Voyage planning and meteorologyLaajuus (3 cr)

Objective

Knowledge and understanding of and proficiency in:
- planning in advance the intended voyage in compliance with approved navigation methods and selecting suitable ocean routes in all circumstances
- interpreting weather charts and forecasting weather conditions (including ice) in the specified sea area
- characteristics of the various weather phenomena including tropical cyclones, currents, and tides
- characteristics of ocean currents

Content

Voyage planning:
- conducting a voyage plan using all available information and resources needed for safe ocean passages
- consideration for the special conditions during a voyage
- VTS services

Meteorology:
- weather charts and forecasts
- synoptic meteorology, weather phenomena
- tropical cyclones
- ice
- ocean currents
- tidal currents

Qualifications

Route planning and meteorology

Materials

Approved training during studies

Accomplishment methods

Students can
- use professional vocabulary and concepts in an expert way in different situations
- evaluate information sources critically
- choose appropriate models, methods, software and techniques according to the purpose and justify these choices
- apply critically the ethical principles of the professional field in different situations

In addition, competence evaluation according to STCW code table A-II/2 column 4 are used:
- the reasons for the planned route are supported by facts and statistical data obtained from relevant sources and publications
- positions, courses, distances and time calculations are correct within accepted accuracy standards for navigational equipment
- the likely weather conditions predicted for a determined period are based on all available information
- actions taken to maintain safety of navigation minimize any risk to safety of the ship