This course is a combination of theory and practical exercises on developing good teamwork and proper planning in the conduct of the voyage. With the application of Bridge Resource Management, effective management of bridge resources and understanding how human beings interact, communicate and make decisions will also be gained.

Classroom lectures are intended for the presentation of the above topics as well as to provide the necessary theoretical background for the exercises to be given. Series of exercises will be performed through real time simulation. During simulation exercises the trainee will learn about situational awareness, how a chain of errors can be detected, the importance of the use of effective, efficient and consistent bridge team organization.

Initially, trainees will be familiarized with the equipment, the controls and the instrumentation provided by the simulator. The exercises increase in complexity as the course progress and the trainees become familiar with the maneuvering characteristics of the ship model and its response to the engine and helm in various conditions. Exercises on the planning and conduct of a coastal passage and exercises on hazardous and critical navigation are also included. Each exercise will be preceded by a session for briefing and planning to be followed by a group discussion, led by the instructor, to analyze the actions and decisions of the trainees.

In the conduct of the exercises, trainees are expected to use all human and material resources as required and demonstrate teamwork and bridge management principles, make use of standard bridge procedures, comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGS, 1972), ILO/IMO Document for Guidance, 1985, and to observe the basic principles of keeping a navigational watch, as set out in regulation II/1 and II/2 of the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 as amended in 1995. They will assume the different roles of the Bridge Watchkeeping Team, the roles being rotated to allow each trainee an opportunity to act as master for some of the exercises.

The trainees who successfully complete this course will be able to "feel" situational awareness and see error chain developing as they handle their ship as a team. This reinforces learning and shapes attitudes that during highly operational situation they could make and execute the proper judgment. Increasing knowledge about managing resources and bridge teamwork in achieving improvement in navigational safety. They will gain experience in handling ships under various conditions and will make a more effective contribution to the bridge team during ship maneuvering in high-risk navigation situation. In addition they will enhance knowledge in shiphandling, importance of berth to berth passage planning with contingency and greater understanding and awareness of efficient bridge procedures during watchkeeping and operations.

In particular, trainees will gain:

a. familiarization with the use of engines and helm for ship maneuvering

b. an understanding of the effects on the behavior of the ship of:

• wind
• current
• shallow water, banks and narrow channels
• condition of loading
• a greater awareness of the importance of planning a passage or maneuver and the need for an alternative plan
• a greater understanding and awareness of efficient bridge procedures during watchkeeping and ship handling

Trainees wishing to enter this course should have a minimum of six-months watchkeeping experience as officer in charge of a navigational watch or a Third Mate licensed who have completed a course of training which meets or exceeds the standards set out in IMO Assembly resolution A.483(XII)-Training in radar observation and plotting.