Master's Standing Orders-nOTES

1.
3 Navigation policy and company procedures

Every management or shipowning company should have a safety management
policy. It should provide practical guidance concerning safe navigation and
include:
• a clear statement that safety of life and safety of the ship take precedence over
all other considerations;
• allocation of bridge watchkeeping duties and responsibilities for navigational
procedures;
• procedures for voyage planning and execution;
• chart and nautical publication correction procedures;
• procedures to ensure that all essential navigation equipment and main and
auxiliary machinery are available and fully operational;
• advice concerning emergency responses;
• ship position reporting procedures;
• accident and near miss reporting procedures;
• recording of voyage events;
• procedures for familiarization training and handover at crew changes;
• a recognized system for identifying special training needs;
• company contacts, including the designated person under the ISM Code.
1.3.1 Master's standing orders
Shipboard operational procedures manuals supported by standing instructions

based upon the company's navigation policy should form the basis of command
and control on board.
Master's standing orders should be written to reflect the master's own particular
requirements and circumstances particular to the ship, her trade and the
experience of the bridge team employed at that point in time.
Standing orders and instructions should operate without conflict within the ship's
safety management system.
Standing orders should be read by all officers before the commencement of the
voyage and signed accordingly. A copy of the orders should be available on the
bridge for reference.
1.3.1.1 Bridge order book
In addition to general standing orders, specific instructions may be needed for

special circumstances.
At night the master should write in the bridge order book what is expected of the
OOW. These orders must be signed by each OOW when going on watch.
ICS Bridge Procedures Guide
Standing Orders
Many procedures are standard, but many are not and they vary between ships
and circumstances. It cannot not be assumed that all individuals are familiar with
the standard procedures.
The master must run the ship efficiently and safely. To achieve this, he should
adopt the best arrangement for management and organization.
Good communication between the master and officers is essential to ensure that
all requirements are fully understood and the knowledge, experience and
capabilities of all concerned (and the ship and equipment) are being used to full
advantage. No excessive demand is placed on any individual at any time.
Many things can be discussed and explained verbally, but one of the most
effective way of initiating a correct procedures is by means of written instructions
such as the “standard orders”, which provided a solid statement of the procedures
which the master (or the company) requires to be followed.
Company’s Standing Orders: “Permanent” set of rules or instruction relater to

running of the ship, and conduct of personnel.
Master’s Standing Orders: “Permanent” orders drawn up by the master; to

be followed by his watchkeeping officers. Cover
general situation, navigating at sea, in coastal
waters, at anchor and in pilotage waters.
Master’s Night Orders: temporary instructions relating to a specific

occasion.
Master’s Standing Orders
General philosophy
1. Provides officers with a written statement regarding procedures the master

requires him to follow. Reduces doubt on officers’ part.
2. Makes for predictable action by all officers.
3. Calls officers’ attention to documents containing recommended procedures.
4. Removes the need for repeating verbally the same basic orders and
requirement.
5. Provides evidence to the officers and others that the Master has initiated and
expects to continue with, anorderly method of working.
6. Should be BRIEF, CLEAR & UNAMBIGUES.
Examples : - “call me if visibility reduces to three miles”,

rather than “call me if visibility deteriotates”.
7. It is probably better to draw the officers’ attention to documents such as STCW

Code Ch A-VIII part 3, than to paraphrase parts of them.
Standing orders may include notes on:-
 handing over watches;

 lookouts – bridge manning;
 navigation – method, frequency of fixes, compass errors;
 use of equipment, use of engines;
 duties of OOW, helmsmen, etc.
 change over manual/automatic steering;
 procedure in fog;
 when to call master;
 weather observation, procedure on receiving weather report;
 ventilation; access to foredeck at night in heavy weather;
 procedures with pilot on board;
 recording courses and speeds.
 drawing attention to :- collision regulations; operational guidance for officers
incharge of a navigational watch; Bridge Procedures Guide.
Night orders (in bridge notebook) may include:-
 time when special care is required;

 unusual circumstances, e.g. unreliable equipment.

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1.

3 Navigation policy and company procedures

1.3.1 Master's standing orders

Shipboard operational procedures manuals supported by standing instructions

1.3.1.1 Bridge order book

In addition to general standing orders, specific instructions may be needed for

Company’s Standing Orders: “Permanent” set of rules or instruction relater to

Master’s Standing Orders: “Permanent” orders drawn up by the master; to

Master’s Night Orders: temporary instructions relating to a specific

Master’s Standing Orders

1. Provides officers with a written statement regarding procedures the master

2. Makes for predictable action by all officers.

3. Calls officers’ attention to documents containing recommended procedures.

6. Should be BRIEF, CLEAR & UNAMBIGUES.

Examples : - “call me if visibility reduces to three miles”,

7. It is probably better to draw the officers’ attention to documents such as STCW

Standing orders may include notes on:-

 handing over watches;

Night orders (in bridge notebook) may include:-

 time when special care is required;

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