MMA Course 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)

STCW 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.

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