Near-coastal voyages
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40

Near-coastal voyages

  7 The following subjects may be omitted from those listed in column 2 of table A-II/1 for issue of restricted certificates for service on near-coastal voyages, bearing in mind the safety of all ships which may be operating in the same waters:

  • .1 celestial navigation; and

  • .2 those electronic systems of position fixing and navigation that do not cover the waters for which the certificate is to be valid.

Table A-II-1 Specification of minimum standard of competence for officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more

Function: Navigation at the operational level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Plan and conduct a passage and determine position Celestial navigation
Ability to use celestial bodies to determine the ship’s position 		Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved laboratory equipment training

using chart catalogues, charts, nautical publications, radio navigational warnings, sextant, azimuth mirror, electronic navigation equipment, echo-sounding equipment, compass 		The information obtained from nautical charts and publications is relevant, interpreted correctly and properly applied. All potential navigational hazards are accurately identified

The primary method of fixing the ship’s position is the most appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions

The position is determined within the limits of acceptable instrument/system errors

The reliability of the information obtained from the primary method of position fixing is checked at appropriate intervals

Calculations and measurements of navigational information are accurate
  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
  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   The charts selected are the largest scale suitable for the area of navigation and charts and publications are corrected in accordance with the latest information available
  Electronic systems of position fixing and navigation    
  Ability to determine the ship’s position by use of electronic navigational aids   Performance checks and tests to navigation systems comply with manufacturer’s recommendations and good navigational practice
Plan and conduct a passage and determine position (continued) Echo-sounders    
  Ability to operate the equipment and apply the information correctly    
  Compass – magnetic and gyro    
  Knowledge of the principles of magnetic and gyro-compasses    
  Ability to determine errors of the magnetic and gyro-compasses, using celestial and terrestrial means, and to allow for such errors   Errors in magnetic and gyro-compasses are determined and correctly applied to courses and bearings
  Steering control system    
  Knowledge of steering control systems, operational procedures and change-over from manual to automatic control and vice versa. Adjustment of controls for optimum performance   The selection of the mode of steering is the most suitable for the prevailing weather, sea and traffic conditions and intended manoeuvres
  Meteorology    
  Ability to use and interpret information obtained from shipborne meteorological instruments   Measurements and observations of weather conditions are accurate and appropriate to the passage
  Knowledge of the characteristics of the various weather systems, reporting procedures and recording systems    
  Ability to apply the meteorological information available   Meteorological information is correctly interpreted and applied
Maintain a safe navigational watch Watchkeeping

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

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

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

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

Knowledge of blind pilotage techniques

The use of reporting in accordance with the General Principles for Ship Reporting Systems and with VTS procedures 		Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience;
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved laboratory equipment training
 The conduct, handover and relief of the watch conforms with accepted principles and procedures

A proper look-out is maintained at all times and in such a way as to conform to accepted principles and procedures

Lights, shapes and sound signals conform with the requirements contained in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended, and are correctly recognized

The frequency and extent of monitoring of traffic, the ship and the environment conform with accepted principles and procedures

A proper record is maintained of the movements and activities relating to the navigation of the ship

Responsibility for the safety of navigation is clearly defined at all times, including periods when the master is on the bridge and while under pilotage
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
 Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved training
  • .2 approved in-service experience
  • .3 approved simulator training
 Resources are allocated and assigned as needed in correct priority to perform necessary tasks

Communication is clearly and unambiguously given and received

Questionable decisions and/or actions result in appropriate challenge and response

Effective leadership behaviours are identified

Team member(s) share accurate understanding of current and predicted vessel state, navigation path, and external environment
Use of radar and ARPA to maintain safety of navigation

Note Training and assessment in the use of ARPA is not required for those who serve exclusively on ships not fitted with ARPA. This limitation shall be reflected in the endorsement issued to the seafarer concerned

Radar navigation

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

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
Assessment of evidence obtained from approved radar simulator and ARPA simulator plus inservice experience Information obtained from radar and ARPA is correctly interpreted and analysed, taking into account the limitations of the equipment and prevailing circumstances and conditions
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 truemotion concepts
  • .5 parallel indexing
 Action taken to avoid a close encounter or collision with other vessels is in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended

Decisions to amend course and/or speed are both timely and in accordance with accepted navigation practice

Adjustments made to the ship’s course and speed maintain safety of navigation


Communication is clear, concise and acknowledged at all times in a seamanlike manner

Manoeuvring signals are made at the appropriate time and are in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended
Principal types of ARPA, their display characteristics, performance standards and the dangers of over-reliance on ARPA
Ability to operate and to interpret and analyse 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
Use of ECDIS to maintain the safety of navigation

Note Training and assessment in the use of ECDIS is not required for those who serve exclusively on ships not fitted with ECDIS

These limitations shall be reflected in the endorsements issued to the seafarer concerned 		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
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved training ship experience
  • .2 approved ECDIS simulator training
 Monitors information on ECDIS in a manner that contributes to safe navigation

Information obtained from ECDIS (including radar overlay and/or radar tracking functions, when fitted) is correctly interpreted and analysed, taking into account the limitations of the equipment, all connected sensors (including radar and AIS where interfaced), and prevailing circumstances and conditions
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
  Safety of navigation is maintained through adjustments made to the ship’s course and speed through ECDIS-controlled track-keeping functions (when fitted)

Communication is clear, concise and acknowledged at all times in a seamanlike manner
Respond to emergencies Emergency procedures

