What is the bridge procedures guide
The Bridge Procedures Guide (BPG) is an International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) publication that aims to reflect Best Practice aboard Merchant Ships embracing standards and recommendations promoted by the IMO. This includes the concept of ‘continuous improvement’ as described in the ISM Code and the watchkeeping requirements of STCW Chapter VIII. Questions on the content of the bridge procedures guide make a regular appearance in both SQA and oral examinations.
Content
Chapters:
1 – Bridge Organisation
2 – Passage Planning
3 – Duties of the Officer of the Watch
4 – Operation and Maintenance of Bridge Equipment
5 – Dynamic Positioning
6 – Maritime Pilotage
Annexes:
A – Communications
B – Bridge Checklists
C – Emergency Checklists
The BPG states that good management of bridge procedures combines:
Clarity of Purpose – communicating navigation decisions including details of the passage plan and how voyage objectives are to be achieved. The SMS, Master’s Standing Orders, briefings and bridge orders are all part of this.
Delegation of Authority – the Master retains ultimate responsibility but delegates navigation duties to the OOW and to Pilots. Handovers must be a positive and unambiguous
Effective Organisation – rested watchkeepers must be available to meet navigational demands, navigation equipment must be properly calibrated, monitored and cross-checked
Motivation – an atmosphere that encourages this must be created through good teamwork and recognising the strengths and limitations of team members
1 Bridge Organisation
Determining the composition of the Watch as per STCW Chapter VIII taking into account factors inside and outside the ship, factors determining if a sole lookout is acceptable, relationships between Master and Bridge Team, communication and assigning duties within the Bridge Team, periods of familiarisation, preventing fatigue (hours of rest – MLC), consumption of alcohol, use of English and working with Pilots
Section 1.3 states that the SMS should provide guidance on how various aspects of operations should be handled and that the Master’s Standing Orders should support these and make them specific to their particular requirements as well as the particular voyage and bridge team. Daily entries should also be made by the Master in a Bridge Order Book, with particular reference to Night Orders
2 Passage Planning
Planning a passage from berth-to-berth using the APEM model (see the article on passage planning for more information) and taking into account all factors external to the ship as well as shipboard operations and the condition and characteristics of the ship itself.
3 Duties of the Officer of the Watch
Primary provides a description of the role and priorities of the OOW and advice on maintaining a proper lookout.
Other guidance provided in this section includes:
- Sole Lookout
- Detecting risk of collision and taking avoiding action
- Recording bridge activities and retention of records
- Periodic checks of navigation equipment (manual steering, compass errors, PM etc)
- Proper relief of the OOW and bridge team
- Calling the Master
- Deviating from the passage plan
- Monitoring progress along the planned track including cross-checking
- Plotting the vessel’s position
- Safely working with a pilot
- What to look out for during an anchor watch
- Manoeuvring
- GMDSS watchkeeping including log keeping and cancelling false alerts
- Pollution prevention and reporting
- Emergency situations – checklists, reporting, SAR, helicopter ops, piracy
4 Operation and Maintenance of Bridge Equipment
Best practice in the testing and operation of all bridge systems.
5 Dynamic Positioning
Operational and passage planning with DP as a factor
Operation and maintenance of a DP system and its position reference systems
6 Maritime Pilotage
In-depth discussion pilotage operations looking at each stage – planning, master/pilot exchange, boarding the pilot, pilotage and berthing – emphasising the importance of communication and outlining the responsibilities of all involved
Annexes
Part A Communications
- Master/Pilot Exchange Card for transmission to shore ahead of pilotage
- Pilot Card for Pilot’s reference once on board
- Wheelhouse Poster
- Required Boarding Arrangements for Pilots Poster
- Distress Alert Frequencies Card
- Steering Gear Test Routine
Part B Checklists
- Bridge Equipment and Controls Familiarisation
- Preparation for Sea
- Preparation for Arrival in Port
- Pilotage
- Passage Plan Appraisal
- Navigation in Coastal Waters
- Navigation in Ocean Waters
- Anchoring and Anchor Watch
- Navigation in Restricted Visibility
- Navigation in Heavy Weather or in Tropical Storm Areas
- Navigation in Ice
- Changing over the Watch
- Calling the Master
- Pre-operation DP Checklist
Part C Emergency Checklists
- Main Engine or Steering Failure
- Collision
- Stranding or Grounding
- Man Overboard
- Fire
- Flooding
- Search and Rescue
- Abandoning Ship
CONCLUSION
Any Deck Officer or Cadet who intents to sit an MCA Oral or Written exam should take time to read through and understand the full contents and guidance contained within ICS BPG. Frequent reference is made to it particularly during oral examinations and a through knowledge of this publication will stand you in good stead.
