Function: Navigation at the operational level

CompetenceKnowledge, Understanding & ProficiencyLocation(s)

Plan and conduct a passage and determine position

A1.01

Celestial Navigation

Ability to use celestial bodies to determine the ship’s position

MT‑2222
MT‑4371

A1.02

Terrestrial and coastal navigation

Ability to determine the ship’s position by use of:

  1. landmarks
  2. aids to navigation, including lighthouses, beacons and buoys
  3. dead reckoning, taking into account winds, tides, currents and estimated speed

MT‑1221
MT‑2121
MT‑2225

A1.03

Thorough knowledge of and ability to use nautical charts, and publications, such as sailing directions, tide tables, notices to mariners, radio navigational warnings and ships’ routeing information

MT‑2121
MT‑4371

A1.04

Electronic system of position fixing and navigation

Ability to determine the ship’s position by use of electronic navigational aids

MT‑3221
MT‑4371

A1.05

Echo Sounders

Ability to operate the equipment and apply the information correctly

MT‑2121
MT‑4371

A1.06

Compass - magnetic and gyro

Knowledge of the principles of magnetic and gyro-compasses

MT‑1221
MT‑4133

A1.07

Ability to determine errors of the magnetic and gyro-compasses, using celestial and terrestrial means, and to allow for such errors

MT‑2121
MT‑2222
MT‑4133
MT‑4371

A1.08

Steering control systems

Knowledge of steering control systems, operational procedures and change-over from manual to automatic control and vice versa. Adjustment of controls for optimum performance

MT‑2371
MT‑4371

A1.09

Meteorology

Ability to use and interpret information obtained from shipborne meteorological instruments

MT‑3131

A1.10

Knowledge of the characteristics of the various weather systems, reporting procedures and recording systems

MT‑3131

A1.11

Ability to apply the meteorological information available

MT‑3131

Maintain a safe navigational watch

A2.1

Watchkeeping

Thorough knowledge of the content, application and intent of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended

MT‑2161
MT‑2225

A2.2

Thorough knowledge of the Principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch

MT‑4133
MT‑4371
MT‑2225

A2.3

The use of routeing in accordance with the General Provisions on Ships’ Routeing

MT‑4371
MT‑2371
MT‑4133

A2.4

The use of information from navigational equipment for maintaining a safe navigational watch

MT‑4133

A2.5

Knowledge of blind pilotage techniques

MT‑2225

A2.6

The use of reporting in accordance with the General Principles for Ship Reporting Systems and with VTS procedures

MT‑4133

A2.7

Bridge resource management

Knowledge of bridge resource management principles, including:

  1. allocation, assignment, and prioritization of resources
  2. effective communication
  3. assertiveness and leadership
  4. obtaining and maintaining situational awareness
  5. consideration of team experience

MT‑4133

Use of radar and ARPA to maintain safety of navigation

A3.1

Radar navigation

Knowledge of the fundamentals of radar and automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA)

MT‑2225

A3.2

Ability to operate and to interpret and analyse information obtained from radar, including the following:

Performance, including:

  1. factors affecting performance and accuracy
  2. setting up and maintaining displays
  3. detection of misrepresentation of information, false echoes, sea return, etc., racons and SARTs

Use, including:

  1. range and bearing; course and speed of other ships; time and distance of closest approach of crossing, meeting overtaking ships
  2. identification of critical echoes; detecting course and speed changes of other ships; effect of changes in own ship’s course or speed or both
  3. application of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended
  4. plotting techniques and relative- and true- motion concepts
  5. parallel indexing

MT‑2225
MT‑3122

A3.3

Principal types of ARPA, their display characteristics, performance standards and the dangers of over-reliance on ARPA

MT‑2225
MT‑3222

A3.4

Ability to operate and to interpret and analyze information obtained from ARPA, including:

