RYA Yachtmaster Passage Planning Offshore 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How should tidal streams be factored into an offshore passage plan?
- Ignore tides when offshore
- Calculate tidal streams for each leg using tidal stream atlases or diamonds, plotting the tidal vectors to determine the course to steer and estimated speed over ground (Correct answer)
- Only consider tides near harbours
- Wait for slack water before each leg
Correct answer: Calculate tidal streams for each leg using tidal stream atlases or diamonds, plotting the tidal vectors to determine the course to steer and estimated speed over ground
Tidal streams must be calculated for the entire passage, not just near shore. Using tidal stream atlases or diamonds, the navigator plots tidal vectors to determine the course to steer and estimated ground track for each hour of the passage.
Question 2: What role does the 'pilot book' play in offshore passage planning?
- It teaches you to fly
- It provides detailed descriptions of coastlines, harbours, approaches, dangers, anchorages, and local conditions that supplement chart information (Correct answer)
- It lists aviation fuel stations
- It contains crew contact details
Correct answer: It provides detailed descriptions of coastlines, harbours, approaches, dangers, anchorages, and local conditions that supplement chart information
Pilot books (sailing directions) provide detailed written descriptions of coastlines, harbours, approaches, recommended tracks, dangers, tidal information, facilities, and local knowledge that supplements the information shown on charts.
Question 3: When planning a Channel crossing, why is it important to account for Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS)?
- They are optional and can be ignored
- TSS in the Dover Strait and other areas carry legal obligations for crossing vessels, including crossing at right angles and not impeding vessels in the traffic lanes (Correct answer)
- They only apply to commercial shipping
- They are only advisory in nature
Correct answer: TSS in the Dover Strait and other areas carry legal obligations for crossing vessels, including crossing at right angles and not impeding vessels in the traffic lanes
The TSS in the English Channel (particularly Dover Strait) is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Crossing vessels must comply with Rule 10 of COLREGs: cross at right angles, do not impede lane traffic, and allow extra time for the crossing.
Question 4: What is the purpose of filing a 'passage plan' with a shore contact?
- Legal requirement for insurance
- So that someone ashore knows your intended route, ETA, and can raise the alarm if you fail to arrive or make contact within the agreed timeframe (Correct answer)
- To book marina berths in advance
- For customs clearance
Correct answer: So that someone ashore knows your intended route, ETA, and can raise the alarm if you fail to arrive or make contact within the agreed timeframe
Leaving a passage plan with a responsible shore contact ensures someone will notice if you don't arrive on time and can alert the coastguard. Include route, ETA, crew details, vessel description, and agreed check-in schedule.
Question 5: How should crew briefing be conducted before an offshore passage?
- No briefing is needed for experienced crew
- All crew should be briefed on the passage plan, safety equipment locations, emergency procedures, watch system, seasickness management, and individual responsibilities (Correct answer)
- Only the skipper needs to know the plan
- A written email is sufficient
Correct answer: All crew should be briefed on the passage plan, safety equipment locations, emergency procedures, watch system, seasickness management, and individual responsibilities
A thorough crew briefing covers: the passage plan and route, safety equipment (liferaft, flares, fire extinguishers, MOB gear), emergency procedures, watch system, seasickness prevention, communication protocols, and each person's duties.
Question 6: What is 'waypoint navigation' and what are its limitations offshore?
- It has no limitations
- Navigating from one GPS waypoint to the next — limitations include over-reliance on electronics, waypoint errors, failure to account for hazards between waypoints, and loss of situational awareness (Correct answer)
- A superior method to all others
- Only used by commercial shipping
Correct answer: Navigating from one GPS waypoint to the next — limitations include over-reliance on electronics, waypoint errors, failure to account for hazards between waypoints, and loss of situational awareness
While GPS waypoint navigation is valuable, over-reliance on it can lead to complacency. Limitations include: waypoints may be incorrectly entered, the route between waypoints may pass over hazards, and electronic failure leaves the crew without a backup plan.
RYA Yachtmaster Passage Planning Offshore 2
How should tidal streams be factored into an offshore passage plan?