Module 14 - Passage Planning
Appraise
Start with appropriate-scale, current charting and publications, notices and warnings, tidal information, forecast and port or pilotage information. Identify shoals, overfalls, routeing systems, restricted areas, environmental constraints, daylight limits and harbour access. A source is useful only if its area, issue or update status and valid period match the planned passage.
Appraise the vessel as well as the chart. Consider draught, steering and propulsion, navigation and communications equipment, safety equipment, usable fuel and stores, known defects and the conditions the boat can reasonably meet. GNSS can fail or mislead, so the plan also needs suitable information and skills to reach safety without relying on one electronic position source.
Appraise the people aboard: experience, physical ability, cold, fatigue, seasickness risk, clothing and whether essential roles can still be carried out if the skipper is injured or overloaded. Name the departure limits and the evidence that would cause delay, cancellation or a different route. Tell a responsible person ashore the plan and what to do if concern develops.
| Evidence | Appraisal question | Possible decision |
|---|---|---|
| Charts, publications and warnings | Are they suitable, current and complete for the whole route? | Obtain current information or change the route |
| Tide and daylight | Do gates, streams, depth and visibility fit the timings? | Change departure, arrival or destination |
| Forecast and observations | Where will exposure and workload be highest? | Delay, shorten, reef early or choose shelter |
| Vessel | Are equipment, defects, stores and usable fuel appropriate? | Rectify, add margin or do not depart |
| Crew | Can the people aboard perform the critical tasks throughout? | Change roles, route, timing or trip |
| Refuge and shore contact | Is the alternative reachable and does someone ashore know the plan? | Verify the alternative and share the current plan |
Optional quick check
Section 2 of 6
Which finding belongs in appraisal rather than being left until underway?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 19 August 2026 - Day Skipper Revision.
Continue studying Passage Planning
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 14. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.