Dynamic Navigational Audit Checklist
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Risk: Pending
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Audit Details

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1. Pre-Audit Preparation 8 —

Confirm the audit is scoped, planned and evidence-ready before boarding.

1
Client scope confirmed.
H
2
Previous audits reviewed.
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3
Open navigation defects reviewed.
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4
Navigation procedures reviewed.
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5
Charts / weather reviewed.
H
6
Voyage risks identified.
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7
Audit schedule established.
H
8
Evidence plan prepared.
H
2. Boarding, Opening Meeting & Bridge Team 30 —

Verify bridge team organization, competency and safety culture.

1
Opening meeting conducted with Master and senior bridge officers.
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2
Audit scope and objectives explained to the Master.
H
3
Master's commitment to the audit confirmed.
H
4
Vessel trading pattern and intended voyage discussed.
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5
Master holds valid certificate appropriate for vessel and voyage.
H STCW
6
Deck officers hold valid certificates and endorsements.
H STCW
7
Pilot exemption certificates verified where applicable.
H
8
GMDSS operator certificates verified.
H STCW
9
ECDIS generic training certificates verified.
H STCW
10
Type-specific ECDIS familiarization records verified.
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11
Bridge familiarization completed for all watchkeepers.
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12
Newly joined officers received navigation equipment familiarization.
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13
Master's Standing Orders available, current and signed by all watchkeepers.
H ISM
14
Night Orders reviewed and signed when applicable.
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15
Master's navigation policy clearly understood by bridge team.
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16
Watchkeeping schedule complies with hours of rest requirements.
H STCW
17
Fatigue management reviewed with bridge personnel.
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18
Bridge manning adequate for expected navigation conditions.
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19
Additional lookout arrangements established when required.
H COLREG
20
Internal bridge communications clear and effective.
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21
Standard Marine Communication Phrases used effectively.
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22
Bridge Resource Management principles demonstrated by bridge team.
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23
Responsibilities of Master, OOW and Helmsman clearly understood.
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24
Challenge-and-response culture evident on the bridge.
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25
Team members actively cross-check navigation decisions.
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26
English language proficiency adequate for safe navigation.
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27
Bridge discipline and professional conduct maintained.
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28
Safety culture encourages questioning and reporting concerns.
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29
Auditor introduced to all bridge team members participating during the voyage.
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30
Bridge team prepared for departure and audit observations.
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3. Bridge Documentation & Publications DRAFT — needs full criteria 8 —

Confirm required charts, publications and SMS documentation are correct and up to date.

1
Navigational charts appropriate and corrected up to date.
H SOLAS V
2
Nautical publications current and corrected.
H SOLAS V
3
Notices to Mariners applied and recorded.
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4
ECDIS chart licences valid and up to date.
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5
SMS navigation procedures available on the bridge.
H ISM
6
Bridge logbook and records maintained accurately.
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7
Chart correction log complete and current.
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8
Required certificates and manuals available on the bridge.
H
4. Passage Planning 30 —

Verify a berth-to-berth passage plan is appraised, planned, approved and monitorable.

1
Passage plan prepared before departure.
H SOLAS V
2
Passage appraisal completed.
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3
Route planned berth-to-berth.
H SOLAS V
4
Charts appropriate for voyage.
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5
ECDIS route verified.
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6
Wheel-over positions identified.
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7
No-go areas identified.
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8
Under Keel Clearance calculated.
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9
Tidal calculations completed.
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10
Air draft restrictions assessed.
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11
Traffic Separation Schemes considered.
H COLREG
12
Environmental protection areas identified.
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13
Weather routing incorporated.
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14
Currents and tides evaluated.
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15
Safe speed criteria established.
H COLREG
16
Contingency anchorages identified.
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17
Emergency abort points identified.
H
18
Pilot boarding position included.
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19
Master approved passage plan.
H ISM
20
Bridge team briefed on passage plan.
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21
Cross-track limits established.
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22
Position fixing intervals defined.
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23
Parallel indexing planned where applicable.
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24
Navigation warnings incorporated.
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25
Reporting requirements identified.
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26
Security considerations included.
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27
Engine readiness requirements identified.
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28
Passage monitoring plan established.
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29
Arrival plan completed.
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30
Passage plan complies with company procedures.
H ISM
5. Departure & Pilotage 30 —

Assess Master/Pilot exchange, pre-departure readiness and pilotage monitoring.

