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Bridge Procedures Guide

2nd Mate

times asked: 24; times asked
questions: 4; questions
last asked: 2026; last asked

The slides, written out

AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.

Slide 1 · BRIDGE SERIES

BRIDGE SERIES Better Seafarers A Safer Tomorrow SAFE VOYAGES BEGIN WITH GOOD PROCEDURES BRIDGE PROCEDURES GUIDE Practical Guidance for Safer Bridge Operations FROM REGULATIONS TO REAL OPERATIONS

Slide 2 · BRIDGE SERIES

BRIDGE SERIES BRIDGE PROCEDURES GUIDE The Practical Guide to Safe Bridge Operations The Bridge Procedures Guide (BPG) is an International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) industry guidance publication covering safe bridge procedures and current best practice. The 6th Edition was published in January 2022 and addresses modern bridge technology, watchkeeping, human factors, ECDIS, radar, GNSS, pilotage and emergency procedures. Bridge Procedures Guide Sixth Edition January 2022 International Chamber of Shipping Shaping the Future of Shipping Think of it as: SOLAS & STCW Mandatory framework The what BPG Practical industry guidance The how Key Point The BPG complements the SOLAS and STCW framework. It is not itself a SOLAS convention text. Exam Anchor ICS Bridge Procedures Guide, 6th Edition LEARN PRACTICE SAIL AHEAD | |

Slide 3 · BRIDGE SERIES

BRIDGE SERIES THE 4 STAGES OF VOYAGE PLANNING From Chart to Safe Arrival A structured voyage plan is essential for a safe and efficient voyage. It consists of four stages as per IMO Resolution A.893(21). 01 APPRAISAL 02 PLANNING 03 EXECUTION 04 MONITORING 01 APPRAISAL Gather all relevant information Charts and nautical publications Notices to Mariners Navigational warnings Vessel condition and limitations Manoeuvring characteristics Weather and route information 02 PLANNING Develop the detailed passage plan Courses and waypoints Wheel-over positions No-go areas Clearing bearings / safety margins Pilotage areas Contingency arrangements 03 EXECUTION Put the plan into operation Sail the approved plan Consider actual weather Monitor traffic conditions Consider tidal conditions Take account of vessel performance Be alert to any developing hazards 04 MONITORING Continuously verify and manage the voyage Check position, course, speed and track Compare with planned route Detect deviations early Assess the reason Take appropriate action Regulatory Anchor SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 34 IMO Resolution A.893(21) "A well planned voyage is a safer voyage." | |

Slide 4 · BRIDGE SERIES

BRIDGE SERIES BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING & NAVIGATION A Safe Bridge Starts with a Safe Watch The OOW plays a key role in ensuring the safety of the ship, crew, cargo and the marine environment. OOW RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain a safe and effective watch • Maintain a proper lookout at all times • Follow the Master's standing and night orders • Maintain situational awareness • Monitor the vessel's position and movement • Call the Master in restricted visibility, traffic density or in any doubt • Ensure a proper watch handover LOOKOUT A continuous and effective lookout is essential • Use all available means • Visual, hearing and other senses • In conjunction with radar/ARPA • Early detection of risk • Comply with COLREGS Rule 5 BRIDGE EQUIPMENT Use and cross-check all available navigation equipment • ECDIS • Radar / ARPA • GNSS • AIS • Echo sounder • Verify that equipment is operational • Do not simply acknowledge alarms or warnings – identify, assess and act AUTOMATIC STEERING Understand and manage the steering mode • Know the limitations of autopilot • Ensure immediate availability of manual steering • Follow correct changeover procedures • Have a qualified helmsman in situations requiring special caution SOLAS V/24 Use of heading and/or track control systems FITNESS FOR DUTY Rested crew make better decisions • Comply with hours of rest requirements • Manage fatigue • Be physically and mentally fit for duty • Effective watchkeeping relies on alert and well-rested personnel STCW A-VIII/1 Prevention of fatigue and fitness for duty HANDOVER Ensure a clear and structured watch handover • Exchange all relevant information • Highlight any risks or developing situations • Ensure continuity of the voyage plan • Log important events Exam Anchors STCW A-II/1 | STCW A-VIII/1 | STCW A-VIII/2 | SOLAS V/24 | |

Slide 5 · GOOD BRIDGE PROCEDURES

GOOD BRIDGE PROCEDURES LEAD TO SAFE VOYAGES BRIDGE SERIES 4/4 Better Seafarers A Safer Tomorrow PILOTAGE, EMERGENCIES & SURVEY READINESS Be Prepared. Be Compliant. Be Ready. MASTER – PILOT EXCHANGE Share and confirm key information before and during pilotage. Ship's characteristics Navigational procedures Local conditions Applicable rules and regulations Manoeuvring information Pilotage arrangements Complete and exchange the Pilot Card IMO A.960(23) Recommendations on master–pilot information exchange EMERGENCY READINESS Be prepared for initial actions and established shipboard procedures. Steering failure Engine failure Collision Grounding Man overboard Loss of navigation capability Distress situation Regulatory reference for steering emergencies: SOLAS V/26 Steering gear: Testing and drills (V/26 specifically covers steering gear testing, changeover procedures and emergency steering drills) BRIDGE DOCUMENTATION Keep procedures up to date and properly filed. Passage plans Pre-arrival, arrival and departure checklists Standing and night orders Pilotage documentation Emergency procedures Records of navigation equipment checks NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS Carry and maintain adequate and up-to-date charts and publications. Charts appropriate to the voyage Corrected and up to date Notices to Mariners applied List of charts and publications Electronic charts (if fitted) verified Back up arrangements SOLAS V/27 Nautical charts and publications KEY EXAM REMINDER SOLAS V/20 ≠ Nautical Publications SOLAS V/20 is about Voyage Data Recorders (VDR). Correct: SOLAS V/27 – Nautical Charts and Publications. "Prepared Bridge Teams Prevent Incidents." | |

In exams

Asked 24 times across 4 different questions, most recently in 2026. Asked most in 2nd Mate (24).

Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.

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