MARKING ABORT POINTS - Abhishek Sabharwal

Overhere we will learn the correct procedure for marking of

abort points on the chart while preparing a passage......This
again seems to be a topic which is of concern , as many people
onboard are unaware of the correct thing.

DEFINING AN ABORT POINT :

An abort point or a point of no return , is a point beyond which

the vessel is bound to follow a passage and there is no way to
look back.This might be because of factors like , converging of
land somewhere along the passage of the vessel which might
severely restrict the manoeuvrability of the vessel to turn back
because of very less room and thereby insist her to proceed in
the direction of the traffic flow.

HOW TO DECIDE WHERE TO MARK AN ABORT POINT ALONG

THE PASSAGE :

The governing factor for determining the location of the abort

point is the turning circle of the ship.
From your vessels manoeuvring diagram , determine the value
of advance / transfer.

Assuming that the values as obtained by you are

Advance: 0.40 nm.
Transfer: 0.65 nm.
Please find the sketch below to understand better......

Additionally please understand that as a good practise of

seamanship and as an important thing by virtue is to always try
out engines ,well before the abort point so as the navigator is
sure that his engines are working in good order.

Note :
Some people have the misconception , that only one abort
point can be marked in a passage,which is a wrong thought.
It is possible that vessels along their passage might encounter
narrow passages at more than one occasions and as a good and
essential practise it is required to mark an abort point and
additional actions and precautions taken accordingly.