  1. system performance and accuracy, tracking capabilities and limitations, and processing delays
  2. use of operational warnings and system tests
  3. methods of target acquisition and their limitations
  4. true and relative vectors, graphic representation of target information and danger areas
  5. deriving and analysing information, critical echoes, exclusion areas and trial manoeuvres

MT‑2225
MT‑3222

Use of ECDIS to maintain the safety of navigation

A4.1

Navigation using ECDIS

Knowledge of the capability and limitations of ECDIS operations, including:

  1. a thorough understanding of Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) data, data accuracy, presentation rules, display options and other chart data formats
  2. the dangers of over-reliance
  3. familiarity with the functions of ECDIS required by performance standards in force

MT‑3224

A4.2

Proficiency in operation, interpretation, and analysis of information obtained from ECDIS, including:

  1. use of functions that are integrated with other navigation systems in various installations, including proper functioning and adjustment to desired settings
  2. safe monitoring and adjustment of information, including own position, sea area display, mode and orientation, chart data displayed, route monitoring, user-created information layers, contacts (when interfaced with AIS and/or radar tracking) and radar overlay functions (when interfaced)
  3. confirmation of vessel position by alternative means
  4. efficient use of settings to ensure conformance to operational procedures, including alarm parameters for anti-grounding, proximity to contacts and special areas, completeness of chart data and chart update status, and backup arrangements
  5. adjustment of settings and values to suit the present conditions
  6. situational awareness while using ECDIS including safe water and proximity of hazards, set and drift, chart data and scale selection, suitability of route, contact detection and management, and integrity of sensors

MT‑3224

Respond to emergencies

A5.1

Emergency procedures

Precautions for the protection and safety of passengers in emergency situations

MT‑1111

A5.2

Initial action to be taken following a collision or a grounding; initial damage assessment and control

MT‑4132

A5.3

Appreciation of the procedures to be followed for rescuing persons from the sea, assisting a ship in distress, responding to emergencies which arise in port

MT‑1111
MT‑4132

Respond to a distress signal at sea

A6.1

Search and rescue

Knowledge of the contents of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual

MT‑4132

Use the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases and use English in written and oral form

A7.1

English language

Adequate knowledge of the English language to enable the officer to use charts and other nautical publications, to understand meteorological information and messages concerning ship’s safety and operation, to communicate with other ships, coast stations and VTS centres and to perform the officer’s duties also with a multilingual crew, including the ability to use and understand the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (IMO SMCP)

ST‑0999

Transmit and receive information by visual signalling

A8.1

Visual signaling

Ability to use the International Code of Signals

MT‑3221

A8.2

Ability to transmit and receive, by Morse light, distress signal SOS as specified in Annex IV of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended, and appendix 1 of the International Code of Signals, and visual signalling of single-letter signals as also specified in the International Code of Signals

MT‑3221
MT‑4253

Manoeuvre the ship

A9.1

Ship maneuvering and handling

Knowledge of:

  1. the effects of deadweight, draught, trim, speed and under-keel clearance on turning circles and stopping distances
  2. the effects of wind and current on ship handling
  3. manoeuvres and procedures for the rescue of person overboard
  4. squat, shallow-water and similar effects
  5. proper procedures for anchoring and mooring

MT‑4132
MT‑4133

Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level

CompetenceKnowledge, Understanding & ProficiencyLocation(s)

Monitor the loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and the unloading of cargoes

B1.1

Cargo handling, stowage and securing

Knowledge of the effect of cargo, including heavy lifts, on the seaworthiness and stability of the ship

MT‑4241

B1.2

Knowledge of safe handling, stowage and securing of cargoes, including dangerous, hazardous and harmful cargoes, and their effect on the safety of life and of the ship

MT‑3261

B1.3

Ability to establish and maintain effective communications during loading and unloading

MT‑3151

Inspect and report defects and damage to cargo spaces, hatch covers and ballast tanks

B2.1

Knowledge and ability to explain where to look for damage and defects most commonly encountered due to:

