Passage planning

The plan includes leaving the dock and harbor area, the en route portion of a voyage, approaching the destination, and mooring, the industry term for this is 'berth to berth'.

[3] A Passage Plan is an important step in ensuring vital navigation information is readily available, crew and those ashore know what to expect, and to minimize the likelihood of accidents.

[3][5] These stages are specified in International Maritime Organization Resolution A.893(21), Guidelines For Voyage Planning,[6] which are, in turn, reflected in the local laws of IMO signatory countries.

The process involves projecting various future events including landfalls, narrow passages, and course changes expected during the voyage.

[8] This mental model becomes the standard by which the navigator measures progress toward the goal of a safe and efficient voyage, and it is manifested in a passage plan.

[11] This track is judged with respect to at least nine separate criteria given in the Guidelines including under-keel clearance, safe speed, air draft, the use of routing and reporting services (TSS and VTS), and the availability of contingencies in case of emergency.

It also reiterates the captain's responsibility to treat the plan as a "living document" and to review or change it in case of any special circumstances that should arise.

[17] In modern times, computer software can greatly simplify the passage planning process and ensure that nothing important is overlooked.

Poor passage planning and unchecked deviation from the plan can lead to groundings , collisions and oil spills .
Monitoring progress and comparing it to the plan are key to passage planning.
Modern navigators often enter passage plans on electronic systems