1
Master/Pilot exchange completed using company checklist.
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2
Pilot card accurate and available.
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3
Passage plan discussed with Pilot.
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4
Roles and responsibilities clearly defined.
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5
Bridge team introductions completed.
H
6
Pilot language proficiency adequate.
H
7
Helmsman properly briefed.
H
8
Engine status confirmed before departure.
H
9
Steering gear tested prior to departure.
H SOLAS V
10
Navigation equipment operational before letting go.
H
11
Bridge manning adequate for departure.
H
12
Tugs briefed and communications established.
H
13
Mooring stations communications effective.
H
14
Departure weather assessed.
H
15
Visibility suitable for departure.
H
16
Tidal conditions verified.
H
17
UKC confirmed before sailing.
H
18
Safe speed maintained.
H COLREG
19
COLREG compliance observed.
H COLREG
20
Pilot orders acknowledged and monitored.
H
21
OOW continuously monitors vessel position.
H
22
Cross-checking between Master, Pilot and OOW evident.
H
23
ECDIS route monitored throughout pilotage.
H
24
Radar and visual observations effectively integrated.
H
25
Position fixing appropriate during departure.
H
26
Bridge Resource Management principles demonstrated.
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27
Challenge-and-response culture evident.
H
28
Any deviations from passage plan identified and managed.
H
29
Pilot disembarkation conducted safely.
H
30
Post-pilot departure watch established.
H
6. Restricted Waters & Coastal Navigation 30 —

Observe navigation practice, monitoring and human factors in constrained waters.

1
Bridge manning increased for restricted waters.
H
2
Master present on bridge as required.
H
3
Pilot actively integrated into bridge team.
H
4
Passage plan followed during restricted waters.
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5
Wheel-over positions monitored.
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6
Position fixing frequency increased.
H
7
Visual bearings used where available.
H
8
Radar parallel indexing effectively utilized.
H
9
ECDIS monitoring continuously maintained.
H
10
Cross-track error monitored.
H
11
Safe speed maintained for prevailing conditions.
H COLREG
12
UKC continuously monitored.
H
13
Tidal stream effects considered.
H
14
Current and set monitored.
H
15
Traffic density assessed continuously.
H
16
COLREG compliance demonstrated.
H COLREG
17
VHF communications professional and effective.
H
18
Lookout maintained at all times.
H COLREG
19
Bridge team cross-checks effective.
H
20
Master/Pilot/OOW challenge-response demonstrated.
H
21
Helmsman repeat-back communications effective.
H
22
Navigation alarms appropriately managed.
H
23
No-go areas respected.
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24
Contingency plans understood by bridge team.
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25
Bridge distractions minimized.
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26
Weather and visibility continuously assessed.
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27
Course alterations executed safely.
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28
Critical navigation decisions documented.
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29
Pilot disembarkation preparation completed safely.
H
30
Restricted waters transit completed without unsafe practices.
H
7. Sea Passage 30 —

Assess open-water watchkeeping, collision avoidance and navigation monitoring.

1
Bridge watch maintained in accordance with STCW requirements.
H STCW
2
OOW demonstrates situational awareness at all times.
H
3
Master called in accordance with Standing Orders.
H
4
Position fixing carried out at required intervals.
H
5
ECDIS monitored continuously.
H
6
Radar used effectively for collision avoidance.
H COLREG
7
ARPA targets correctly acquired and monitored.
H
8
AIS information used appropriately without overreliance.
H
9
Visual lookout maintained throughout the watch.
H COLREG
10
Compass errors monitored and recorded.
H
11
Course alterations executed in accordance with passage plan.
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12
Cross-track error monitored within established limits.
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13
Safe speed maintained for prevailing conditions.
H COLREG
14
COLREG compliance demonstrated.
H COLREG
15
Weather conditions continuously monitored.
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16
Navigation warnings reviewed and acted upon.
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17
Engine room communications effective.
H
18
Watch handovers conducted using company procedures.
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19
Bridge logbook completed accurately.
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20
Bell book and movement records maintained where applicable.
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21
GMDSS watch maintained.
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22
Navigation equipment alarms managed appropriately.
H
23
Fatigue management evident during watchkeeping.
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24
Bridge distractions minimized.
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25
Bridge Resource Management principles consistently applied.
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26
Challenge-and-response culture maintained.
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27
Contingency plans understood by bridge team.
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28
Any deviations from passage plan documented and assessed.
H
29
Master's Standing Orders complied with.
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30
Sea passage completed safely and in accordance with company procedures.
H
8. Arrival, Pilotage, Berthing & Mooring 30 —

Assess arrival preparation, approach monitoring and berthing execution.

1
Arrival passage reviewed before pilot boarding.
H
2
Master/Pilot exchange completed for arrival.
H
3
Pilot card available and current.
H
4
Bridge team briefed for arrival operations.
H
5
Bridge manning increased as required.
H
6
Navigation equipment operational for arrival.
H
7
Position fixing frequency increased.
H
8
Wheel-over positions monitored during approach.
H
9
Safe speed maintained throughout approach.
H COLREG
10
UKC continuously monitored during arrival.
H
11
Tidal and current effects monitored.
H
12
Traffic assessed and managed effectively.
H
13
COLREG compliance maintained.
H COLREG
14
Bridge Resource Management effectively demonstrated.
H
15
Challenge-and-response communication maintained.
H
16
VHF communications clear and professional.
H
17
Tugs briefed and effectively utilized where required.
H
18
Mooring stations prepared and communications verified.
H
19
Engine and steering responses appropriate.
H
20
Approach track monitored on ECDIS.
H
21
Radar and visual observations effectively integrated.
H
22
Parallel indexing used where appropriate.
H
23
Helmsman orders correctly acknowledged.
H
24
Bridge distractions minimized during critical maneuvers.
H
25
Berthing plan executed safely.
H
26
Mooring operation conducted in accordance with company procedures.
H
27
Final position verified after all fast.
H
28
Navigation equipment secured as appropriate after berthing.
H
29
Arrival documentation completed accurately.
H
30
Post-arrival bridge debrief conducted.
H
9. Anchoring (If Applicable) 30 —

Assess anchoring planning, execution and anchor watch.

