Introduction Pilotage Exchanges

Most ships are now fully equipped with modern navigational aids. These include "true motion" and "relative motion" radar which is used for navigation as well as detecting the presence of other ships; echo-sounders for measuring the depth of water under keel and Radio Direction finders.

There are many different types of navigational aids. It is important that the Pilot understands the operation of each one fitted in a particular ship, as well as knowing the accuracy of each instrument and the reliance he can safely put on it. Regular checks should be carried out by the crew on each instrument, for example, comparing the ship's gyro heading with that of the heading marker on the Radar.

SCENE 6

Pilot: Captain, can you please show me how to use the variable range marker on this radar, please?

Captain: Yes, Pilot. The brilliance control is this small knob at your lower right here. By turning it clockwise you bring up the strobe, by turning it fully anti-clockwise it is removed from the screen altogether. You vary the range by operating the control at your lower left (points is out) here.

Pilot. Is this a 3 or 10 cm. set, Captain?

Captain: This is 10 cm.

Pilot: OK. How do we work the clutter controls?

Captain: The Rain clutter control is here (points to a control knob on upper right hand side) and the Sea clutter - swept gain — is the control immediately under it. The brightness is there (pointing to another control on the bottom left of the set) and here is the control for the range rings.

Pilot: I see. Thank you, Captain. Oh, by the way, is this the Range selector switch here?

Captain: Yes, that's it.

Pilot: Fine. A little later on I'd like to change the display from gyro stabilised to a north-up mode Captain. That OK with you?

Captain: Yes, that^'s all right. Here's the control switch (pointing it out.)

Pilot: Is there any error in the heading marker, Captain?

Captain: No. We checked that out before you embarked, but we can run another check on it now if you like.

Pilot: Yes, please. Captain. The Captain moves to the radar.

Captain: (To Helmsman) What's your heading now?

Helmsman: 353˚, Sir.

Captain: Thank you, and now?

Helmsman. 353' ,Sir.

Captain: OK, that's fine. (To Pilot) No problems, the alignment is perfectly all right.

Pilot: Thank you Captain. What is the print-out on your Depth-meter?

Captain: Depthmeter, Pilot?

Pilot Yes, Captain. You know, the sounding machine.

Captain: Oh, I see. You mean the Echo Sounder. Yes over here, Pilot. They both move over to the sounding machine and examine the trace.

Captain: The machine is working on feet at the moment. You can change to fathoms by operating this switch here.

Pilot: I see. OK, Captain. That's fine, thank you.

Standard marine navigational vocabulary

PILOTAGE

I require a Pilot.

Do you require a Pilot?

Is the Pilot boat on station? Where can I take Pilot?

YOU can take Pilot at point /near (at . hrs) At what time will the Pilot he available?

Is pilotage compulsory?

You may navigate by yourself or wait for Pilot at

Pilot is coming to you.

Pilot boat is approaching your vessel.

You must rig Pilot ladder on port/starboard side.

Pilot ladder is rigged on port/starboard side.

Pilot suspended/resumed for all/small vessels.

You most rig gangway combined with Pilot ladder.

STANDARD MARINE NAVIGATIONAL VOCABULARY continued ... POSITION

What is your position?

What is my position?

My/your position is

Your position is degrees miles from ....

You are passing

You are entering area What is your present position, course and speed?

My present position, course and speed is

What is the course to

The course to is What is the course to reach you?

Course to reach me is

Do not arrive at before hours.

Do not arrive at after hours Say again your position to assist identification.

Has your position been obtained by radar/decca/astronomica/ observation/ ? RADAR — SHIP TO SHIP/SHORE TO SHIP/SHIP TO SHORE.

Is your radar working?

My radar is/is not working.

I do not have radar.

I have located you on my radar,' (your position is degrees

miles from

I cannot locate you on my radar.

You must alter course/speed for identification.

I have altered course to /speed to for identification. I have lost radar contact.

Have you altered your course?

Report your position to assist identification.

This message may only be used when the vessel is positively identified.

continued....

