NSS Navigation and Ship Handling Comprehensive Review (Commands, Navigation, Weather, and Related Procedures)

4.2 Standard Commands

• Helm (Rudder) Commands: Slides 6-10, 12-14
  • Right/Left Standard Rudder (15°) → Used for normal turns.
  • Right/Left Full Rudder (30°) → Used for quicker turns.
  • Hard Right/Left Rudder (35°) → Used in emergencies or sharpest possible turn.
  • Rudder Amidships → Puts rudder back to neutral (0°), stops turning.
  • Steady on course [heading] → Maintain that heading.
  • Come right/left, steer [course] → Turn slightly and steer to a new heading.
  • Ease your rudder to… → Decrease rudder angle.
  • Increase your rudder to… → Increase rudder angle.
  • Shift your rudder → Move it to the same angle but on the opposite side.
  • Meet her → Stop the ship from turning more (without steadying on a course).
  • Steady as you go→ Keep the ship on its current heading.
• Lee Helm (Engines): Slides 24–26
  • All/port/starboard engines ahead/back [1/3, 2/3, standard, full, flank]
  • Stop engines
  • Indicate pitch and turns for [speed]
• Command Format: Slides 5, 11
  1. Command – What the Conn says (e.g., “Right standard rudder”)
  2. Reply – Helm repeats it back (verbatim)
  3. Action – Helm or Lee Helm carries it out
  4. Report – Helm says what they did (“My rudder is right standard”)
  5. Acknowledgement – Conn says “Very well”

Page 2

• Purpose: To ensure no misunderstandings and that orders are carried out exactly and safely. This format provides multiple chances to catch mistakes.
• IDENTIFY helm and lee helm commands and actions performed Slides 8–10, 13–18 (helm), 24–27 (lee helm)
  • Helm Commands (Steering):
  • “Right standard rudder” → Rudder turns 15° to starboard
  • “Rudder amidships” → Rudder is straightened
  • “Shift your rudder” → Moves rudder to opposite angle
  • Lee Helm Commands (Engines):
  • “All engines ahead 2/3, indicate pitch and turns for 10 kts” → Sets ship to cruise at moderate speed
  • “Ease engines to ahead 1/3” → Slowly reduces power
• KEY DIFFERENCE:
  • Helm steers the ship using the rudder.
  • Lee Helm controls speed and direction of propulsion using the engines.

4.3 Basic Shiphandling I

• IDENTIFY the forces that act upon a naval vessel Slides 23
  • Three types of forces:
  • Controllable Forces (things we directly use to control the ship):
    • Lines, Anchors, Tugs, Engines, Rudders, Thrusters
  • Semi-Controllable Forces (environmental effects we can plan for):
    • Shallow water effects, Bank cushion/suction, Passing ship effects
  • Uncontrollable Forces (cannot be changed; must be planned around):
    • Wind, Current
• Easy tip: Think “LATER Buoy C” for controllable forces: Lines, Anchors, Tugs, Engines, Rudders, Bow/Stern Thrusters.
• Pivot Point changes as inertia and momentum change Slides 19–21
  • What’s the pivot point? The spot on the ship around which it turns.
  • Pivot location shifts with speed/direction:
  • Ship stopped: center
  • Ship moving ahead: 1/3 from the bow
  • Ship speeding up ahead: Moves forward
  • Ship backing up: Moves toward the stern
  • Pivot point moves to the part of the ship with the most resistance. Example: backing shifts pivot aft; moving ahead fast shifts pivot forward.
• Hydrodynamics affects ship control Slides 6–8, 10–13, 17–18
  • Rudder effectiveness: Works best when water flows past it (from propeller).
  • Rudder more effective going ahead than astern.
  • Bare steerageway = minimum speed (2–3 knots) where rudder still works.
  • Propeller forces: Side force makes stern walk sideways (more noticeable on single-screw ships).
• Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP): Slides 22–23
  • Used on DDGs, CGs, etc.
  • Blade angle changes control speed/direction instead of RPM changes.
• Suction & Discharge Current; Shallow Water Effects Slides 24–25, 22–23
  • Suction: water going into the propeller.
  • Discharge current: water leaving prop and impacting rudder; more discharge = more rudder control.
• Shallow Water Effects (Slides 22–23):
  • Squat: ship sinks deeper in water when moving fast; bow rise or stern dip.
  • Can damage piers or other ships due to wake/pressure changes.
• Big Ideas You Should Know (not just Enabling Objectives): Momentum & Inertia (Slides 5–6)
  • Momentum = Mass × Velocity; more mass or speed means harder to stop.
  • Inertia = Resistance to change; “Ship keeps going” until a turning moment is applied.
  • Example: If moving ahead and you apply rudder, turn is delayed due to inertia.
• Shiphandling Technique Tips (Slides 30–31)
  • Use rudder first, engine second
  • Know pivot point
  • Move slow near pier; max ½ knot near structure
  • Use split-ship method: Bow controlled by tug, stern by rudder/engines
  • Use visual cues to check drift

