Execute Phase

Immediately before departure, confirm that the current forecast and warnings, tide, daylight, route information, vessel, equipment and crew still match the appraisal. Establish a reliable position and verify the intended electronic route and safety settings where used. Brief the crew on the current plan, roles, safety equipment, communications, watchkeeping and contingency actions. If a critical assumption is no longer true, delay, shorten, change or cancel the passage.

During execution, use the planned courses, speeds, position methods and timings, but keep them subordinate to safe navigation. IMO guidance specifically points to equipment reliability, arrival at tidal constraints, weather, day versus night at danger points and traffic. A written plan does not justify unsafe speed, reduced lookout or continuing towards a closing margin.

When the route, timing, destination, hazard, weather response or crew plan changes materially, update the working plan and record the change. Tell the people who need to act on it. A change that exists only in the skipper's head can leave the helm, lookout, shore contact or relief navigator following an obsolete plan.