STANDARD MARINE NAVIGATIONAL VOCABULARY continued... . RADAR — SHIP TO SHIP/SHORE TO SHIP/SHIP TO SHORE continued... . Vessel ahead of you is on the same course.

You are getting closer to the vessel(s) ahead.

Your position is

My position is

What range scale are you using?

I am using miles range scale. Advise you change to larger/smaller range scale.

I require shore based radar assistance.

Is shore based radar assistance available?

Shore based radar assistance is/is not available.

I am at/approaching way point/reporting point/C /. P course

speed

I will stop at position , at flours. You are in the fairway.

Vessel on opposite course passing your port/starboard side.

Vessel is miles/metres ahead on port/starboard bow. Vessel ahead of you is on opposite course.

Vessel following will overtake you on port/starboard side.

You are leaving my screen.

FUNCTIONAL PRACTICE

Showing people how to operate things. Instructions. This is the brilliance control.

Dial is the range selector.

By turning

First press

Then push hold turn look make sure etc.

You are explaining the radar equipment on board ship to a layman. First describe the equipment and then how to operate it. Use some of the expressions above.

Describe a compass repeater and how to take a bearing.

Describe the procedures for starting the main turbines of the ship.

Now choose any apparatus on a ship and write clear instructions on how to operate it, checking procedures and what to do in the event of a breakdown.

Project 3.

Give a verbal, followed by a written, description of equipment. COMPREHENSION PASSAGE

Navigational Aids

Whilst the basic principles of coastal and ocean navigation remain unchanged, there have been notable advances in the science of navigation since physics came to the aid of the mariner. This has resulted in the development of many highly complex navigational aids to improve the safety of ships, their crews and cargo. It is to this end that the modern well-found tanker is equipped with radar, the Decca Navigator, direction finder, gyro compass, off-course alarm, echo-sounding equipment, speed log equipment, and rudder angle indicators. World-wide positionfixing systems and satellite navigation are also in use in ever increasing numbers. Most of these instruments are grouped together in a combined wheelhouse and chart room so that the Officer on Watch is better able to maintain an efficient look-out.

Communications play a vital part in the operation and control of ships today. In addition to all the company^'s tankers being fitted with high and medium frequency radio installations for long and medium range communications, all ships are fitted with radio telephone for long and short-range ship to shore com­munications. The latter facilities are being increasingly used to enable quicker and more accurate advice to be passed between Masters and Head Office and between Masters and Agents. For on-board communication, ships are often fitted with public address systems, auto-telephone exchanges and portable 'walkie-talkie^' equipment.

A more recent development in the telecommunications sphere is the teleprinter system for communicating directly into the international telex system.

Comprehension Questions

1. What type of navigational aids is the modern tanker equipped with?

2. What other systems are in use?

3. Where are most of these instruments located?

4. What are the advantages of radio telephone?

5. What is the most recent development in telecommunications?

SCENE 7

The "MARA" is proceeding through the Chesapeake Channel. The Captain and Pilot are together in the wheelhouse. The Chief Officer is standing by. A seaman keeps watch on the Bridge-wing. A helmsman is steering.

Captain: Would you like some breakfast, Pilot?

Pilot: No thanks, Captain, but I could use some coffee.

Captain: Certainly. (On the telephone to the steward). Would you please bring some coffee up for the Pilot? (To the Pilot) Pilot, do we have any details yet of our times for berthing at Piney Point?

Pilot: No, Captain. You^'ll get them from your agents of course, but the latest we have is that the berth is occupied until noon tomorrow. We^'ll anchor for the night at the entrance to the Potomac River. (Breaking off the conversation) Starboard 20.

Helmsman: Starboard 20, Pilot. 20 degrees of Starboard on, Pilot.

Pilot: Midships now. Steady up on course 350 degrees.

Helmsman: Steady on 350. (A little later) Steady on 350.

Pilot: OK, thank you. Captain, when we get up to the anchorage we^'ll use the starboard anchor to about five shots. (US terms for shackles.)

Captain: Five on the starboard. All right, Pilot.

Pilot: Half Ahead.

Chief Officer: Half Ahead, Pilot.

The ship slows a little to negotiate a bend in the Channel. The passage continues to the anchorage and with some four miles to go the Captain telephones the Chief Officer.