4.4 Man Overboard Procedures

• IDENTIFY bridge watchstander duties and responsibilities when responding to a man overboard Slides 6-7
• Bridge Watchstander Responsibilities (Immediate Actions):
  1. Announce over 1MC: “Man Overboard, Man Overboard, Man Overboard, Port/Starboard side.”
  2. Hoist OSCAR flag (Red and yellow)
  3. Sound 6 short blasts on the whistle
  4. Turn on red pulsating light
  5. Point at the person in the water — don’t lose visual
  6. Throw a life ring and smoke float toward the person
  7. Determine recovery method (ship, small boat, helo, etc.)
  8. Notify nearby ships via VHF
  9. Figure wind direction and create a lee (put ship between wind and person so you drift toward them)
  • “Wind/Ship/Man” rule: Put ship between wind and the man
• IDENTIFY the immediate and controlling actions when responding to a man overboard Slides 6-9
  • Immediate actions: Start rudder and engine orders, sound alarms, throw rescue gear, visually track the person.
  • Communications: Pan-Pan call over radio: “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan. This is WARSHIP [Name/Number], Man Overboard on [Port/Starboard side], in vicinity of [location]. Request ships remain clear while maneuvering.”
  • Pan-Pan = urgent but not life-threatening yet; Mayday is life-threatening.
• Maneuvers to recover a MOB (Slides 17-26)
  1. Anderson Turn
  • Quickest and best when you see the person fall
  • Rudder full toward casualty side; engines full ahead
  • Pros: Fast, easy; Cons: You must know exact location of casualty
  1. Williamson Turn
  • Used when you didn’t see fall or in night
  • Turn to casualty side until 60° off course, then opposite side until reciprocal heading
  • Pros: Works in bad weather or if you lost sight
  • Cons: Slower; casualty out of view longer
  1. Racetrack Turn
  • Used when towing gear or behind-the-ship tactical stuff
  • Like two half-loops; then recover
  1. Y-Backing
  • Used by subs or ships with low visibility
  • Back up in a Y-shape to stay close to MOB
• Recovery Methods
  • Small boat (RHIB), J-Bar Davit with SAR swimmer (ship nearly stopped), Helicopter (fastest, but only if already in air)
• MOBI = Man Overboard Indicator
  • Built into life jackets to aid locating from bridge
• Recovery Time Standards
  • Ship recovery (DDG/CG): 7–8 min
  • Small boat recovery (DDG/CG): 11–13 min
• Search Patterns (unknown MOB location)
  • Sector search: Small tight circles (single ship)
  • Expanding square: Spiral outward to cover area
• Final Tips
  • MOB = treat as real emergency
  • Always keep visual on person; Wind/Ship/Man drift guidance
  • Know which maneuver is fastest/visibility-based

4.5 Bridge Organization and CO’s Standing Orders

• Purpose: Underway bridge watch ensures safe navigation and ship operations underway.
• Key personnel (Slides 4, 10, 13, 14, 16, 15):
  • CO (Commanding Officer): Overall responsibility for safe navigation and tactical employment
  • OOD (Officer of the Deck): CO's direct representative; supervises bridge, safety, and contact picture
  • JOOD (Junior Officer of the Deck): Assists OOD; manages surface contact picture; trains watchstanders
  • CONN (Conning Officer): Directs rudder and engine orders to Helm/Lee Helm
  • QMOW (Quartermaster of the Watch): Tracks position, assists in navigation
  • BMOW (Boatswain's Mate of the Watch): Manages enlisted bridge personnel; passes announcements
  • Helm/Lee Helm: Steer ship and control engine speed under CONN direction
• Duties (as per NAVDORM):
  • OOD: Supervises bridge, ensures navigation safety, executes CO orders, monitors contacts
  • JOOD: Assists OOD with training and monitoring contacts
  • CONN: Gives rudder/engine orders; supervises helm
  • QMOW: Maintains logs and position fixes; warns of hazards
  • BMOW: Supervises enlisted watch team; ensures training
• Duties of the Officer of the Deck underway: Pre-watch preparation; orders, briefings, pre-watch tours
• Pre-watch tour items (Nav data, Tactical, Readiness) and information to obtain: ship position, course, tides/currents; stations, traffic, emergencies, contact picture; equipment status, lookouts, evolutions
• Tasks for assuming a watch: Follow formal turnover: “I am ready to relieve you.” … “I relieve you.” … “I stand relieved.” … Announce turnover on 1MC
• NAVDORM: surface contact management; collision avoidance; Maneuvering Boards; report contacts; standard phraseology; repeat-backs
• Notifications and permissions: CO, XO, NAV; some items require CO approval (e.g., small boat ops, MOB recovery)

4.6 Nautical Charts and Publications

• Chart basics and navigation measurements
  • Chart usage: Plot courses, fix positions, check hazards/destinations (Slide 3)
  • Chart accuracy from hydrographic surveys; corrections via Notice to Mariners before use (Slide 4)
• Chart scales and voyage planning
  • Chart scale tells how much real-world distance is represented; example: 1:40,000 means 1 unit on chart equals 40,000 units on Earth (Slide 22)
  • Types of charts (Slide 23): Sailing Chart 1:600,000; General Chart 1:200,000; Coastal Chart 1:80,000; Harbor Chart 1:40,000, 1:20,000, 1:10,000, 1:5,000
  • Always use the largest scale chart available for detail
• Terrestrial coordinate system reference lines and points (Slides 5–6)
  • Latitude (0° to 90° N/S), Longitude (0° to 180° E/W)
  • Meridian = great circle through Earth’s poles (longitude reference)
  • Parallel = circles parallel to the equator (latitude)
  • Coordinate example: 21° 21.75' N, 157° 57.30' W
• Chart projections (Slides 11–17)
  • Mercator Projection: rhumb lines straight; distorts area away from equator
  • Gnomonic Projection: great-circle routes appear straight; good for long-distance planning; used to transfer waypoints to Mercator
• Chart No. 1 purpose (Slide 20)
  • Explains symbols, abbreviations, features; NOAA/NGA publications; downloadable
• Chart features (Slide 19)
  • Title, projection, scale; hydrographic sources; cautionary notes; soundings; depths; landmarks; compass rose; current info
• Aids to Navigation (AtoN) symbolization (Slide 34)
  • Symbolic cues for buoys, beacons, lights, and navigation aids
• General information on nautical charts (Slide 19)
  • Landmarks, hydrographic features, aids to navigation, etc.
• Publications used in navigation and voyage planning (Slides 24–25)
  • Pub 151 – Distances Between Ports
  • Pub 102 – International Code of Signals
  • Pub 117 – Radio Navigational Aids
  • USCG Light List; NGA List of Lights; NOAA Coast Pilot; Sailing Directions; NAVDORM; Notice to Mariners / Local Notice to Mariners; World Port Index (Pub 150); Nautical Almanac; Fleet Guide
• Movements and reports (MOVREP): Slides 35–39
  • MOVREP required 24–48 hours before underway; used for safety and tracking; types: Departure, Arrival, Position, Cancellation; reasons: route changes, delays >4 h, diversions due to weather, medical changes

