Passage Planning Checklist

Gather all the information you need before you start making decisions. This stage is about research and assessment.

• Charts available, correct scale, and up to date for the entire route
• Pilot books and sailing directions consulted for the area
• Notices to Mariners checked for recent changes or temporary hazards
• Weather forecast obtained from at least two sources
• Synoptic chart reviewed for frontal systems and pressure patterns
• Wind forecast assessed for the full passage window (not just departure)
• Sea state and swell forecast checked
• Tide tables available for departure port, arrival port, and any intermediate points
• Tidal stream atlas or data consulted for the passage area
• Any Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) on the route identified
• Restricted areas, military exercise zones, or exclusion zones noted
• Crew experience and physical condition assessed
• Vessel condition and equipment readiness confirmed

Plot the route, make decisions, and build the plan. This is where research turns into a concrete, actionable passage plan.

• Waypoints plotted on the chart (paper and/or electronic)
• Course to steer calculated for each leg (accounting for variation and deviation)
• Distance measured for each leg
• Expected speed estimated (realistic, not optimistic)
• ETAs calculated for each waypoint
• Departure time chosen to optimise tidal streams
• Tidal heights confirmed — sufficient depth at departure, en route, and arrival
• Tidal stream set and drift calculated for each leg (CTS adjustment)
• Hazards identified with safe clearing distances or bearings
• Waypoints placed at a safe distance from all hazards (not on top of marks)
• Bolt holes identified along the route (at least one per major leg)
• Entry requirements for bolt holes checked (tidal gates, depth, approach)
• Abort criteria defined: maximum wind speed, sea state, visibility threshold
• Fuel requirement calculated with 30% reserve
• Night sailing plan (if applicable): lights, watch system, hot drinks rota
• Communications plan: VHF channels for coastguard, ports, marinas en route

Put the plan into action. Brief the crew, follow the plan, but stay flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions.

• Crew briefed on the passage plan: route, duration, weather, hazards
• Watch system agreed and communicated
• Seasickness medication taken in advance (if needed)
• Safety brief completed (life jackets, MOB, VHF, fire, seacocks)
• Engine checks completed before departure
• Navigation instruments powered up and cross-checked
• VHF radio on Ch 16 and DSC active
• Log started: departure time, log reading, weather observations
• Planned route being followed — helm briefed on course for each leg
• Position fixes taken at regular intervals (15-30 min coastal, hourly offshore)
• Proper lookout maintained at all times (Rule 5)
• Weather monitored throughout — compare actual to forecast
• Crew welfare managed: hydration, food, warmth, rest

Continuously compare your actual progress against the plan. The plan is a living document — update it as conditions change.

• Actual position compared to planned position at each fix
• Course made good compared to planned course — is there unexpected set or drift?
• Actual speed over ground compared to expected — ahead or behind schedule?
• ETAs revised if speed differs significantly from plan
• Weather monitored: has the forecast changed? Is the actual weather matching?
• Tidal stream direction and rate matching expectations
• Fuel consumption tracked against plan
• Abort criteria reviewed: are conditions approaching the limit?
• Bolt hole options reassessed based on current position
• Decision made early if diversion is needed (do not wait until the last moment)
• Crew condition monitored: fatigue, seasickness, morale
• Plan updated and communicated to crew if any changes are made