Captain: Jose, Captain here. We'll be anchoring in about 20 minutes. We^'ll use the starboard anchor to five shackles. I know both anchors are cleared away, but be on the Fo^'csle in plenty of time to walk the anchor out. Oh, and Jose, make sure you^'ve got an anchor buoy attached.

Later, the Chief Officer, Bosun and a seaman are standing by on the Fo'csle.

Chief Officer: (On hand radio) "MARA" Bridge. This is the Fo'csle.

Captain: Come in, Fo'clse.

Chief Officer: Starboard anchor is ready, Sir.

Captain: Thank you, Jose. Stand by. (To Pilot) Starboard anchor ready, Pilot.

Pilot: OK, Captain. We'll be about another ten minutes. Slow Ahead. Port 15 degrees.

Chief Officer: Slow Ahead.

Helmsman: Port 15, Pilot.

(Later with the ship stopped at the anchorage position.)

Pilot: Let go. (The Captain relays this order on the hand radio.)

Chief Officer: Let go, Sir.

The starboard anchor is let go. As the ship drifts back under the influence of the wind and tide, the Chief Officer slowly lets out more chain (cable) until the required amount has been let out. He keeps the Captain informed of what is happening.

Chief Officer: (On hand radio) Fo'csle to Bridge. The cable is leading one point on the starboard how, three shackles (shots) in the water and very little weight on it.

Captain: (On hand radio) Thank you, Fo^'csle.

Chief Officer: (On hand radio) Fo'csle to Bridge. Cable now leading two points to port, four shackles on deck, more weight coming on now.

Captain: (On hand radio) Thank you, Fo'csle.

Chief Officer (On hand radio) Fo'csle to Bridge. Brought up try five in the water, the cable is leading one point to starboard, and very little weight on it.

Captain: (On hand radio) OK. Thank you, Jose. You can secure for now and stand-down.

The following morning the "MARA^" weighs anchor and proceeds upstream towards the oil jetty at Piney Point. A berthing Pilot boards from a launch and two tugs are standing by.

STANDARD MARINE NAVIGATIONAL VOCABULARY ANCHORING

I am anchored (at )

I am heaving up anchor.

My anchor is clear of the bottom.

at hours,

in position, until Pilot arrives,

You must anchor until tugs) arrive,

until there is sufficient water,

..................

..................

Do not anchor (in position ). Anchoring is prohibited.

I will anchor (at )

Vessel is at anchor (at ) Are you dragging/dredging anchor? My/Your anchor is dragging.

Do not dredge anchor.

You must heave up anchor.

You must shorten your cable to shackles. My anchor is foul.

You are obstructing fairway/other traffic.

You must anchor in a different position You must anchor clear of the fairway. What is the anchor position for me?

You have anchored in the wrong position.

I have slipped/lost my anchor (and cable) (and buoyed it) in position

Study the drawing above and using the information given, carry out the objectives indicated below.

Information:

S.S.1 at Point C — Course 180 (T)

S.S.2 at Point E — Course 320 (T) Speed 15 knots.

Objectives:

1. To pilot and give orders to bring own ship ^"MARA^" from ^"Puerto Alpha" to "Puerto Bravo."

2. To radio instructions to shore stations and other vessels on own vessel's actions.

3. Give an oral followed by a written account of what is happening.

INTRODUCTION Mooring Operations

Coming along any jetty can sometimes he a complex operation. It is always potentially dangerous. A discussion beforehand between the ship's officers and the Pilot will decide the details of the procedure to be adopted. As in this particular case not only are the ship's anchor and mooring lines made ready for use, but tugs are engaged to assist the vessel^'s berthing. It must be decided at the pre-mooring discussion exactly which moorings are to be used and where they are going to lead. Each officer must know in advance precisely the part he is going to play in the berthing operation.

Amongst the preparations for mooring should be a last check on the condition of any wires or synthetic ropes which are to be used. Officers must also check that stoppers, heaving lines, etc., are also avaliable at each mooring station.

