actions when dragging anchor.
7. Can describe the precautions when anchoring in heavy weather.
8. Can describe the precautions required when anchoring in deep water.

2.1.6 Navigational dangers

1. Can describe the possible navigational dangers likely to be encountered in coastal and shallow waters.

2.1.7 Actions in emergency situations

1. Can describe action to assist a ship or aircraft in distress, including sources of information.
2. Can describe actions to be taken if grounding is imminent, and after grounding.
3. Can describe re-floating a grounded vessel with and without assistance.
4. Can outline the procedure for beaching a vessel.
5. Can outline the action to be taken after a collision.
6. Can describe measures to preserve stability and trim in event of damage.
7. Can describe man-over-board manoeuvres.
8. Can state the necessity to keep records and make reports to meet statutory and organisational requirements.

2.1.8 Response in emergency

1. Can create and manage strategic procedures in event of an emergency.
2. Can identify the allocation of resources, and emergency duties to teams and individuals.
3. Can outline the practical use of contingency plans.
4. Can describe the organisation and benefits of drills, musters and other emergency training.
5. Can outline crowd control management and the handling of passengers and personnel.
6. Can outline the actions necessary when preparing for, and abandoning, ship.
7. Can describe the risk of abandoning the vessel.

2.1.9 Action required in the event of loss of essential systems

1. Can state the actions to be taken in the event of loss of steering.
2. Can describe the operation of emergency steering systems.
3. Can outline the options available for steering following the loss of directional stability.
4. Can describe the actions to be taken in a drifting vessel.

2.2 Navigation and passage planning

2.2.1 Watchkeeping

1. Can detail the procedures for the keeping of a safe navigational watch.
2. Can describe the procedures for establishing a navigational policy, including watch-keeping arrangements and hours of work.
3. Can state the importance of procedures and principles when handing over, relieving and maintaining a watch.
4. Can detail the officer of the watch’s role and responsibilities with particular reference to maintaining a lookout, monitoring traffic, the vessel and environment.
5. Can describe the responsibilities and duties of lookouts.
6. Can state the precautions necessary when changing over from hand to automatic steering and vice-versa.
7. Can outline the possible dangers in the use of very high frequency radios (VHF) in collision avoidance.
8. Can state the importance of correct logbook entries and other record maintenance activities.
9. Can describe the necessity for clear and concise bridge communication between members of the bridge team during the monitoring of the passage.
10. Can describe the importance and significance of Master’s standing orders and night orders.

2.2.3 Navigation in ice

1. Can describe the dangers of navigation in or near ice.
2. Can outline the formation of ice accretion on vessels and the associated dangers.
3. Can describe the preparations that should be made prior to entering areas prone to icing as specified in Chapter 7.39 on NP100.
4. Can list the different types of ice and the hazards they may present.

2.3 Meteorology

2.3.1 General meteorology

1. Can describe the terms:
   1. Lapse rates; and
   2. Atmospheric stability.
2. Can outline the process of cloud formation.
3. Can list the main types of cloud.
4. Can describe local and regional effects of heating and cooling.
5. Can describe the causes and the weather experienced during the North East and South West monsoon of the Indian Ocean.
6. Can describe the formation of permanent and semi-permanent high and low pressure areas.
7. Can state the relationship between pressure distribution and wind.
8. Can show a basic understanding of air masses and their properties.
9. Can describe the weather associated with rising and falling pressure.
10. Can define the terms pressure tendency and pressure gradient.

2.3.2 Tropical revolving storms

1. Can state the principle areas and times of year when tropical storms can be expected (as defined in NP100).
2. Can describe why tropical storms form in low latitudes.
3. Can state the likely signs of an approaching tropical storm.
4. Can describe the formation of tropical storms.
5. Can draw a diagram of a North or South hemisphere tropical storm showing the wind direction and the dangerous and navigable sectors (as shown in NP100).
6. Can describe, using diagrams, the probable paths of a tropical storm in the southern and northern hemisphere and the strategies for the avoidance of these storms as contained in the Mariners Handbook (NP100).