Precautions for the protection and safety of passengers in emergency situations

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

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 		Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 practical training
 The type and scale of the emergency is promptly identified

Initial actions and, if appropriate, manoeuvring of the ship are in accordance with contingency plans and are appropriate to the urgency of the situation and nature of the emergency
Respond to a distress signal at sea Search and rescue

Knowledge of the contents of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual 		Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction or approved simulator training, where appropriate The distress or emergency signal is immediately recognized

Contingency plans and instructions in standing orders are implemented and complied with
Use the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases and use English in written and oral form 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) 		Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction English language nautical publications and messages relevant to the safety of the ship are correctly interpreted or drafted

Communications are clear and understood
Transmit and receive information by visual signalling Visual signalling

Ability to use the International Code of Signals

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 		Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and/or simulation Communications within the operator’s area of responsibility are consistently successful
Manoeuvre the ship Ship manoeuvring 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
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved training on a manned scale ship model, where appropriate
Safe operating limits of ship propulsion, steering and power systems are not exceeded in normal manoeuvres

Adjustments made to the ship’s course and speed to maintain safety of navigation
Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Monitor the loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and the unloading of cargoes Cargo handling, stowage and securing

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

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

Ability to establish and maintain effective communications during loading and unloading 		Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
Cargo operations are carried out in accordance with the cargo plan or other documents and established safety rules/regulations, equipment operating instructions and shipboard stowage limitations

The handling of dangerous, hazardous and harmful cargoes complies with international regulations and recognized standards and codes of safe practice

Communications are clear, understood and consistently successful
Inspect and report defects and damage to cargo spaces, hatch covers and ballast tanks Knowledgefootnote 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
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

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

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

Knowledge of procedures on how the inspections shall be carried out

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

Understanding of the purpose of the “enhanced survey programme” 		Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
The inspections are carried out in accordance with laid-down procedures, and defects and damage are detected and properly reported

Where no defects or damage are detected, the evidence from testing and examination clearly indicates adequate competence in adhering to procedures and ability to distinguish between normal and defective or damaged parts of the ship
Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements 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

Anti-pollution procedures and all associated equipment

Importance of proactive measures to protect the marine environment 		Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved training
 Procedures for monitoring shipboard operations and ensuring compliance with MARPOL requirements are fully observed

Actions to ensure that a positive environmental reputation is maintained
Maintain seaworthiness of the ship Ship stability

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

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

Understanding of the fundamentals of watertight integrity

Ship construction

General knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names for the various parts 		Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved laboratory equipment training
The stability conditions comply with the IMO intact stability criteria under all conditions of loading

Actions to ensure and maintain the watertight integrity of the ship are in accordance with accepted practice
Prevent, control and fight fires on board Fire prevention and fire-fighting appliances

Ability to organize fire drills

Knowledge of classes and chemistry of fire

Knowledge of fire-fighting systems

Knowledge of action to be taken in the event of fire, including fires involving oil systems 		Assessment of evidence obtained from approved fire-fighting training and experience as set out in section A-VI/3 The type and scale of the problem is promptly identified and initial actions conform with the emergency procedure and contingency plans for the ship

Evacuation, emergency shutdown and isolation procedures are appropriate to the nature of the emergency and are implemented promptly

The order of priority and the levels and time-scales of making reports and informing personnel on board are relevant to the nature of the emergency and reflect the urgency of the problem
Operate life-saving appliances 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 		Assessment of evidence obtained from approved training and experience as set out in section A-VI/2, paragraphs 1 to 4 Actions in responding to abandon ship and survival situations are appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions and comply with accepted safety practices and standards
Apply medical first aid on board ship 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 		Assessment of evidence obtained from approved training as set out in section A-VI/4, paragraphs 1 to 3 The identification of probable cause, nature and extent of injuries or conditions is prompt and treatment minimizes immediate threat to life
Monitor compliance with legislative requirements Basic working knowledge of the relevant IMO conventions concerning safety of life at sea, security and protection of the marine environment Assessment of evidence obtained from examination or approved training Legislative requirements relating to safety of life at sea, security and protection of the marine environment are correctly identified
Application of leadership and teamworking skills Working knowledge of shipboard personnel management and training

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

Ability to apply task and workload management, including:
  • .1 planning and co-ordination
  • .2 personnel assignment
  • .3 time and resource constraints
  • .4 prioritization
 Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved training
  • .2 approved in-service experience
  • .3 practical demonstration
 The crew are allocated duties and informed of expected standards of work and behaviour in a manner appropriate to the individuals concerned

Training objectives and activities are based on assessment of current competence and capabilities and operational requirements

Operations are demonstrated to be in accordance with applicable rules
  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
   Operations are planned and resources are allocated as needed in correct priority to perform necessary tasks

Communication is clearly and unambiguously given and received

Effective leadership behaviours are demonstrated

Necessary team member(s) share accurate understanding of current and predicted vessel status and operational status and external environment

Decisions are most effective for the situation
  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
    
Contribute to the safety of personnel and ship Knowledge of personal survival techniques

Knowledge of fire prevention and ability to fight and extinguish fires

Knowledge of elementary first aid

Knowledge of personal safety and social responsibilities 		Assessment of evidence obtained from approved training and experience as set out in section A-VI/1, paragraph 2 Appropriate safety and protective equipment is correctly used

Procedures and safe working practices designed to safeguard personnel and the ship are observed at all times

Procedures designed to safeguard the environment are observed at all times

Initial and follow-up action on becoming aware of an emergency conforms with established emergency response procedures
Parent topic: Section A-II/1 Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more
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