SCENE 8

The Captain and Pilot are standing together on the Bridge wing as the "MARA^", now moving very slowly, edges gently towards the terminal jetty at Piney Point.

Pilot: Captain, we^'ll be taking the tugs in about ten minutes. Would you have the men stand-by please?

Captain: Yes, though first I^'d like to have a brief discussion of the mooring operation. I'll have the officers come up now. (To Second Officer, in wheelhouse) Ask the Chief Officer and Third Officer to come to the Bridge for the mooring conference, and tell the Bosun to have the hands stand-by fore and aft.

A few minutes later the Captain, Pilot and the three officers are grouped around the instrument console at the front of the wheelhouse as the Pilot outlines the berthing plan. He is sketching the operation on a sheet of paper.

Pilot: We^'ll berth heading up stream stemming the current. The tugs will be used just to push her alongside.

Chief Officer: Where will the tugs make fast?

Pilot: Starboard side, fore and aft on the main deck. I think the fairlead just abaft the Fo'csle would do for one and the lead just forward of the after house will do for the other.

Chief Officer: Tugs' lines?

Pilot: Yes, they'll just give you a light wire to help them stay in position. They^'ll be pushing us in of course, so there's no need to use a heavy towing spring. (Looking at the sketch, turns to Captain). When we get up to the berth, we just stem the current off the jetty and let her ease gently down on to it from about 300 yards off. I'll be wanting to lay out the starboard anchor as we come in, but (to Chief Officer) as we come in, you mustn't let any weight come on it Chief. OK? (The Chief Officer nods and the Pilot continues) The first lines ashore will he two rope headlines, which you'll give, one from each bow, to the mooring boat.

Chief Officer: Will the boat take both ropes at the same time?

Pilot: Yes. After that the boat'Il come back and take the after spring, (turning to Second Officer) — we'll run it from the main deck to this dolphin (pointing to the sketch plan) which will lie about amidships when we're alongside. Later we^'ll take a second spring from the poop.

The Pilot continues to explain the mooring plan. When he finishes and everybody is fully in the picture as to what is required, the Chief and Second Officers leave to take up their mooring stations.

A little while later on the main deck, the Chief Officer is standing with a group of seamen as a tug approaches on the starboard side.

Chief Officer: (To Bosun) Have a man stand-by with a heaving line. The tug will pass a light wire.

Bosun: He^'ll be pushing, I suppose.

Chief Officer: Yes. (As the tug comes close he turns to the seaman standing at the rail with the heaving line). OK, throw it over now.

The heaving line lands on the tug^'s fore-deck and two tug hands quickly make fast the wire and signal to the "MARA^" to heave it in.

Chief Officer: Heave away!

The wire is pulled on board the ^"MARA^" as the tug comes alongside. When the wire is fast the Chief Officer talks to the Bridge on his hand radio.

Chief Officer: "MARA^" Bridge. This is ^"MARA^" Fo^'csle.

Captain: Come in, Fo^'csle.

Chief Officer: Tug 'River Ranger' fast on the starboard shoulder.

Captain. Thank you, Jose.

The Chief Officer moves on to the Fo'csle head with the forward mooring gang.

Chief Officer: (To Bosun) We^'ll be using the starboard anchor. After it is let go the cable must be kept slack as the ship drops alongside. (On radio to the Bridge) "MARA" Bridge. This is "MARA" Fo^'csle. Starboard anchor is already walked out, out of gear and ready to let go, Sir.

Captain: Thank you Fo^'csle. Send away the headlines as soon as the mooring boat is ready.

Later having dropped the anchor the mooring boat approaches under the how. Bosun: (To seamen) Lower away the headlines.

The seamen lower two synthetic mooring lines, one from each bow, through roller fair-leads to the mooring boat below. The boatmen gather the eyes of the ropes into the well of the boat and secure them to a samson post.

Boatman: (Calling up to the crew on the Fo'csle) Slack away.

Chief Officer: OK, slack away. Stand clear of the ropes as they run. (On the radio to Bridge) This is "MARA^" Fo^'csle. Running the headlines out now, Sir.

A few moments later the boatmen have got the two headlines ashore and put the eyes around bollards. They signal to the ship to heave-away.

