Seamanship Notes

Seamanship Notes – Second Edition is a structured and accessible guide for students preparing for their MCA Certificate of Competency exams, as well as any seafarer looking to refresh their seamanship knowledge. Covering navigation, cargo handling, emergency response and onboard operations, this book simplifies the MCA syllabus into manageable, focused topics.

Written in a concise, bullet-pointed format that supports flashcard-style study, the book also includes links to authoritative sources such as the IMO, MCA, International Chamber of Shipping and P&I Clubs. This combination of clarity and depth makes it ideal for both exam preparation and practical onboard reference.

Table of Contents

• Section 1 – Navigation: Core principles and practices of safe navigation, including passage planning, chartwork, COLREGs, electronic systems, meteorology, bridge procedures and ship handling.
• Section 2 – Cargo Handling and Stowage: Safe cargo operations, rope care, IMO handling guidelines, legal frameworks and practical tools such as the hydrometer.
• Section 3 – Response to Emergencies: Emergency procedures including SAR, fire-fighting, life-saving appliances, medical readiness and the use of emergency manuals and signals.
• Section 4 – Onboard Ship Operations: Pollution prevention, watertight integrity, heavy weather preparations, and compliance with safety and labour conventions such as ISM and MLC.

About the Author

Angus Ferguson gained his Master Mariner Certificate of Competency before moving into maritime education. In 2020, he founded Onboard Maritime – a digital training platform designed to make quality learning accessible for maritime professionals across the globe.