4.7 OOD Math

• Basic navigation equations; units
  • Speed = Distance / Time
  • Time = Distance / Speed
  • Distance = Speed × Time
  • Nautical miles (NM) for distance; knots (kts) for speed
• Time zones and Zulu time
  • Zulu time = GMT = UTC; zones range -12 to +12
  • Zone descriptions: Zone Time (ZT) = Local Time; GMT = Zulu
  • Example: If it’s 1200R (Romeo = -5), GMT = 1700Z
  • Conversions: Zone Time ± Zone Description = GMT; GMT ± opposite Zone Description = Zone Time
• Decimal degrees from D/M/S
  • Decimal = Degrees + Minutes/60 + Seconds/3600
  • Example: 41° 24’ 12” = 41 + 24/60 + 12/3600 = 41.4033°
• Set and drift; Maneuvering Board basics
  • Set = current direction pushing the ship (True bearing)
  • Drift = current speed (knots)
  • Use Maneuvering Board to plot: track from fix A to B (DR track); set and drift from B to actual fix; bearings
• ETA and SOA
  • ETA = Distance / Speed
  • SOA = Distance / Time available
  • Example: 96 NM at 12 kts → ext{ETA} = rac{96}{12} = 8 ext{ hours}
  • Example: 120 NM in 10 h → ext{SOA} = rac{120}{10} = 12 ext{ knots}
• Distance to turn (D/T)
  • D/T = ext{Advance} + rac{ ext{Transfer}}{ an( ext{course change})}
  • Advance and Transfer data come from ship maneuvering characteristics or charts
• Bearings conversions
  • Relative Bearing (RB), True Bearing (TB) = True + RB, Magnetic Bearing (MB) = TB − Variation
  • TA = Target Bearing − Target’s Course
• Relative motion vectors on maneuvering board; CPA/TCPA concepts
  • CPA = Closest point of approach
  • TCPA = Time to CPA
  • Use maneuvering board to compute vectors and predict CPA/TCPA
• Wind calculations with a maneuvering board
  • Draw own ship vector; plot apparent wind; subtract ship motion to get true wind; use to adjust course/heading

4.8 Compass

• Magnetic compass theory (Slides 4–6)
  • Compass needle points to Magnetic North; not True North
  • Earth behaves like a magnet; need to correct for variation and deviation
• Notations for headings and bearings (Slides 13–14)
  • Compass bearing (C or PSC)
  • Deviation (D) = ship’s magnetic interference
  • Magnetic bearing (M)
  • Variation (V) = Earth’s offset
  • True bearing (T)
  • Mnemonic: C D M V T (Can Dead Men Vote Twice?)
• Fluxgate compass (Slide 27)
  • Electronic magnetic compass; calibrated after big changes; calibration required within 24 h of evolutions and 48 h of getting underway
• Determine local variation (Slides 9–11)
  • Variation = angle between True North and Magnetic North; indicated on chart’s compass rose
• Determine and correct deviation (Slides 12–15)
  • Deviation = ship’s magnetic field effect; correction via deperming and deviation tables
• Compass error calculation
  • Compass Error = Variation + Deviation
  • True = Compass + Variation + Deviation
• Magnetic course to steer
  • Magnetic = True − Variation
• Gyrocompass principles (Slides 28–32)
  • Uses spinning gyroscope; points to True North; needs power and recalibration; not affected by ship’s magnetic field
• Gyrocompass components (Slides 29–30)
  • Spin axis, Horizontal axis, Vertical axis; gimbals allow free rotation
• Systems using gyro inputs (Slide 33)
  • Helm/Autopilot; Radars
• Aft steering and course recorder (Slide 33)
• Gyro failures (Slide 34) and error sources (Slide 35)
  • Failure response: Use relative bearings and convert via ship heading; backup gyro in Navy ships
• Terrestrial methods to check gyro accuracy (Slide 36)
  • Visual range, Triangulation of LOPs, Celestial observations, Pier-side check
• Gyro error calculations (Slides 37–38)
  • Gyro Error = Gyro − True; “Gyro is Least, Error is East”; “Gyro is Best, Error is West”

