AMSA recommends sound navigational practices

In accordance with SOLAS Chapter V

AMSA has issued notice to draw attention to navigational practices that should be followed by masters and officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships operating in Australian waters.

It also provides information on nautical charts and nautical publications that AMSA considers adequate for the safety of navigation in Australian waters, in accordance with Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Sound navigational practices include:

using a variety of navigational aids;
not relying solely on any Global Navigation Satellite System for navigation, particularly when navigation can also be conducted visually and/or by radar;
using radar parallel index techniques wherever possible to monitor the ship’s track;
predicting the track of the ship, taking into account set and drift;
using soundings, clearing bearings and transits as cross-checks for position fixes and course alteration points;
fixing the ship’s position at frequent and regular intervals, including when a pilot is on board;
ensuring that the ship has the latest Maritime Safety Information for the area by configuring the INMARSAT SafetyNET Enhanced Group Call (EGC) receiver correctly;
maintaining awareness of human factors, including fatigue and Bridge Resource Management techniques; and
cooperating with any available Vessel Traffic Service.

Owners and masters are reminded that:

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new ship personnel are to be given proper familiarisation with their watch-keeping duties and with the ships’ navigational equipment (see sections 6 and 7 of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code).
Australia’s Marine Order 21 implements SOLAS Chapter V navigational requirements for ships operating in Australian waters. It gives effect to:
- Regulation 19, which addresses shipborne navigational equipment and systems;
- Regulation 27, which provides that nautical charts and nautical publications necessary for the voyage are adequate and up to date; and
- Regulation 34, which requires planning of the intended voyage.

Also find out more navigational practices by reading the following articles:

Source: AMSA