Question 1

You are Master of a vessel with tropical revolving storm risk in the Northern Hemisphere. The barometer has fallen steadily and the wind has been veering (shifting clockwise) over several hours. Per standard TRS avoidance guidance (Bowditch), what does this indicate and what is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

You are in the dangerous semicircle — bring the wind on the starboard bow, hold course and make as much way as possible, heaving to head to the sea only if sea room doesn't permit maintaining way A wind shifting to the right (veering) in the Northern Hemisphere indicates the dangerous semicircle. Standard practice: bring the wind on the starboard bow (approx. 045° relative), hold course, and make as much way as possible to work clear — heaving to head to the sea only if sea room doesn't allow maintaining way. This is worth getting exactly right: it is the mirror image of the action for the less dangerous semicircle, and mixing the two up would steer a vessel toward greater danger, not away from it.

Question 2

You're preparing a passage plan for a coastal leg in a yacht drawing 3.2m. At one point the chart shows a least depth of 3.8m at chart datum. What MUST you check before finalising this leg?

Accepted Answer

The tidal height at the time of transit to confirm sufficient under-keel clearance Charted depths are referenced to chart datum (often LAT), so you must add the predicted tidal height for your transit time to get the actual depth, then compare to your draft plus a safety margin to confirm UKC.

Question 3

During your watch the ECDIS gives a "safety contour crossing" alarm. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Assess the situation against the planned route and charted depths, take action to maintain safe water, and inform the Master if there is any doubt A safety contour alarm indicates the vessel may be approaching water shallower than the set safety contour. It must be investigated against the route and charted information, with avoiding action taken and the Master informed as appropriate — never simply silenced.