4.9 Aids to Navigation

• Define AtoN
  • Anything outside ship that helps you know where you are and where it’s safe
• Examples and general appearances
  • Green buoy: stay to this side when entering from sea (port side in Region A) or other rules depending on region
  • Lighthouse: indicates land presence; beware of rocks
  • Whistle buoy in fog: channel entrance indicator
• Purposes and appearances of AtoN (Slide 34)
  • Guide: show safe route; Warn: mark hazards; Inform: convey rules/speeds
  • Appearances: shape, color, topmark, lights, sounds differentiate types
  • Example: Tall red-and-white safe water mark; Yellow buoy with an X indicates special area
• Buoy, Beacon, Light, Fog Signal, Visual Range definitions
  • Beacon: fixed marker; lighted or daybeacon
  • Buoy: floating marker; lights or sound signals
  • Light: any navigational light (pier to lighthouse)
  • Fog signal: sound signal for low visibility
  • Visual Range: two markers lined up to indicate correct course
• Lights identification: Publications, color, phase
  • Publications: Light List, List of Lights; location, color, flash pattern, range
  • Color: White, Green, Red; sometimes Yellow
  • Phase: Flashing, Occulting, Isophase, etc.
• Buoyage systems
  • Lateral System for channels; Cardinal System for hazards
  • Region A vs Region B (US): Region A red marks port side returning from sea; Region B red on starboard side (red right returning)
• Electronic Aids to Navigation
  • RACON: radar beacon that shows on radar when pinged; provides range/bearing; lights beyond the object
  • RAMARK: radar beacon broadcasting bearing only
  • VAtoN: Virtual AtoN displayed electronically on ECIDS/AIS without a physical buoy
• Topmarks & Lights memory tips
  • Two balls = danger (Isolated Danger mark)
  • Red sphere = safe water; Yellow X = special area
  • Triangles orientation mnemonic for direction: Up-Up = North; Down-Down = South; Up-Down = East; Down-Up = West
• Piloting with charts
  • Plotting, dead reckoning, LOPs, fixes, DR vs fix

4.10 Piloting

• Basic terms and symbols in the navigational plot (Slide 6–9)
  • Fix: location from intersecting three+ bearings or ranges
  • Dead Reckoning (DR): predicted position from last fix using speed and course
  • Dividers: measure distance on chart
  • Plotters: draw direction lines and measure bearings
  • LOP (Line of Position): one line where you lie somewhere on
  • Tip: “Fix = Fact, DR = Guess”
• Plotting a course and speed (Slides 25–27)
  • Course labeled on top; Speed below; Time perpendicular to course; DR times at an angle
  • Six rules of DR (Slides 28–31): Update DR every change; fixes; etc.

4.12 Radar Fundamentals

• Radar basics (Slides 3–6)
  • RADAR = RAdio Detection And Ranging
  • How it works: emits radio waves; echoes returned from targets; distance = time delay × c/2; c ≈ 162,000 NM/s
  • Key quantities:
  • Speed of light: c \,=\, 162{,}000\ \text{NM/s}
  • Frequency, Wavelength: \lambda = \frac{c}{f}
  • Antenna size ~ half the wavelength
• Pulse shape and display implications (Slides 7–13)
  • HBW (Horizontal Beam Width): left-right resolution; VBW (Vertical Beam Width) for motion
  • Pulse Length affects Range Resolution: shorter pulses yield better resolution; example: 0.1 μs ≈ 48 ft, 1 μs ≈ 480 ft
• Radar controls and display adjustments (Slide 36)
  • Brilliance (brightness), Gain (sensitivity)
  • FTC (Fast Time Constant) reduces weather clutter; STC (Sensitivity Time Control) reduces sea clutter
• Range settings and ranges (Slides 14–18)
  • Min Range ≈ PulseLength × 0.081; e.g., 10 μs → 0.81 NM minimum detection
  • Max Range affected by PRR; high PRR → shorter range; low PRR → longer range but weaker hits
• Radar bands (S-band vs X-band) (Slides 6)
  • S-band (10 cm) better in bad weather and long range
  • X-band (3 cm) better for navigation and high detail
• Radar system components (Slides 30–31)
  • Transmitter, Antenna, Receiver, Modulator, Indicator (PPI), TR switch, A-TR
• Analogy
  • Radar like sonar with radio waves: send, listen, plot echoes

4.13 Radar Fundamentals II

• Refraction, diffraction, attenuation and effects (4.13)
  • Refraction: waves bend toward water as air denser near water; can extend radar horizon slightly
  • Diffraction: waves bend around obstacles; more noticeable at lower frequencies (S-band)
  • Attenuation: moisture absorbs radar energy (rain, fog); bad weather reduces performance; lower frequencies resist attenuation better
• Environmental effects on radar (weather, sea, temp inversions)
  • Weather clutter from rain/snow; use FTC
  • Sea clutter from waves; use STC
  • Temperature inversions (super-refraction) can increase range
• Bearing and range accuracy factors; errors
  • Bearing accuracy depends on antenna size, beam width, target size
  • Range accuracy depends on pulse length and scale; close targets may merge at long range
• Radar orientations/presentations
  • Head-Up (unstabilized): match ship heading; easy to view but unstable when course changes
  • Course-Up (stabilized): top of display shows current course
  • North-Up (stabilized): true north on top; aligns with paper charts
  • True Motion: both own ship and targets move according to actual ground track

4.14 Advanced Radar and RADNAV

• Categories of Radar Navigation and their applications
  • Landfall Navigation: approaching land from open sea; needs tall land to be above radar horizon; max range formula: R_{max}=1.22\big(\,\sqrt{HA}\,+\sqrt{HT}\,ig) in NM, where HA = antenna height, HT = target height
  • Coastal Navigation: near land; identify landmarks; piloting within 10 NM of land
  • Piloting: inside 10 NM; NAVDORM requires radar/visual fixes every 3rd fix interval
• Distortions and radar navigation in pilotage waters
  • Radar shadow; beam width distortion; pulse length distortion
• Position fixing with radar and alternate fixes
  • Use radar ranges to fix position; do not rely on GPS alone; verify with another method every 3rd fix in restricted waters
• RACONs and SARTs (Radar Aids)
  • RACON: radar beacon emitting Morse after being pinged; displayed slightly beyond object; helps identify hazards
  • SART: Rescue Transponder; used with X-band (3 cm) radar
• ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid)
  • Features: EBL, VRM, Parallel Index Lines, CPA, TCPA, Trial Maneuver
  • CPA = Closest Point of Approach; TCPA = Time to CPA
• ARPA operation and errors
  • Internal errors: contact swap, wrong course/speed due to input errors
  • External errors: radar installation issues, shadow sectors, interference
  • ARPA is an aid; always visually verify and cross-check with AIS and maneuvering board

