Reeds Marine Deck 3: Deck Officers' Guide to Bridge Procedures

The essential guide to safe and effective bridge procedures for yacht officers and deck students.

This practical resource will give you the confidence to manage and work on the navigating bridge effectively, reduce errors and communicate clearly during routine and critical operations. Covering modern navigational practices, role-specific advice, bridge resource management and passage planning, it aligns with STCW-95 standards and supports both training and onboard practice. It is a vital textbook for all those studying and preparing for Flag State professional qualifications.

Fully updated to reflect technological advances, this handbook draws on years of sea time, instructing and mentoring experience into practical advice that aids all deck officer ranks to become trusted professionals. It includes forewords from Superyacht Captain Brendan O'Shannassy and Vice Admiral (Retd) Sir Martin Connell KCB CBE, and addresses real-world challenges often overlooked in classroom training, from balancing work and rest under MLC rules to preparing for audits and Flag inspections. Relevant for large yachts, cruise ships and all seagoing vessels, it is packed with photographs, templates and checklists to help you stay compliant and safe.

About the Authors

Michael Howorth is a seasoned author and sailor. He has thousands of miles of sea time and is currently a freelance journalist for a number of international magazines, including Boat International and Seaways. He is also co-author of the Sea Survival Manual and The Grab Bag Book, both published by Adlard Coles Nautical.

Frances Howorth is a seasoned author and sailor. She has thousands of miles of sea time and is currently a freelance journalist for a number of international magazines, including Boat International and Seaways. She is also co-author of the Sea Survival Manual and The Grab Bag Book, both published by Adlard Coles Nautical.

Stephen Monk had a 22-year career in the Royal Navy which saw him rise from junior aircraft mechanic to Navigator of the Fleet Flag Ship and aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal. Steve is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation, an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and has been awarded Chartered Master Mariner status. He is a Member of the ISS Education Committee and the Education and Training committee of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners. In 2009 he established Da Gama Maritime, a company providing navigation management and on-board crew training to both superyachts and commercial ships.