
Lesson 10 - Passage Planning
Passage Planning Basics
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The foundation of safe and efficient navigation
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Combines preparation, strategy, and adaptability
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Essential for minimizing risks and ensuring smooth voyages
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Start with Objectives
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What’s the purpose of your journey?
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Leisure, racing, or delivery?
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Define your goals to shape your plan
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Consider Constraints
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Crew endurance and vessel limitations
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Tides, currents, and weather conditions
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Daylight hours and fuel capacity​​
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​Identify Hazards
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Rocks and shallow waters
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Overfalls and high-traffic areas
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Poor weather and restricted zones
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Use Navigation Aids
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GPS and nautical charts
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Tidal forecasts and landmarks
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Reliable weather updates
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Plan Your Route
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Balance efficiency with safety
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Include bolt holes for emergencies
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Avoid waypoints at hazards or crowded locations
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Legal Requirements
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SOLAS requires voyage plans for vessels under 150 tons
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Include safe routes, weather, hazards, and contingency measures
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Written plans are highly recommended
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Weather and Tides
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Stay updated with forecasts and Navtex alerts
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Use favorable tidal streams for fuel and time efficiency
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Avoid poor visibility and hazardous sea states
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Wind and Tidal Tactics
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Adjust course based on predicted wind shifts
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Use lee-bowing the tide for better efficiency
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Plan with lay lines to minimize tacking
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​​Navigation Strategies
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Cone and corridor tactics for flexibility
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Avoid overfalls and high-risk areas
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Be mindful of special operations zones
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Monitor Progress
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Use GPS waypoint alarms carefully
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Verify positions manually when needed
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Adjust the plan based on conditions
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Keep Accurate Records
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Use deck logs to track objectives and conditions
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Flight plans and chart markings for quick reference
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Logs help with navigation and post-journey analysis​​​

​​Getting Lost
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Use logs and charts to reconstruct your position
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Avoid confirmation bias about your location
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Aim for prominent features when nearing land
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Landfall Tips
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Aim for visible landmarks like lighthouses
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Use clearing lines and depth contours for accuracy
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Transition from open water to coastal navigation confidently
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Summary
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Define objectives, constraints, and hazards
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Use navigation aids and flexible routes
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Monitor progress and adapt as needed
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Keep detailed records for reference
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