Approved General Manager

Date 31.01.2017
B.M.M Chapter
Revision
4.0
1
ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE PROCEDURES Page 1 of 3

4.0 ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

4.1 Estimated Times of Arrival / Departure (ETA/ETD)

The Master must ensure that all relevant parties are kept fully advised of the ship's ETA/ETD.

4.2 Anchors

Prior to arrival in confined coastal waters or at a pilotage position the anchors must be cleared away for use
at least one hour before they may be required, if possible.

4.3 Mooring and Anchor Stations

When "Stations" are called, the Master is to proceed to the Bridge. The forecastle and poop deck are to be
manned by Deck Officers as required by the Master.

At all times before calling "Stations", Bridge and Engine Room clocks are to be synchronised and all
telephones and portable VHF sets are to be tested. After "Stations" are called, the first duty of the Officers
is to re-check their communications with the Bridge and to inform the Bridge that they are at "Stations".

To ensure that the ship's routines, safety, navigational and engine room procedures are carried out in a
proper and seamanlike manner the Master and Chief Engineer Officer must ensure that a system of positive
reporting and acknowledgement is used on board. If such reports and acknowledgements are not received
by the Officer in charge then he is to assume that all is not in order and take immediate action to ascertain
the true situation.

Officers working the telegraphs, the telephones and the portable VHF sets are to repeat the orders
received to the person issuing them to ensure the correct orders are being carried out. When passing orders
by VHF, the Ship's name is to precede the text. All orders on the Ship's telegraphs and the times of such
orders are to be recorded in the Bridge and Engine Room Movement Book (The Bell Book), or by automatic
recorders, where fitted and working correctly.

In certain circumstances, which might lead to an emergency and in conditions of emergency, it will be
necessary to record in the Bridge Movement Book, all orders issued and received - in such event, it will be
the responsibility of the Master and the Officer of the Watch to ensure that, as far as the circumstances of
the case permit, such entries are made.

In a ship with Bridge control of the Main Engine, the operation of the control equipment must be tested
prior to arrival at the manoeuvring point of a voyage. Motor ships with either conventional or Bridge
control of the Main Engine must test manoeuvrability both ahead and astern before a final approach is
made to a Pilot Station or Harbour. An entry to this effect must be made in the Log Book and a positive
report made to the Master.

Officers must be fully briefed when a mooring, ship handling or navigational operation is to be carried out so
the Master can be reasonably confident that it will be completed as required.

4.4 Preparation for Manoeuvre

Bridge check lists to be completed before departure 4102 or before arrival 4103. An entry is to be made in
the Deck Log Book. Where available, bridge equipment recorders’ papers will be checked.

The O.O.W. on the Bridge is to give the Engine Department at least one hour's notice before Stand By for
manoeuvring.

Reduction in speed from full speed to the recognised manoeuvring full speed, is to be as gradual as
possible, and must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
 Approved General Manager
Date 31.01.2017
B.M.M Chapter
Revision
4.0
1
ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE PROCEDURES Page 2 of 3

On approaching port, manual steering must be engaged in adequate time to allow for the helmsman to
become accustomed to the steering characteristics of the vessel before manoeuvring commences.
Where the design of the steering gear permits, the second steering motor must always be in operation prior
to any manoeuvring situation or where additional steering performance is required such as:
 End-of-passage/departure
 Adverse weather
 Ice
 Restricted visibility
 High density traffic

4.5 Procedure for Testing Steering Gear

The steering gear to be tested in the below conditions;

 Before departure port / anchorage

 Before USA arrival (refer to 33 CFR 164.25)
 After any maintenance

To satisfy SOLAS regulations and the Company requirements the steering gear must be tested not more
than 12 hours before departure. The Master and Chief engineer are to establish a system for testing of the
steering gear after a full review of the operating manuals for all equipment concerned. Masters are also to
be guided by the requirements of 33 CFR 164.25. The established procedure for testing steering gear is to
include following:

 Testing of communication - primary and back-up.

 Check of compass repeater alignment.
 Approved General
Manager
B.M.M Date
Chapter
30.12.2013
4
WATCHKEEPING Revision 5
Page 3 of 3

 Test of primary steering through full range of movement. Record times of hard-over to
hard-over.
 Test of secondary steering through full range of movement. Record times of hard-over to
hard-over.
 Test of primary and secondary control systems.
 Test of systems with both motors operating (if system designed to operate in this mode)
 Verification and synchronisation of bridge and steering gear rudder angle indicators.
 Test of all alarm systems and indicators in wheel house and ECR.

Clear procedures for changeover from remote steering to local steering control shall be displayed
at the steering console on the bridge and at the emergency control position in the steering flat.

BCL 4118 is to be completed and an entry made in the log book.