QUESTION 4.2.6

Pre-use testing of bridge and manoeuvring systems

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGBridge

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether navigation equipment, propulsion, steering, thrusters, communications and power arrangements are verified before departure, arrival and other critical operations, 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 company checklist defines responsible persons, timing and complete test scope for the fitted bridge and machinery systems.EVIDENCEReconcile the last bridge checklist and log entries with engine-room records, steering tests, equipment status and actual voyage time.RESPONSIBILITYThe Master and responsible officers can identify who prepares, verifies, approves and monitors each stage.BRIDGE SYSTEMSRadars, ECDIS, compasses, logs, echo sounder, alarms, communications, lights and sound signals are checked as applicable.MACHINERYAhead and astern propulsion, steering systems, thrusters, generators and control communications are tested jointly.DEFECT STATUSKnown limitations are displayed, briefed and incorporated into the plan before the critical stage.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1What is the operational purpose of pre-use testing of bridge and manoeuvring systems?

Navigation equipment, propulsion, steering, thrusters, communications and power arrangements are verified before departure, arrival and other critical operations.

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

Reconcile the last bridge checklist and log entries with engine-room records, steering tests, equipment status and actual voyage time.

3Which decision requires the Master's judgement?

The Master decides whether a failed or degraded system leaves adequate redundancy and whether sailing or entering constrained waters remains safe and lawful.

4What happens if the planned control becomes invalid?

Stop progression where necessary, notify all affected stations, assess redundancy, repair or obtain formal operating conditions and amend the passage plan and team composition.

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.

CHECKLIST ONLY

Boxes are signed without operational response or full-system verification.

TIME CONFLICT

Bridge and engine records cannot represent the same test sequence.

DEFECT ACCEPTED

The operation proceeds without a documented decision on failed critical equipment.

Master's practical note

Compare bridge and machinery timestamps. Perfectly completed but impossible overlapping tests are evidence of administrative completion rather than real verification.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Do not test equipment in a way that endangers navigation, moorings or personnel. Statutory windows and coastal-state requirements may exceed the company's routine schedule.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 4.2.6
SOLAS Chapter V regulation 26
US 33 CFR 164.25 where applicable
ICS Bridge Procedures Guide
ICS Engine Room Procedures Guide

Last reviewed: 2026-09-11