1
Anchorage reviewed during passage planning.
H
2
Anchorage position suitable for vessel draft and swing.
H
3
Weather and sea state assessed before anchoring.
H
4
Under Keel Clearance verified at anchorage.
H
5
Tidal range and current considered.
H
6
Anchor equipment tested and ready.
H
7
Bridge team briefed for anchoring operation.
H
8
Master present during anchoring.
H
9
Communication with forecastle clear and effective.
H
10
Engine status appropriate for anchoring.
H
11
Safe approach speed maintained.
H
12
Anchor let go at planned position.
H
13
Amount of cable appropriate for conditions.
H
14
Anchor walk-back or letting-go conducted safely.
H
15
Vessel position monitored after anchoring.
H
16
Anchor holding confirmed.
H
17
Bearing and range monitoring established.
H
18
Anchor watch maintained in accordance with company procedures.
H
19
Dragging anchor alarms set and monitored.
H
20
ECDIS anchor watch functions used where appropriate.
H
21
Radar used to monitor vessel position.
H
22
Weather monitored continuously while at anchor.
H
23
Traffic around anchorage monitored.
H
24
VHF watch maintained.
H
25
Bridge Resource Management demonstrated.
H
26
Challenge-and-response communications evident.
H
27
Emergency anchor departure plan available.
H
28
Anchor heaving-up conducted safely.
H
29
Equipment inspected after anchoring operations.
H
30
Anchoring operation completed in accordance with company procedures.
H
10. Post-Arrival Debrief & Continuous Improvement 30 —

Review findings with the vessel and capture corrective actions and lessons learned.

1
Post-arrival debrief conducted with Master and bridge team.
H
2
Audit observations discussed with vessel management.
H
3
Positive navigation practices identified.
H
4
Navigation deficiencies reviewed with Master.
H
5
Immediate corrective actions agreed where appropriate.
H
6
Root causes discussed for significant findings.
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7
Bridge Resource Management performance reviewed.
H
8
Master/Pilot exchange effectiveness evaluated.
H
9
Passage planning effectiveness reviewed.
H
10
ECDIS utilization evaluated.
H
11
Radar and ARPA performance evaluated.
H
12
Bridge communications evaluated.
H
13
Challenge-and-response culture assessed.
H
14
Watchkeeping standards reviewed.
H
15
Fatigue management effectiveness discussed.
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16
Navigation equipment defects reported.
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17
Outstanding corrective actions documented.
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18
Recommendations for improvement recorded.
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19
Training needs identified.
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20
Company procedures reviewed for effectiveness.
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21
Near misses discussed.
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22
Lessons learned captured.
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23
Evidence and photographs verified.
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24
Audit records complete and signed.
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25
Confidential findings handled appropriately.
H
26
Follow-up actions assigned.
H
27
Target completion dates established.
H
28
Overall navigation risk assessed.
H
29
Master acknowledged audit findings.
H
30
Audit completed and report ready for issue.
H
11. Overall Navigational Audit Summary & Risk Assessment 30 —

Rate overall performance, summarize findings and assign a navigation risk rating.

1
Overall bridge team performance evaluated.
H
2
Compliance with SOLAS Chapter V assessed.
H SOLAS V
3
Compliance with COLREG assessed.
H COLREG
4
Compliance with STCW watchkeeping requirements assessed.
H STCW
5
Compliance with company SMS navigation procedures assessed.
H ISM
6
Passage planning process rated.
H
7
Bridge Resource Management effectiveness rated.
H
8
Master's leadership assessed.
H
9
Officer of the Watch performance assessed.
H
10
Pilot integration assessed.
H
11
ECDIS proficiency assessed.
H
12
Radar/ARPA utilization assessed.
H
13
Position fixing standards assessed.
H
14
Lookout effectiveness assessed.
H
15
Communications effectiveness assessed.
H
16
Fatigue management assessed.
H
17
Navigation equipment reliability assessed.
H
18
Risk controls found effective.
H
19
Repeat deficiencies identified.
H
20
Best practices documented.
H
21
Major strengths identified.
H
22
Opportunities for improvement identified.
H
23
Minor non-conformities summarized.
H
24
Major non-conformities summarized.
H
25
Corrective actions prioritized.
H
26
Recommended preventive actions documented.
H
27
Overall navigation risk rating assigned.
H
28
Audit objectives achieved.
H
29
Closing meeting conducted with Master.
H
30
Audit formally closed and report authorized.
H

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