Navigation Paper 1

1. A vessel leaves Brisbane, Queensland, Australia bound for Papeete, Tahiti, on the recommended
Great Circle track. Departure position off Brisbane 26 49S, 153 10E. Arrival position off Paeete
17 30S , 149 36W.

Calculate the following

(a) the Great Circle distance (10 marks)

(b) the Initial Course (10 marks)
(c) the position of the vertex (10 marks)

Ans: a. 3204nm, b. 092.5T c.26 55.4S, 158 46.3E

2. When appraising a passage, various environmental and climatic factors should be considered.
Admiralty routine charts will be used when carrying out an appraisal.
a) Outline the relevant information that a routine chart can provide (15)
b) Describe how this information should be used to assist in planning the passage (15)

3. The vessel encounters heavy weather two days out from Wellington and an engine room rating
is seriously injured during a fall.
At 0330 hrs GMT on the 10th June, whilst in position 46 15S 178 24W, the Master makes contact
contact with a New Zealand warship, in position 48 30S 179 54E, and agrees to rendezvous with
the warship at sunrise the following day. The container vessel is to maintain its current course
and speed of 148(T) x 18 Kts.
Calculate each of the following
a) The GMT of Sunrise (10)
b) The rendezvous position (10)
c) The course and speed required by the warship to make the rendezvous. (10)

Ans: 10th June 1933 GMT, b) 50 20S , 174 33.9W c. S63 E / 15.1 kts
4. The following results are obtained whilst steering 040(T) at 23 Kts using a DR position of 03
30N, 173 59W for each sight.

Time Star Brg True ZD Calc ZD

1821 Vega 010 40 18.2 40 22.1
1825 Arcturus 082 56 29.6 56 25.0
1835 Nunki 240 60 08.7 60 12.3
1839 Altair 290 40 16.4 40 20.1

a. Plot the above on the chart provided (15)

b. Determine the vessels most probable position at 1830 hrs assuming there are no random
errors. (15)

MPP: 3 29.4N, 173 56.7W

5. A vessel in a TRS area (NH) observed following weather conditions. Atmospheric pressure 5mb
below the normal and decreasing. Wind NE F 6 , Veering.
a) Find the location of the vessel in relation to the TRS. (5)
b) State the avoiding action the master should consider to stay away from the center. (10)
c) Subsequently the wind direction becomes steady and then starts to back. Describe the
probable cause for this change of wind direction and state whether the master should
reconsider the action taken in (b). (15)

6. a) What are the key parameters of passage planning. (15)

b) Describe important factors to be taken into account when choosing a safe anchorage. (15)

a) The voyage plan should include the following parameters as a minimum:

 Planned track with true course and distance of each leg, plotted out on appropriately-scaled
charts (if an electronic charting system is used, the appropriate waypoints should be entered in
the system and checked by another individual);

 Safe speed for each leg of the passage, taking into account navigational hazards, maneuvering
characteristics, and draft in relation to water depth including squat and heel effect when
turning, as applicable;

 Estimated times of arrival at critical points in the plan;

 Wheel over positions, as applicable;

 Turn radius for each alteration, as applicable;

  Areas to be avoided where the vessel is restricted either by local regulations (i.e., marine
sanctuaries) or restricted due to water depth or local dangers;

 Areas covered by local regulations such as VTS, tug escort or assist services, and pilotage
requirements;

 Areas with high traffic density and/or ferry crossings;

 Areas considered to be pilotage waters where the Master, an area license holder, or a Pilot
should be on the bridge;

 Areas where it is considered that the engine room should be at an increased state of readiness;

 Navigational marks to use when navigating visually near a waypoint indicating an alteration of
course;

 Method and frequency of position fixing, including primary and secondary alternatives; and

 Contingency plans for emergencies including abort points for port, channel, and/or berth
approaches, and actions to take to place the vessel in deep water or proceed to a port of refuge

b)

1. Availability of recommended anchorages

2. Depth of the water

3.Available swinging circle

4.Traffic density at the anchorage

5.Congestion at anchorage

6.Nature of sea bed and holding ground

7.Wind and current effects.

8.Whether shelter available from heavy weather

9.Availability of marks, points for position fixing

10.Condition of your anchor, which anchor to use

11.Any repairs of engine to be carried out while anchorage

12.Vessel anchor position should not impede other traffic.

13.Security of vessel, ex. Piracy area or recorded arms robberies.

14.Approximate days you going to stay at anchor.

15.Is cargo work carried out by barges or any other special works at anchor.