4.15 CONREP

• STREAM and Highline; Replenishment at Sea (RAS) concepts
  • STREAM: Standard Tensioned Replenishment Alongside Method; tight cable between ships; transfer of cargo, fuel, or people; SURF/STAR components
  • SURF: Standard Underway Receiving Fixture; locks onto receiving ship
  • STAR: SURF Traveling Actuated Remotely; moves along line remotely
• STREAM Liquid and Astern refueling
  • STREAM Liquid: hoses attached to fuel/water
  • Astern Refueling: hose transferred astern from delivering ship
• Safety and tension
  • Ram tensioner tensions around ~1,000 lbs per 100 psi of air; normal STREAM highline tension ~19,500 lbs
• Transfer sequence
  • Preparation: RASREQ; OPTASK RAS; check gear/comms; rudder swing; calibrations
  • Approach: Control ship sets speed/course; approach ship comes alongside; typical speed ~13 knots; approach +5 knots until lined up
  • Connection: Receiving ship uses shot line to P&D line to highline/fuel probe; lock, tension, start transfer
  • Breakaway: Reverse sequence; disband lines; safety
• Fuel transfer interfaces with fuel, potable water, and feed water systems
• Rig stations and colors (safety roles)
  • Safety Officer (White w/ green cross)
  • Rig Captain (Yellow)
  • Signalman (Green)
  • Corpsman (White w/ red cross)
  • Rigger (Blue)
  • Line Gunner (Red)
  • Winch Operator (Brown)
• Visual and audible signals during transfers; communication equipment
  • Flags: Golf (guide), Romeo (Delivery/Approach signals)
  • Whistles: specific calls
  • Signals during operations for transfer readiness

4.16 Bridge-to-Bridge Communications

• VHF radiotelephone and supporting equipment
  • VHF radio is primary ship-to-ship; supporting tools: AIS, Radar/ARPA, BTB log, Binoculars
• Radio transmissions types
  • Mayday (immediate danger)
  • Pan-Pan (urgent but not life-threatening)
  • Sécurité (navigational or weather warnings)
• HBT (Bridge-to-Bridge) procedures: call-ups for passing arrangements; ensure clarity and brevity
• BTB communications best practices
  • Accuracy, Brevity, Clarity; identify who you are talking to; state intentions; think before speaking; avoid interrupting

4.17 DIVTACS

• Terms and concepts
  • Formation — ships sailing in an orderly formation
  • Guide — reference ship for others to align to
  • Distance — spacing between ships (yards)
  • Standard Distance: 500 yds for small ships; 1000 yds for large ships
  • Small Ship vs Large Ship; Intervals; Column, Line Abreast, Line of Bearing
  • Turn Together (Turn) vs Wheel (Corpen)
  • Pivot Ship — outside ship around which a wheel turns
• Rules for maneuvering line formations
  • Guide rules; automatic changes of guide in maneuvers
  • Turn vs Wheel: Turn = same true position; Wheel = same relative position
  • Wheel restrictions: Single Column ≤ 180°; Single Line Abreast ≤ 90°; Diamond ≤ 30°
  • Search Turn: farthest ship from turn direction becomes guide; course change limited to 45°–135° from base course
• Exchange stations, variations, and reversing order in a column
  • Exchanging stations: move carefully; pass astern unless instructed otherwise
  • Reversing order in column: rear becomes guide; others pass; final becomes first; maintain formation

4.18 FLT TAC Practical

• ATP-1(H), Volume II overview
  • Navy/NATO standard for how ships communicate and coordinate maneuvers; unified language across allied navies
  • When talking to merchant ships, switch to Pub 102 (International Code of Signals)
• Correct phonetic pronunciation of letters and numbers (ATP-1(H), VOL II) – Phonetic Alphabet (in table form)
  • A: Alpha; B: Bravo; C: Charlie; D: Delta; E: Echo; F: Foxtrot; G: Golf; H: Hotel; I: India; J: Juliett; K: Kilo; L: Lima; M: Mike; N: November; O: Oscar; P: Papa; Q: Quebec; R: Romeo; S: Sierra; T: Tango; U: Uniform; V: Victor; W: Whiskey; X: X-ray; Y: Yankee; Z: Zulu
• Numeric code words for numbers (0-9, 100, 1000, etc.)
  • 0: Zero; 1: One; 2: Two; 3: Three; 4: Four; 5: Five; 6: Six; 7: Seven; 8: Eight; 9: Nine; 100: Hundred; 1000: Thousand
• Phonetic alphabet (as above) used in ATP-1 communications

4.20 Tides and Currents

• Characteristics and causes
  • Tides: regular rising/falling of ocean water, driven by Moon’s gravity with some Sun’s influence; two high and two low tides per lunar day (24h50m)
  • Currents: lateral water movement linked to tides; flood current toward shore; ebb current away from shore; slack water is the transition
• Reference publications for tides/currents (NOAA, Admiralty ATT, etc.)
• Effects of current in restricted waters and open ocean
  • Restricted waters: even small currents can push you toward piers or other ships; may require crab maneuvering
  • Open ocean: currents affect arrival time, fuel, and formation position
• Interpreting tide/current graphs
  • Tide graph: vertical water height; peaks are high tide; slope indicates rate of change
  • Current graph: horizontal movement; above zero = flood; below zero = ebb; crossing zero = slack water

