PASSAGE PLANNING

The Passage Planning event challenges participants to create a complete ship voyage plan that includes route charting and emergency contingencies. Teams present their plans for evaluation, gaining valuable practical navigation experience. This competition is a highly hands-on exercise that requires aspiring navigators to apply real-world nautical science by carefully charting the safest and most efficient course, while complying with international regulations and accounting for environmental factors such as tides, currents, and weather forecasts. Beyond route planning, teams must also develop clear and effective contingency plans for critical situations, including machinery failure, severe weather conditions, and search and rescue operations, ensuring the vessel’s integrity and the safety of the crew at all times. The final plan is assessed on technical accuracy, feasibility, and clarity, helping participants master essential skills in risk assessment, technical navigation, and regulatory compliance.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Each team comprises a maximum of four cadets.
• Maximum time allotted is 02 hours and 30 minutes.
• The given charts will be jumbled; cadets must identify and select the required chart for the passage using NP131 (Chart Catalogue).
• Required stationery will be provided along with a parallel ruler and divider.
• Questions will be framed in the format: “Plan a passage from Point A to Point B transiting through the strait.”
• The clarity of the passage, reporting points, and the manner of presentation will be considered during evaluation.
• Each passage will be different and will be selected through a bowl-chit method.
• After the practical session concludes, a viva will be conducted based on basic knowledge of passage planning.
• The judgment of the jury members will be final.
• The results will be announced immediately.

See the event brochures to know more –> Passage Planning Brochure