AMSA informs on bridge resource management

Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and the Passage Plan

The Australian community is sensitive to incidents that adversely affect the marine environment such as collisions or groundings in ports, harbours, or other waterways
including the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and other environmentally sensitive regions – particularly if such incidents result in pollution.

To support safe navigation and minimise the potential for such incidents, mariners should be familiar with the provisions of:
• Marine Order 28 (Operations standards and procedures) 2015 and
• Part A-VIII/2 (Watchkeeping arrangements and principles to be observed) of Chapter VIII of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code (Part A).Effective BRM begins at the initial passage planning stage and includes due preparation of berth-to-berth operational matters, including the following considerations:

• Navigational and operational tasks responsibilities should be clearly defined and delegated.
• Dangers that may be encountered at any stage of each voyage should be identified as early as possible.
• Appropriate precautions and contingency arrangements necessary to manage identified risks should be implemented.
• Navigational, operational and generalsafety priorities should be set and constantly reviewed in the context of the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
• The vessel’s position, speed and heading with respect to other vessels and all navigation hazards, should be continuously monitored.
• The vessel’s actual position should be continuously monitored against the agreed passage plan.
• Deviation from the agreed passage plan or standard operating procedures should be noted and addressed immediately.
• Onboard electronic aids, systems and navigational equipment should only be used by appropriately trained personnel.
• Masters, bridge watch keeping officers and crew onboard vessels which regularly undertake the same voyage should be mindful of the risks associated with human performance limitations (such as the effects of fatigue and workload on vigilance and monitoring tasks) and familiarity, in order to retain resilience.

Expectations in pilotage waters

All vessels are required to prepare a berth to berth passage plan in accordance with:
• Part 2 (Voyage Planning) to Part A-VIII/2 of Chapter VIII of the STCW Code (Part A).
• IMO resolution A.893(21).
• SOLAS Chapter V (Regulation 34).
Early contact with a pilotage provider may assist with the preparation of the passage plan in Australian pilotage waters. The agreed passage plan, its understanding and the establishment of a ‘shared mental model’ by the entire bridge team forms the basis of a safe voyage under pilotage conditions. It is essential that the vessel closely follows the passage plan which was discussed and agreed with the pilot. It is equally important that every member of the bridge team understands the part they play in ensuring the safe and effective execution of the agreed passage plan. The bridge team are expected to fully participate in the use of BRM techniques and support safe navigation by closely following the agreed passage plan while in Australian pilotage waters.