Question 1

Who did SHK direct recommendations toward following the Meshka grounding investigation?

Accepted Answer

The shipping company, the ECDIS manufacturer, the chart provider, and the Swedish Transport Agency SHK's recommendations covered crew training, system limitations, chart selection procedures, and international regulations — directed at the shipping company (Makareb Shipmanagement DMCC), the ECDIS manufacturer (Danelec), the chart provider (Elcome), and the Swedish Transport Agency. This reflects the finding that the causal chain ran from chart supply and system design through to the bridge, not just bridge-level error.

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.