Reeds Marine Deck 4: Superyacht Master and OOW

A practical and user-friendly handbook for candidates preparing for the MCA navigation and radar exams for Officer of the Watch and Master qualifications.

This resource provides clear interpretations of the syllabus, supported by over 100 diagrams and photographs. Expert trainer Anthony Alliel breaks down complex navigation techniques and radar interpretation into accessible steps. Topics include compass use, tides, buoyage, lights, Colregs, radar plotting, ARPA, ECDIS, voyage planning, and search and rescue. It is an essential reference for anyone pursuing a deck career in the superyacht industry or in similar-sized commercial vessels.

Part of the Reeds Marine Deck series, this fully revised and expanded edition of Superyacht Master by Robert Avis, bridges the gap between RYA Yachtmaster and professional MCA qualifications, aligning with both MCA and Maltese certification systems. The authors focus on the practical application of modern navigational tools, offering a quick-reference guide for bridge watchkeeping officers. Every superyacht should carry a copy on the bridge, and it deserves a place in the library of all deck officers.

About the Author

Robert Avis had more than 350,000 miles at sea and command experience of eleven warships and six superyachts up to 75m. He taught navigation and radar at this level both in the UK and overseas.

Anthony Alliel is Navigation Lecturer for Bluewater Palma in Spain. He started his career as both Deck and Engine OOW on cargo ships (container ships and ferries), he then worked for over 11 years as a Deck Officer on the Disney Cruise Line. He also runs his own maritime consultancy and training business.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Earth
• Compasses
• Charts and publications
• Tides and tidal streams
• Chart work
• Buoyage and lights
• International regulations for the prevention of collision at sea (IRCPS)
• Navigational aids
• The echo sounder
• Measurement of speed and distance (log)
• Radar
• Radar plotting
• Automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA)
• Electronic chart display and information systems actress (ECDIS)
• Voyage planning
• Search and rescue
• AIS
• OREI
• ANNEX A - Navigation and radar modules, syllabus for of the watch and master
• ANNEX B – Minimum Radar Requirements