  1. loading and unloading operations
  2. corrosion
  3. severe weather conditions

MT‑2141
MT‑3261

B2.2

Ability to state which parts of the ship shall be inspected each time in order to cover all parts within a given period of time

MT‑2141

B2.3

Identify those elements of the ship structure which are critical to the safety of the ship

MT‑2141

B2.4

State the causes of corrosion in cargo spaces and ballast tanks and how corrosion can be identified and prevented

MT‑2141

B2.5

Knowledge of procedures on how the inspections shall be carried out

MT‑2141

B2.6

Ability to explain how to ensure reliable detection of defects and damages

MT‑2141

B2.7

Understanding of the purpose of the “enhanced survey programme”

MT‑2141

Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level

CompetenceKnowledge, Understanding & ProficiencyLocation(s)

Ensure compliance with pollution-prevention requirements

C1.1

Prevention of pollution of the marine environment and anti-pollution procedures

Knowledge of the precautions to be taken to prevent pollution of the marine environment

ST‑0999D

C1.2

Anti-pollution procedures and all associated equipment

ST‑0999D

C1.3

Importance of proactive measures to protect the marine environment

ST‑0999D

Maintain seaworthiness of the ship

C2.1

Ship stability

Working knowledge and application of stability, trim and stress tables, diagrams and stress-calculating equipment

MT‑2141
MT‑4241

C2.2

Understanding of fundamental actions to be taken in the event of partial loss of intact buoyancy

MT‑4241

C2.3

Understanding of the fundamentals of watertight integrity

MT‑4241

C2.4

Ship construction

General knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names for the various parts

MT‑2141

Prevent, control and fight fires on board

C3.1

Fire prevention and fire-fighting appliances

Ability to organize fire drills

FF‑0108

C3.2

Knowledge of classes and chemistry of fire

FF‑0108

C3.3

Knowledge of fire-fighting systems

FF‑0108

C3.4

Knowledge of action to be taken in the event of fire, including fires involving oil systems

FF‑0108

Operate life-saving appliances

C4.1

Life saving

Ability to organize abandon ship drills and knowledge of the operation of survival craft and rescue boats, their launching appliances and arrangements, and their equipment, including radio life-saving appliances, satellite EPIRBs, SARTs, immersion suits and thermal protective aids

MT‑1111
PS‑0301

Apply medical first aid on board ship

C5.1

Medical aid

Practical application of medical guides and advice by radio, including the ability to take effective action based on such knowledge in the case of accidents or illnesses that are likely to occur on board ship

PE‑0032

Monitor compliance with legislative requirements

C6.1

Basic working knowledge of the relevant IMO conventions concerning safety of life at sea, security and protection of the marine environment

SS‑4123

Application of leadership and teamworking skills

C7.1

Working knowledge of shipboard personnel management and training

CC‑LEAD

C7.2

A knowledge of related international maritime conventions and recommendations, and national legislation

SS‑4123

C7.3

Ability to apply task and workload management, including:

  1. planning and co-ordination
  2. personnel assignment
  3. time and resource constraints
  4. prioritization

CC‑LEAD

C7.4

Knowledge and ability to apply effective resource management:

  1. allocation, assignment, and prioritization of resources
  2. effective communication onboard and ashore
  3. decisions reflect consideration of team experiences
  4. assertiveness and leadership, including motivation
  5. obtaining and maintaining situational awareness

MT‑4133

C7.5

Knowledge and ability to apply decision-making techniques:

  1. situation and risk assessment
  2. identify and consider generated options
  3. selecting course of action
  4. evaluation of outcome effectiveness

MT‑4133

Contribute to the safety of personnel and ship

C8.1

Knowledge of personal survival techniques

MT‑1111

C8.2

Knowledge of fire prevention and ability to fight and extinguish fires

FF‑0108

C8.3

Knowledge of elementary first aid

PE‑0031

C8.4

Knowledge of personal safety and social responsibilities

EN‑1112
SR‑0401