4.22 Small Boat Operations

• Components of small boat structure
  • Sponson, Keel, Flag Staff/Bow Post/Jack Staff, Sampson Posts, Transom, Hoisting Sling, Life Lines
• Safety precautions during small boat operations
  • Lifejackets; hard hats during lowering/raising; stay with boat; capsize response
  • Passenger rules; sea state limits (7m RIBs: Sea State 3; can survive Sea State 4)
  • Cold weather gear (immersion suit, drysuit, exposure suit)
  • Speed limits dependent on crew size
  • Sponson seating: don’t sit on sponson in heavy seas
• Small boat crew duties (Coxswain, Engineer/Sternhook, Bowhook, Boat Officer, optional crew)
• Hoisting/lowering capabilities (SLAD; gravity davit; cranes; Fall; Monkey Lines; Sea Painter; Steadying Lines)
• Launch/recovery procedures (calm vs heavy weather)
  • Calm: prep boat, lower to rail, board, engine start, release lines
  • Recovery: passengers off, align with sea painter, attach steadying lines, hoist
  • Heavy weather differences: reduce load; create lee; maintain tension on steadying lines
• Small boat equipage (bow hook, anchor, fenders, life ring, sea painter, steadying lines, grapnel, compass, fire extinguisher, BTB radio, lifejackets)
• Planning speed, pivot turns, and chine tripping prevention
  • Planing speed, pivot turn, chine tripping risk, preventing airborne motion

4.23 Flight Operations Brief

• Communications between aircraft, flight control, and ships
  • UHF, light signals, hand signals, signal flags
• The flight deck envelope for helicopter operations
  • Wind direction/speed limits; ship motion limits; charted envelopes per ship/helicopter type
• Flight deck responsibilities
  • TAO/CICWO, Helo Control Officer (HCO), Landing Signalman Enlisted (LSE), Chock & Chain Crew, Fueling Team, Crash & Salvage Crew, Flight Deck Safety Officer
• Crash crew equipment
  • Firefighting hoses/foam, rescue tools, protective gear
• HIFR/VERTREP considerations
  • HIFR: fueling via hose while helicopter in hover
  • VERTREP: moving cargo via helicopter; control of hose/load motion; ensure threat exclusion and safety
• Polar plots for helicopter ops
  • Safety charts showing safe heading zones in rough seas or waves; green zones for safe operations; red zones for risk zones
• NVG operations
  • NVG requires dim lighting; capabilities/limitations; ship lighting adjustments (dim navigation lights, blue stern light, no white topside lights)
• Flight plan and FOD walkdown
  • Flight plan contents; FOD risk and walkdown procedures to remove debris that could be ingested by rotor wash

4.24 Weather

• Weather terms and definitions (Meteorology, Weather, Atmosphere)
• Weather elements and measurements
  • Temperature, Humidity, Air pressure, Wind speed/direction, Clouds
• NAVMETOCCOMINST 3144.1 weather observations
  • Position, Present weather, Wind, Sea height and swell, Water temperature, Sea level pressure, Air temperature; reports used for forecasts and investigations
• OOD responsibilities in heavy weather
  • Assess motion limits; evaluate present/future weather; consider alternate routes; avoid seas on bow/stern/beam; ideal headings around seas
  • Heavy Weather Bill: additional watch; more lookouts for reduced visibility
• Fog and ice; formations and types
  • Fog types (radiation, advection, upslope, steam, frontal/precipitation)
  • Ice: topside icing; ice accretion rate depends on water/air temperatures and wind; impacts stability and radar/comms
• Weather forecasting methods, rules, and tips
  • Forecasting by wind vs wave height; barometer fall rate; common signs of good/bad weather
• Tropical cyclones
  • Formation requires warm water, moist air, low wind shear; cyclones rotate counterclockwise in Northern Hemisphere; avoidance strategies: do not cross forecast track; adverse semicircle strategies (wind on starboard bow or wind on starboard quarter) for navigating away
• Logging and reporting weather information
  • NAVMETOCCOMINST 3144.1; regular weather observations; weather reports are official records
• OTSR (Optimum Track Ship Routing)
  • Advisory service to minimize heavy weather exposure; MOVREP 72 hours before departure; daily updates; CO approval needed for diversions
• OTSR analogy
  • A weather route planner; pre-trip and in-transit updates; CO approval required for changes
• OTSR example and daily update contents
  • Date/time, position, course/speed, wind, seas, barometer, water temperature, remarks

4.25 GPS

• GPS importance and historical navigational evolution
  • From celestial/navigation to radio beacons to satellites; US military development for precise navigation and joint usage
• Common uses
  • Navigation; data collection; targeting; mine hunting
• Advantages and disadvantages
  • Advantages: precise 3D position/velocity; standard time; 24/7; passive
  • Disadvantages: antenna masking; EM interference; jamming; spoofing; errors
• Major GPS segments
  • Space Segment: 31 satellites in 6 orbital planes (~20,200 km)
  • Control Segment: master control stations, track stations, ground antennas
  • User Segment: receivers that compute position
• How a GPS receiver determines position
  • Satellites broadcast time and position; receiver measures time-of-flight to compute distance; trilateration with 3 satellites for lat/long/alt; a 4th satellite corrects clock error
• Factors affecting accuracy
  • Receiver mode, ionospheric conditions, satellite geometry (DOP), user range errors
• Sources of GPS errors
  • User clock bias, satellite clock bias, atmospheric interference
• Interpreting GPS nav data
  • Use position, velocity, time; cross-check with other nav systems; verify with charts and radar

