NV Ch. 4 — Executing the Plan

1. Introduction — from a plan to its execution

The plan has now been made, discussed and approved (Chapters 2 and 3). Chapter 4 covers the next stage: working out how the plan will actually be carried out. Where appraisal gathered the information and planning drew the marks on the chart, execution is about the methods and resources used to put that plan into effect — and about getting the ship and her people ready for sea.

Source: SWIFT, A. J.; BAILEY, T. J. Bridge Team Management: a practical guide. 2nd ed. London: The Nautical Institute, 2004. Chapter 4 — Executing the Passage/Voyage Plan (pp. 38-41).

Edital: Anexo 2-B, Área III, item 1 (Swift & Bailey) → Chapter 4 — Executing the passage/voyage plan · Anexo 2-A, Área III, item 11 (Manobra de embarcações em águas restritas — "Executing the Plan"; núcleo do tópico).

The chapter has two big movements. First, tactics — the timing and resourcing decisions that turn the plan into a workable operation (when to be where; who and what is needed). Second, preparation — readying the people (briefing, fatigue) and the workplace (bridge preparation) so the passage can begin safely. The whole emphasis is management: planning the resource, briefing the team, and preparing the workplace before the task starts.

2. Tactics — methods and timing of the plan

Tactics are the methods used to carry out the plan, including the best use of available resources. Final details are confirmed only when the actual timing of the passage can be established. Once that timing is known, the tactics to accomplish the plan are agreed.

3. Tidal streams and currents in the execution

Tidal stream information, taken from the chart or from tidal stream atlases, can be built into the planned passage once the time of transit of the relevant area is known. Ideally, the courses to steer should be calculated before making the transit.

4. Plan modification and additional personnel

4.1 Plan modification

It must always be borne in mind that safe execution may only be achieved by modifying the plan. Two triggers are named: navigational equipment becoming unreliable or inaccurate, and time changes that have to be made, e.g. a delayed departure.

4.2 Additional personnel

To execute the plan safely it may be necessary to manage the risks by using additional deck or engine personnel. This requires an awareness of the positions at which it will be necessary to:

5. Briefing the team

Before commencing the voyage it is necessary to brief all concerned. Briefing ensures every person is aware of their involvement in the planned passage and gives them the chance to query or comment on any part of the plan they do not fully understand.

Briefing may take place over a considerable period of time. As the actual start of the voyage approaches, certain specific personnel are briefed so that work schedules and requirements can be planned. In particular, any variation from the routine running of the ship — e.g. doubling of watches, anchor party requirements — must be specifically advised to the people involved, either by the master or the navigator.

6. Fatigue management

Before the passage commences — and in certain cases during the passage — the master may need to ensure that rested and unfatigued personnel are available. This applies at demanding times such as leaving port, entering very heavy traffic areas, bad weather, or high-risk situations such as transiting a narrow strait.

Within the limits of the total number of people available, this is achieved by ensuring that watchkeepers of all descriptions are relieved of their duties well in advance of being required on watch, so that they may rest. It may require changes to routine watchkeeping periods — extending certain watches or even curtailing them. This is at the master's discretion, and he should not hesitate to make such changes.

7. Passage preparation — readying the workplace

One of the basic principles of management is ensuring that the workplace is prepared and readied for the ensuing task. Preparing the bridge for sea is normally the task of a junior officer.

8. Bridge preparation for sea

At the time designated by the master, the responsible officer prepares the bridge. The list below is only a general guide — each ship will have its own specific checks to add, and a modified version should also be carried out when approaching port or any area where other than routine watchkeeping may occur.

First, the passage plan and supporting information must be available and to hand. The navigating officer who prepared the passage plan will likely have made these ready; nevertheless, their readiness should still be confirmed.

9. Executing the plan in one view

Chapter 4 is the bridge between a finished plan and a passage under way. It has two halves — tactics (timing and resourcing) and preparation (people and workplace):