QUESTION 4.2.5

Paper-chart management

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGBridge

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether required paper charts are official, corrected, at suitable scale and available for both primary and backup navigational use where applicable, 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

PROCEDUREThe procedure controls chart inventory, new editions, Notices to Mariners, temporary and preliminary notices, local warnings, cancelled charts and correction records.EVIDENCESample charts from the current route and backup folio against the correction log, latest notice, new-edition list and plotted temporary information.RESPONSIBILITYThe Master and responsible officers can identify who prepares, verifies, approves and monitors each stage.CORRECTION QUALITYCorrections are legible, permanent or temporary as appropriate, dated and do not obscure essential detail.NEW EDITIONSCancelled charts are withdrawn and replacement editions are entered into the folio and route plan.BACKUP FOLIOWhere paper is the ECDIS backup, all berth-to-berth charts are corrected and ready for immediate use.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1What is the operational purpose of paper-chart management?

Required paper charts are official, corrected, at suitable scale and available for both primary and backup navigational use where applicable.

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

Sample charts from the current route and backup folio against the correction log, latest notice, new-edition list and plotted temporary information.

3Which decision requires the Master's judgement?

The Master decides whether chart scale, age, correction gap or source quality is adequate for the navigational task and backup role.

4What happens if the planned control becomes invalid?

Obtain the required official chart or correction, transfer temporary hazards accurately, independently check the work and delay or revise the plan if safe coverage is unavailable.

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.

CORRECTION GAP

A route chart is behind the latest applicable Notices to Mariners.

CANCELLED CHART

A superseded edition remains selected for navigation.

UNSUITABLE SCALE

Small-scale coverage is used where larger-scale official data is required.

Master's practical note

Inspect the least-used chart in the backup route, not only the chart on the table. Backup arrangements commonly fail in the parts that have not recently been handled.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Carriage depends on the approved primary and backup arrangement. Paper printouts or unofficial reproductions do not become statutory charts merely because they show the route.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 4.2.5
SOLAS Chapter V regulations 19 and 27
IMO Resolution A.893(21)
UKHO or relevant hydrographic-office Notices to Mariners

Last reviewed: 2026-09-11