Ghana Maritime Authority Master Mariner CoC foundations key terms

The motion of a target measured relative to own ship, useful for assessing the developing approach when the displayed reference frame is understood.

The vessel’s movement relative to the earth, distinct from its speed through the surrounding water mass when current or other effects matter.

A radar monitoring method comparing a suitable fixed target with a planned index reference to observe cross-track relationships during a passage.

An operator-selected chart-depth boundary represented using the available electronic-chart contours, requiring appropriate vessel assumptions rather than guaranteeing all nearby water is safe.

Position information whose source does not merely repeat the same underlying sensor, allowing meaningful cross-checking of an apparent electronic fix.

A prediction of how proposed own-ship changes affect tracked encounters, dependent on target-motion and system assumptions that must still be monitored.

The mass of water displaced by the floating vessel in the stated condition, corresponding to its supported total weight rather than cargo capacity alone.

An initial small-angle stability quantity formed from the relevant metacenter and center-of-gravity heights, with applicable corrections and important limits to its interpretation.

A correction representing the stability effect of liquid shifting in a slack tank, based on the actual geometry, density and vessel displacement.

The volume occupied per unit mass of a cargo, used with the actual cargo and available space when planning a loading arrangement.

The separation of incompatible dangerous goods to prevent hazardous interaction, applied with the actual code, cargo descriptions and ship arrangements.

The fraction of a compartment’s volume available for floodwater after accounting for cargo, machinery and other material occupying the space.

A speed- and waterway-dependent sinkage or trim effect from hydrodynamic pressure changes around the moving hull, relevant to dynamic under-keel clearance.

The maintained condition of the vessel’s required barriers and closures against water entry, supporting its actual flooding and stability arrangements.

A controlled activity requiring the assessed atmosphere, access, personnel and rescue arrangements; an unprotected spontaneous rescue can create additional casualties.

A transfer of responsibility based on the actual route, traffic, equipment, instructions, defects and maneuvering state rather than a signature alone.

The applicable company and ship framework of responsibilities, procedures and reporting used to support safe operation and pollution prevention.

A shore contact with access to the required management level, monitoring safety and pollution aspects and helping ensure the ship receives necessary resources.

A carriage document that can serve as a cargo receipt, evidence of contract terms and, where applicable, a transferable document of title.

A formal notice that must satisfy the actual charter’s arrival and readiness conditions; sending it does not cure an unready ship.

The contractually permitted loading or discharging time under the applicable charter terms, distinct from every hour a vessel spends near a port.

An agreed contractual compensation for exceeding allowed laytime, determined through the actual charter and relevant time-counting conditions.

A framework for sharing qualifying extraordinary common-safety sacrifices or expenditures among the interests in the maritime adventure under the governing rules.

The responsibility of the relevant state for applicable ship registration, certification and oversight, distinct from the inspection powers of a visiting port state.