PRE-DEPARTURE BRIDGE CHECK LIST

DEPARTURE BRIDGE CHECK LIST 

The following is a test carried out before the ship arrives at the port Departure bridge check list including testing of navigation and communication equipment Immediately prior to sailing the following tests shall be made:

a).All charts and nautical publications for the intended voyage corrected to date and courses laid off. 

b).passage plan for the intended voyage been prepared taking into account: 

• Advice/recommendation in sailing directions. 
• Ship’s draft effect of “squat” on under keel clearance in shallow water tides and currents. 
• Weather, particularly in areas renowned for poor visibility. 
• Available navigational aids and their accuracy. 
• Position/fixing methods to be used. 
• Daylight/night time passing of danger points. 
• Traffic likely to be encountered - flow, type, volume 
• Any requirements for traffic separation/routing schemes. 

c).Local/coastal warning broadcasts are being monitored. 

d).Is participation in area reporting systems recommended? 

e).That courses have been laid well clear of obstructions. 

f).Has the following equipment been checked and found ready for use: 

• Anchors including clearing away. 
• Anxillary bridge equipment e.g. binoculars. 
• Bridge movement book - where carried. 
• Course and engine movement recorder. 
• Deck power. 
• Echo sounder. 
• Electronic navigational position fixing aids. 
• Gyro compass and repeaters.(All repeaters are to be synchronized with Master’s Gyro) 
• Magnetic compass. 
• Pilot embarkation/disembarkation arrangements. 
• Radar and associated plotting aids. 
• Speed/distance recorder (when possible). 
• Bridge and engine room telegraphs including revolution indicators. 
• Communications facilities - internal, external and portable. 
• Navigation lights/shapes including emergency navigation lights and lights/shapes for “Not Under Command” and at anchor. 
• Ship’s whistle. 
• Signalling lamps. 
• Steering gear including manual, auto pilot and emergency change over arrangements and rudder indicators. 
• Window wipers/clear view screens. 
• Ship’s clocks synchronised. 

g).That all crew onboard and ready for departure stations. 

h).A thorough inspection of the accommodation, storerooms, spaces, holds, lockers and any other part of the ship as considered necessary should be carried out with particular reference to stowaways.

Read: Passage Plan

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKS

The Pre-departure checklist is to be completed by the designated officer(s) prior to every occasion before a vessel goes to sea. The Master is to be advised on its completion and any defect or malfunction that applies. Master must acknowledged by countersigning on the checklist. 

Stowaways - prior to sailing, a thorough search of the ship for stowaways shall be carried out, especially if in high risk ports.