4.26 Well Deck Operations

• Standard terminology for well deck operations
  • Condition 1A: ship ready for well deck operations
  • Ballast: water in ballast tanks to adjust well deck depth
  • Wedge (Steep/Shallow): slope of water in well deck
  • Alive: craft inside well deck floating
  • Grounded: craft on deck, not floating
  • Sill: back edge of well deck floor where water depth is measured
  • Stern Gate: rear opening; lowers to allow craft in/out
  • At the Stops: stern gate at stops; 10° below horizontal
  • At 90 Degrees: stern gate horizontal with deck
  • Red Well: unsafe to launch; ship can maneuver freely
  • Green Well: safe to launch; ship must hold steady
• Responsibilities and duties of Condition 1A
  • OOD ensures ship steadiness and appropriate seas/winds for safe ops
• Well deck prep/duties
• Well deck equipment, procedures, and safety considerations

4.27 Time

• Terrestrial time standards used in navigation
  • Mean Sun Time: solar-based time with slight daily variation
  • Zone Time (ZT): local time in a time zone; 15° per hour offset
  • Greenwich Mean Time (GMT or Zulu): master reference worldwide
• Time zone calculations
  • Zone Time ± Zone Description = GMT
  • GMT ± opposite Zone Description = Zone Time
• GMT and Zone Time examples
  • Local 101800 (-3C) → GMT 101500Z
  • GMT 101500Z (+5R) → Local 101000R
• Practical conversions for navigation operations

4.28 Towing

• Define Catenary and In Step
  • Catenary: the natural U-shaped curve of a towing line; acts as shock absorber
  • In Step: towing ships rise and fall together with waves; length of towing line adjusted to stay in step
• Equipment used for towing
  • Towing hawser; bullnose; stern chock; pad eye; chafing chain; turnbuckle; rope connector/towing thimble
• Approaches to towing a disabled vessel (environmental conditions)
  • 45-degree Backdown, Parallel, Crossing the T, Backdown
• Operations after getting underway, changing course/speed, or losing propulsion while towing
  • Getting Underway: tow ship accelerates to overcome inertia; keep tension on hawser
  • Changing Course/Speed: gradual adjustments to avoid line strain
  • Tow Ship Loses Propulsion: adjust course/speed immediately to avoid collision; ensure safe towing

4.29 Deck Seamanship and Mooring

• Marlinspike seamanship terminology
  • Rope vs Line; Turn, Bight, Round Turn; Faking, Coiling, Flemishing; Rat-tailed stopper; Mousing; Splicing
• Deck equipment and fittings
  • Chock, Bitts, Bollard, Cleat, Pad Eye, Bullnose
• Mooring lines terminology and order of mooring lines
  • Breast lines (straight out from ship to pier); Spring lines (angled along length)
  • Forward Spring (front to pier) and After Spring (rear to pier)
• Standard commands to line handlers and responses
  • Stand by your lines, Pass (Line #), Slack (Line #), Take strain on (Line #), Take in slack on (Line #), Ease (Line #), Check (Line #), Hold (Line #), Take in (Line #), Take (Line #) to power, Shift lines, Avast Heaving, Double up and secure, Single up, Cast off, Surge

4.30 Anchoring and Mooring to a Buoy

• Types of anchors used by US naval vessels
  • Standard Navy Stockless; Danforth; Commercial Stockless; Navy-Type Stock; Mushroom Cap
• Anchor and anchor chain components
  • Ring, Shank, Fluke, Crown, Shoulder
• Safety precautions during anchoring evolutions
  • Clear area, no deeper than 100 fathoms, avoid unnecessary ground tackle in emergencies, proper clothing, chain-speed control with windlass
• Environmental and geographical considerations for anchor scope
  • Scope = chain length over depth; typical ideal bottom for sandy bottom is 5–7× depth; longer scope for mud; consider winds and currents
• Buoy mooring terms
  • Mooring buoy = a pre-installed anchor system; a secure “parking spot” for ships
• Mooring to a buoy—Dip Rope vs. Trolley methods
  • Dip Rope: buoy wire attached; dip rope passes through mooring shackle; ship heaves in messenger; chain walked to buoy
  • Trolley: ship 10 yards from buoy; anchor chain hung over side; buoy wire attached; chain slides down the wire via trolleys
• Comparing mooring to buoy vs anchoring
  • Mooring to buoy: advantageous in crowded areas; less swing; complex to set up; requires small boat and careful maneuvering
  • Anchoring: simpler; one anchor; ship will swing in a circle; depends on seabed quality

4.31 Celnav

• Celestial navigation fundamentals
  • Celestial navigation uses sun, moon, stars, planets, measured with sextant; compare observed altitude to predicted for position
  • Time is essential for predicting celestial positions
  • Terrestrial sphere vs celestial sphere concepts
• STELLA and celestial navigation
  • STELLA: electronic almanac/calculator for celestial navigation; predicts sunrise/sunset times; computes celestial positions; makes navigation planning easier
• Definitions per Bowditch
  • Sunrise, Sunset, Civil Twilight, Nautical Twilight
  • Moonrise, Moonset; moon phases; meridian transit (LAN)
• Montages of practical celestial navigation