Chief Officer: Take the headlines to the drum-ends; no more than three turns, and heave away. (On hand radio to Bridge) "MARA^" Fo^'csle to "MARA^" Bridge. Taking up the slack on the headlines now.

Captain: (On hand radio) "MARA^" Fo'csle. Heave easy on the head-lines and keep the anchor cable slack. (To Poop) "MARA^" Poop. The mooring boat is coming now. When it arrives send away the spring.

Later, after the spring has been sent away from the main deck.

Captain: (On radio to Poop) "MARA^" Poop. Send away the breast-line and heave it clear of the water as quick as you can, but don't put any weight on it. "MARA" Fo'esle. Fast heaving forward. Just pick up the slack as she conies in.

Chief Officer: (On radio to Bridge) "MARA" Fo^'csle to "MARA" Bridge. Alongside forward, Sir.

Captain: (On radio) "MARA" Bridge to Fo'csle and Poop Stations. We have 10 metres to come ahead. Heave on the after hack spring. (To Third Officer) Dead Slow Ahead.

(A few moments later)

Captain: (To Third Officer) Stop engines. (On radio to Poop) "MARA^" Bridge to "MARA" Poop. Hold on to the spring. "MARA" Bridge to "MARA^" Fo'csle. Heave the headlines, tight now, and make sure there is no weight on the anchor cable. Send away the breast-line.

(Later)

Captain: (On radio to Fo 'csle and Poop) "MARA" Bridge to "MARA^" Poop and Fo'csle. She^'s in position. Make fast fore and aft; three headlines, two breastlines and one spring forward, two stern lines, two breastlines and two springs aft.

The Chief Officer and the Second Officer each repeat the orders and continue to run moorings and make them fast.

Later on the Fo'csle.

Chief Officer: Heave a bit more on the breastline and stopper it off. That's OK. Make fast.

Bosun: (To seamen) Carlos, put a stopper on this one. Ready. Yes? OK. (To winchman) Walk it hack easy. Got it Carlos? Right, turn it up.

(Later).

Second Officer: "MARA" Poop to "MARA^" Bridge. All fast aft: two stern lines, two breastlines, two springs.

Captain: "MARA" Bridge to "MARA" Poop. Thank you, Poop. Stand down, send your men forward to help with the gangway.

Chief Officer: (On radio to Bridge) "MARA^" Fo'csle to "MARA" Bridge. All fast forward.

Captain: "MARA" Bridge to "MARA" Fo'csle. Thank you .Jose. Stand down. (To Third Officer) Finished with engines.

Having successfully berthed the Captain meets with various shore officials in his office. The officials are the Immigration Authorities, the Coastguard, the Customs Officers and the Company Agent and Cargo Receivers.

Immigration Captain, may I have the US Crew List, Form 1-418. Thank

Officer; you. Has this been certified by the American Consul at your last port? Oh Yes, I see it has. Fine. Now Captain, may I see the Identity Cards?

Captain: Yes, here you are. Also here are the completed forms 1-95A, Crewman^'s Landing Permits. It^'s a new crew this time.

Customs Official: Captain, do you have the Inward Foreign Manifest ready? Captain. The manifest? Do you want the cargo manifest?

Customs Official: Yes, Captain. The US Form 7-527-A with the cargo in long tons and barrels.

Captain: Yes, of course, here you are. Also here is form 1303 (7/71), US Custom Form, and I have the Crew Effects Declaration Form 1304 (7/71).

Customs Official: OK, Captain. Have you inserted a list of narcotics on the Form 1303?

Captain: Yes. You will see there are 50 grammes of morphine. I have had the value of the crew effects inserted in US dollars. Is that OK for you?

Customs Official: Yes, Captain. That's fine.

Agent: Captain, will you check your US currency requirements please?

The Captain takes a large sum of US currency and hands it to the Catering Official to check.

Agent: Captain, the two men for the dentist will he needed at two o^'clock this afternoon. May I have their names and personal identification details please?

The business between the officials and the Captain continues this way for some forty minutes until all items of business are complete. The officials leave and the ^"MARA^" is free to start discharging cargo.