MT-3231

Applied Shiphandling

Course Description

The students who successfully complete Applied Shiphandling will have gained experience in handling ships real and simulated under conditions and will make a more effective contribution to the bridge team during ship maneuvering. In particular, students will gain: familiarization with the use of engines and helm for ship maneuvering; an understanding of the effects on the behavior of the ship of wind, current, shallow water, banks and narrow channels, and conditions of loading; a greater awareness of the importance of planning a passage or maneuver and the need for an alternative plan; the effective use of information found on the maneuvering diagram; and, effective bridge team management procedures. [Lab time required]

This course consists of one 4 hour lab per week and a comprehensive final examination.

Entrance requirements

As per USCG, Academy and Marine Transportation Department requirements, any student enrolled in this course must have previously successfully satisfied the following prerequisites:

MT 3222 ARPA (Grade of 70 or better and all ARPA assessments completed)

Learning Objectives

Topics

In Full Mission Bridge Simulator and on Board TV Ranger
- Navigation
  - Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation
    - Ability to Determine the Ship's Position by Use of Landmarks and Aids to navigation
    - Dead Reckoning
  - Electronic System of Position Fixing and Navigation
    - Ability to Determine the Ship's Position by Use of Electronic Navigational Aids
    - Use of RADAR, ARPA, AIS, and ECDIS to Maintain Safety of Navigation
  - Echo-Sounders
    - Depth, UKC, Shallow Water Alarm
    - Ability to Operate and Apply Information Correctly
  - Compasses
    - Knowledge and Principles of Magnetic and gyrocompasses
    - Determine Errors of Magnetic and Gyro Compasses Using Celestial and Terrestrial Means
  - Planning a Voyage
    - Use of Catalogue of Charts, Ship's Routing and Sailing Directions
    - Symbols and Abbreviations Used on Charts
    - Drawing Course Lines When Charts of Different Scales are Used
  - Meteorology
    - Use and Interpret Information Obtained from Shipboard Meteorological Instruments
- Watchkeeping
  - ECDIS
    - Capability and Limitations of ECDIS
    - Danger of Over-Reliance
    - Familiarity with Functions
    - Safe Monitoring and Adjustment of Information
    - Confirmation of Vessel Position by Alternative Means
    - Adjustment and Settings and Values to Suit Present Conditions
    - Situational Awareness While Using
  - RADAR / ARPA
    - Fundamentals of RADAR and ARPA
    - Factors Affecting Performance and Accuracy
    - Detection of Misrepresentation of Information, False Echoes, Sea Return, etc., Beacons and SARTs
    - Use for range and bearing, Course and Speed of other Ships, Time and Distance of Closest Approach or Crossing, Meeting Overtaking Ships
    - Parallel Indexing
    - Methods of Target Acquisition and Their Limitations
  - Procedures
    - Content of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
    - Principles to Observe in Keeping a Navigational Watch
    - Use of Information from Navigational Equipment for Maintaining a Safe Navigation Watch
    - VTS Procedures
    - Bridge Resource Management Procedures
      - Prioritization of Resources, Effective Communication, Assertiveness and Leadership, Obtaining and Maintaining Situational Awareness, Consideration of Team Experience
    - Use of IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases and Use of English in Oral Form
- Maneuvering the Ship
  - Effect of Deadweight, Draught, Trim, Speed and Underkeel Clearances on Turning Circles and Stopping Distances
  - Effect of Wind and Current on Ship Handling
  - Squat, Shallow-Water and Similar Effects
  - Restricted Visibility
  - Handling a Ship in Rivers, Estuaries and Restricted Waters
  - Application of Constant-Rate-of-Turn Techniques
  - Interaction Between Passing Ships and Between Own Ship and Nearby Banks
  - Berthing and Unberthing Under various Conditions of Wind, Tide and Current with and Without Tugs
  - Ship and Tug Interaction
  - Use of the Propulsion and Maneuvering Systems
  - Management and Handling of Ships in Heavy Weather
  - Precautions in Maneuvering when Launching Rescue Boats
  - Taking Survivors on Board and Rescuing a Person Overboard
  - Ability to Determine the Maneuvering and Propulsion Characteristics of Common Types of Ships
  - Importance of Navigating at Reduced Speed to Avoid Damage Caused by Own Ship's Bow wave and Stern Wave
  - Use of and Maneuvering in and near Traffic Separation Schemes and in Vessel Traffic Service Areas
- Controlling the Operation of the Ship
  - Steering Control Systems, Operational Procedures and Change Over from Manual to Automatic and Adjustment of Controls for Optimum Performance
- Responding to Emergencies
  - Prevention, Control and Fighting of Fires on Board Ship
  - Operation of Life-Saving Appliances

Other objectives

Satisfactorily perform the duties of an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch.
Demonstrate knowledge of principles of ships' maneuvering characteristics
Demonstrate ability to perform simple maneuvers and operations with varying vessels
Demonstrate ability to be a successful member of a Bridge Team
Demonstrate proper voyage planning principles and techniques.

MMA Program

Deck