What belongs in passage appraisal?
Start with the objective, vessel, crew, forecast, tidal constraints and available information. Identify hazards, traffic, reporting or local requirements, daylight, refuge options and the consequences of delay. This stage determines whether the passage is sensible before effort is spent drawing a route.
How does a route become usable on deck?
Turn the chosen track into clear legs, courses, distances, expected times, clearing limits, tidal gates and pilotage notes. Mark where a decision must be made and which observation will trigger it. Keep the presentation legible in the expected light and motion, with critical information available even if one device fails.
What does monitoring add to the plan?
Monitoring compares reality with the plan: position, track, speed, weather, visibility, tide, traffic, systems and crew condition. Set review points early enough to preserve options. A diversion or delay is a normal use of the plan, not evidence that planning failed.
- Plan berth to berth, including departure and arrival pilotage.
- Give every critical assumption a check or trigger.
- Choose alternatives before the main route becomes unsafe.
Primary references used for this guide
Compass is an independent revision publisher. These maintained official, regulatory and standards-body references anchor the scope above; always check their current operational material for a real passage.
- Resolution A.893(21): Guidelines for voyage planning
International Maritime Organization
- Passage planning
Royal Yachting Association
- MGN 610 (M+F) Amendment 1: navigation and SOLAS Chapter V
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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