Voyage Passage Planning Checklist
This voyage passage planning checklist ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter V/34 (Voyage and Passage Planning), Resolution A.893(21) (Guidelines for Voyage Planning), and STCW officer of the watch bridge watchkeeping requirements. Every voyage must have an approved passage plan from berth to berth covering appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring phases before departure.
- Industry: Maritime
- Frequency: Per Voyage
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Role: Master / Chief Officer / Officer of the Watch
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: SOLAS Chapter V/34 Voyage and Passage Planning, IMO Resolution A.893(21) Guidelines for Voyage Planning, STCW Section A-VIII/2 Bridge Watchkeeping, UKHO NP100 Admiralty Manual of Navigation, Company SMS Voyage Planning Procedures
Appraisal Phase
Gather all relevant information before planning.
- All charts for route corrected to latest NtM?
- Pilot books, sailing directions, and tide tables current?
- NAVTEX and navigational warnings checked for route?
- Meteorological forecast obtained for entire voyage duration?
- Departure, en-route, and arrival drafts confirmed?
Planning Phase
Route selection and waypoint planning.
- All waypoints entered and verified on ECDIS/chart plotter?
- Under-keel clearance (UKC) calculated at all shallow water waypoints?
- ECDIS safety contour and depth alarm set correctly?
- No-go areas, abort points, and wheel-over positions plotted?
- Parallel indexing lines set for critical passages?
Critical Areas
High-risk passage segments.
- Pilotage requirements confirmed for all ports and canals?
- Tidal windows calculated for shallow port approaches?
- VTS reporting obligations for restricted waters noted?
- Ice routing and ice class restrictions checked for polar routes?
- High Risk Area (piracy) procedures planned if applicable?
Master Review and Approval
Plan review and sign-off.
- Master reviewed and approved the passage plan?
- All OOWs briefed on passage plan and critical areas?
- Contingency anchorages and ports of refuge identified?
- Coast guard and VTS frequencies noted for each leg?
- Approved plan posted on bridge for OOW reference?
Execution and Monitoring
Voyage monitoring.
- Position monitoring method and frequency defined?
- Cross-track error limits set and helm orders documented?
- Position logged at required intervals in deck log?
- Any deviations from approved plan recorded with reason?
- Plan updated if significant changes to weather or conditions?
Passage Planning Records
Documentation.
- Completed passage plan retained for minimum 3 months?
- Any grounding near-miss or navigation incidents formally documented?
- Chart corrections log up to date?
- Voyage report submitted to company with any navigationally significant observations?
- Passage Planning Notes
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Why Use This Voyage Passage Planning Checklist?
This voyage passage planning checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for master / chief officer / officer of the watch professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per voyage.
Ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter V/34 Voyage and Passage Planning, IMO Resolution A.893(21) Guidelines for Voyage Planning, STCW Section A-VIII/2 Bridge Watchkeeping, UKHO NP100 Admiralty Manual of Navigation, Company SMS Voyage Planning Procedures. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Voyage Passage Planning Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Appraisal Phase, Planning Phase, Critical Areas, Master Review and Approval, Execution and Monitoring, Passage Planning Records. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per voyage. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Who should use this Voyage Passage Planning Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Master / Chief Officer / Officer of the Watch professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.