4.32 Pollution Control and Marine Mammal Protection

• Hazardous Materials; Hazardous Waste; Oily Waste; Waste Oil definitions
• Legislation for pollution control
  • MARPOL; APPS; CWA
• Discharge limitations
  • Black Water and Gray Water; within 3 NM of coast gray water may be discharged; black water must be treated; plastics prohibited; solid waste rules beyond certain distances
• Oil spill procedures
  • Inside Contiguous Waters: notify NOSC and NRC; mitigate spill; naval message; follow plan
  • Outside Contiguous Waters: mitigate; notify NOSC; implement spill response plan
  • Inport: stop discharges; call Response Team; contact environmental agencies; log and report
• Hazardous Material control and management (HMC&M)
  • Proper stowage, MSDS maintenance, labeling, residue collection and return; annual training; report spills
• PMAP and marine mammal protection
  • PMAP: protective zones and measures for environmental areas; used for events like GUNNEX, MISSILEX, anchoring, active sonar
• Lookouts as mammals protection
• Whale strike and marine mammal reporting requirements: OPREP-3 Navy Blue with details
• SPORTS (Sonar Positional Reporting System)
  • Navy database for mandatory collection/archiving of sonar usage near marine mammals

4.33 NAVDORM and NAVBRIEF

• NAVDORM purpose
  • A rulebook to standardize navigation team safety and organization across fleets/commands
• NAVDORM contents
  • Six chapters: Introduction; Duties and Responsibilities; Standard Policies/Requirements; Supplemental Policies/Requirements; Amphibious Warfare Craft; Records, Logs, and Forms
  • Eleven Appendices: A: Squadron/Group Staff Navigation Assessment; B: Navigation Brief; C: Sample Checklists; D: Ship’s Position Report; E: Charts and Publications; F: Navigation Training Resources; G: Definitions; H: VMS 7.X/8.X Display Features; I: VMS 9.1/9.3/9.4/9.5 Display Features; J: Navigation Bill; K: Standard Day’s Work in Navigation
• Navigator’s brief and NAVDORM contents
  • The navigator’s briefing includes timeline, weather, special considerations
  • Timeline: explicit schedule of events (e.g., “0800 passing lighthouse; 0830 turning channel”)
  • Weather: current and forecast; wind, seas, visibility
  • Special considerations: hazards, traffic, unique procedures for the evolution
• Conning Officer’s role in NAVDORM brief
  • The Conner provides track and maneuvering intentions; describes execution plan

4.34 Rules of the Road

• The five parts of the Rules of the Road
  • Part A/Subpart A – General (Rules 1-3): Application, Responsibilities, Definitions
  • Part B/Subpart B – Steering and Sailing Rules
  • Section 1: Conduct of vessels in any visibility (Rules 4–10)
  • Section 2: In sight of one another (Rules 11–18)
  • Section 3: Restricted visibility (Rule 19)
  • Part C/Subpart C – Lights and Shapes (Rules 20–31)
  • Part D/Subpart D – Sound and Light Signals (Rules 32–37)
  • Part E/Subpart E – Exemptions (Rule 38)
• General Rules
  • Rule 1: Application – applies to all vessels on the sea and connected waters
  • Rule 2: Responsibility – obligation to comply; no exoneration for negligence
  • Rule 3: General Definitions – vessel, power-driven vessel, underway, vessel not under command, vessel restricted in ability to maneuver
• Steering and Sailing Rules (selected examples)
  • Lookout (Rule 5): Maintain a proper lookout using all available means
  • Safe Speed (Rule 6): Safe speed appropriate to conditions; must be able to stop to avoid collision
  • Risk of Collision (Rule 7): Assess if another vessel is on a collision course via bearing changes
  • Head-on (Rule 14): When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, both turn to starboard
  • Crossing (Rule 15): Vessel on the other vessel’s starboard side has right of way; Give-way vessel must alter course/ speed
  • Give-way and Stand-on (Rules 16 & 17): Determine which vessel duties apply; give-way vessel must take early action; stand-on should maintain course unless situation demands otherwise
• Lights and Shapes (Part C)
  • Rules specify lights/shapes to indicate vessel type, status, and maneuvering intent; applied sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility

4.39–4.70 (Notes on missing pages)

• The content on pages 68–70 is not provided. All major topics above are included from the transcript. If additional sections (e.g., 4.39, 4.40) are provided, they can be added to extend these notes.

Formulas and LaTeX references used in notes

• Basic kinematics and navigation
  • Speed = Distance / Time
  • v = \frac{d}{t}
  • Time = Distance / Speed
  • t = \frac{d}{v}
  • Distance = Speed × Time
  • D = v \times t
• ETA and SOA
  • \text{ETA} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Speed}}
  • \text{SOA} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}
• D/T (Turn planning metric)
  • D/T = \text{Advance} + \frac{\text{Transfer}}{\tan(\Delta\theta)}
• Decimal degrees conversion
  • \text{Decimal} = \text{Degrees} + \frac{\text{Minutes}}{60} + \frac{\text{Seconds}}{3600}
• Chart scale example
  • 1:40{,}000
• Grid/angle relationships
  • True Bearing, Magnetic Bearing, Variation, Deviation relationships can be summarized as:
  • TB = T
  • MB = TB - V
  • M = TB - V
  • T = M + V
  • TA (Target Angle) example: TA = 135° − 090° = 45° (starboard)
• Radar range and speed relations
  • Speed of light in NM/s: c\approx 162{,}000\; \text{NM/s}
  • Range resolution and pulse length relationships: shorter pulses yield better resolution (e.g., 0.1 μs ≈ 48 ft; 1 μs ≈ 480 ft)

Top note: This compiles the major and minor points from the provided transcript into a single, cohesive study guide with structured headings and LaTeX-ready formulas for exam prep. If you want any section expanded with more examples or diagrams, tell me which topic you’d like to emphasize next.