2.3.3 Weather forecasting

1. Can interpret marine weather forecasts.
2. Can define the types of weather messages including surface analysis and forecast charts and common weather chart symbols.
3. Can state the organisations providing meteorological information to shipping.
4. Can define the reliability of weather forecasts with respect to interval and forecast duration.
5. Can describe the use of weather messages to deduce the probable weather and changes in the weather.

2.4 The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

2.4.1 International requirements for safety of life at sea

1. Can state the lifesaving appliances required on a large yacht by LY3 (as amended) and SOLAS.
2. Can state the fire fighting equipment required on a large yacht by LY3 (as amended) and SOLAS.

2.4.2 International requirements for the prevention of pollution at sea MARPOL

1. Can describe the content of the ship’s oil pollution emergency plan (SOPEP) manual:
   1. the action to be taken in the event of an accidental oil spillage;
   2. the oil anti-pollution procedures;
   3. the associated equipment to be carried onboard.
2. Can state which yachts must maintain an Oil Record Book (ORB) in an approved form.
3. Can list the contents of the ORB.
4. Can state the circumstances in which discharges of oily substances (MARPOL Annex 1) may be permitted.
5. Can outline the practical prevention of oil spills with particular reference to bunkering operations.
6. Can outline the precautions required by MARPOL Annex IV necessary to protect the marine environment with regard to sewage.
7. Can outline the garbage management plan as contained in MARPOL Annex V, including:
   1. The requirement for record keeping;
   2. The limitations associated with at sea garbage disposal areas;
   3. The problems associated with garbage segregation, onboard storage and landing garbage in port.
8. Can state which yachts must maintain a Garbage Record Book, have a Garbage Management Plan and display a Garbage Placard.
9. Can state the precautions required by (MARPOL Annex VI) necessary to protect the marine environment with regard to air pollution and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

2.5 Safety management and the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers

2.5.1 Personal hygiene and safety

1. Can outline the importance of complying with the health and hygiene requirements.
2. Can state the importance of personal care in hot climates.
3. Can outline the importance of regular inspections of accommodation.

2.5.2 Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers

1. Can outline the content of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (2015) and describe its use in the management of safety on board a yacht.
2. Can state the regulatory status of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers.
3. Can state the importance of personal responsibility for ensuring safe working practices, safe work area and following safety procedures.
4. Can outline the principles of risk assessment and describe the permit to work system.
5. Can describe and list the precautions necessary and the dangers involved in the following:
   1. Enclosed space entry;
   2. Working over the side;
   3. Working at height;
   4. Lunching and recovering tenders (including making way);
   5. Using chemicals;
   6. Using power tools;
   7. Mooring.
6. Can outline the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations as a source of information available for chemicals that are potentially hazardous when used or carried on board.
7. Can describe the importance of pre task safety briefings (tool box talks).
8. Can describe the importance of fire prevention on board and fire fighting emergency training exercises.

2.5.3 Safety organisation and role and responsibility of the Safety Officer

1. Can state the role of master, safety officer and safety representative.
2. Can describe the role of the safety committee.
3. Can summarise the duties of employer with regard to safety officers, safety representatives and safety committees.
4. Can outline the importance of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
5. Can define the objectives of a Safety Management System under the ISM code.
6. Can describe the requirement for and importance of safety meetings.
7. Can describe the practical aspects of safety inspections.
8. Can define the importance of keeping records.
9. Can state the duties and powers of the Safety Officer.

2.5.4 Reporting of unsafe practices and incidents

1. Can outline the importance of reporting ‘near miss’ incidents.
2. Can describe the process of accident investigation.
3. Can describe the action required on encountering an unsafe operation.
4. Can explain the importance of rectifying and eliminating unsafe conditions and potential hazards.

2.5.5 Principles of planning work activities, setting objectives and priorities to ensure requirements are met

1. Can state the importance of onboard working relationships.
2. Can describe the importance of crew resource management.
3. Can outline the strategies for encouraging effective working relationships.