QUESTION 4.2.3

Master's standing and daily navigation orders

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGBridge

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether the Master's standing and daily orders define clear, vessel-specific expectations for safe watchkeeping and calling the Master, and whether plans, records and interviews demonstrate that the procedure is applied during real voyages rather than completed only as paperwork.

Ready onboard

0/6 complete

PROCEDUREOrders address restricted visibility, CPA, TCPA, bow-crossing range, distance from dangers and aids, position fixing, equipment failure, pilotage, anchor watch, communications and Master's call criteria.EVIDENCECompare signed orders with recent bridge logs, CPA events, visibility changes, pilotage and daily voyage instructions to confirm actual compliance.RESPONSIBILITYThe Master and responsible officers can identify who prepares, verifies, approves and monitors each stage.VESSEL SPECIFICOrders reflect manoeuvring limits, bridge equipment, trade and the experience of the present team.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTEvery navigation officer has read, understood, dated and signed the current orders.DAILY ORDERSVoyage-specific hazards, equipment status, weather, security and expected calls are updated as conditions change.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1What is the operational purpose of master's standing and daily navigation orders?

The master's standing and daily orders define clear, vessel-specific expectations for safe watchkeeping and calling the master.

2Show how the procedure was applied on the last voyage.

Compare signed orders with recent bridge logs, CPA events, visibility changes, pilotage and daily voyage instructions to confirm actual compliance.

3Which decision requires the Master's judgement?

The Master sets margins according to vessel characteristics, traffic, waters and company limits and must resolve any conflict or ambiguity before watchkeepers act.

4What happens if the planned control becomes invalid?

Call the Master early, adopt conservative navigation, clarify or amend the instruction and record the operational decision without retrospectively disguising the event.

5How are changes communicated and recorded?

Brief the affected bridge and machinery personnel, amend the controlled plan or record, obtain required approval and retain the reason and revised limits.

Where an observation may arise

PAPER COMPLIANCE

Records exist but the bridge team cannot relate them to the actual voyage or operation.

CHANGE UNCONTROLLED

A material change is not reassessed, approved, briefed or recorded.

MISSING LIMIT

CPA, BCR, restricted-visibility or danger-clearance expectations are absent or vague.

GENERIC COPY

Orders refer to another vessel, equipment or trading pattern.

LOG CONFLICT

Recent navigation did not follow the signed orders and no justified deviation was recorded.

Past observations for practice

Process

Operator's procedure did not require each entry in the Bridge Order Book by the master to be timed.

Process

Engine room team composition was not recorded in the logbook during navigational activities for arrival at this port.

Master's practical note

Ask an officer exactly when they would call the Master in the next difficult leg. A signature is weak if the answer remains 'when in doubt' without the specific triggers in the orders.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Standing orders supplement and cannot contradict the SMS, COLREG or Master's overriding authority. Numerical limits are minimum decision triggers, not permission to approach every situation to the limit.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 4.2.3
STCW Code section A-VIII/2
ISM Code section 5
ICS Bridge Procedures Guide

Last reviewed: 2026-09-11