Question 1

According to the Club, what should happen in the Master-Pilot Information Exchange?

Accepted Answer

It should agree the plan, manoeuvres, tug requirements and contingencies before pilotage, continue once underway, and be backed by passage plans and visual information rather than verbal exchange alone The article recommends that the exchange does not stop at boarding, and that it moves toward a more standardised approach supported by the passage plan and visual information, following the ICS survey finding that verbal exchange alone is not enough.

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.