Michael Howorth

The essential guide to safe and effective bridge procedures for yacht officers and deck students. Well-defined bridge procedures and strong teamwork are the foundation of safe navigation at sea, helping prevent errors and ensuring clear communication during critical operations. This comprehensive manual is a vital resource for Officer of the Watch, Chief Mate, and Master candidates, offering expert guidance on modern navigational practices, bridge resource management and passage planning. It clearly outlines the correct protocols for maintaining a safe navigational watch in line with STCW-95 standards, regardless of a yacht’s flag state. With detailed explanations of bridge organisation, equipment operation, and role-specific responsibilities, it supports both training and onboard practice. The book also aligns with the syllabi of major training bodies including the RYA, MCA, and International Yachtmaster Training. Fully revised to reflect technological advancements and evolving training standards, this edition includes practical tools such as flowcharts, checklists, and photographs to help prevent common navigational errors. It offers tailored safety advice for each bridge role and is compliant with ISM procedures and the MCA’s Large Yacht Code. Whether you're a student or a seasoned professional, this manual is an indispensable reference for maintaining safety and efficiency on the bridge of any large yacht.

This is the ultimate guide to liferaft survival for all boaters and its purpose is to ensure the survival of skipper and crew in the event of their boat sinking. In this essential safety book, expert authors, Frances and Michael Howorth, cover how to be mentally and physically prepared for a sailor’s ultimate nightmare. It includes invaluable advice on the essentials to pack into the emergency grab bag for a short or long cruise, hot or cold climate, coastal or offshore trip. Packed full of checklists and clear diagrams, there are lessons learned from disasters, flowcharts to prioritise abandon ship procedure, sections on first aid and emergency treatment. Featuring some essential content from the authors’ previous title The Grab Bag Book but completely revised and updated, the new Liferaft Survival Guide is what you need right now to stay safe at sea and covers up to date information on the way satellites and beacons work, world monitoring of distress signals and advances in medical practice. Preparation and planning are key for safe enjoyable sailing. Every boater needs to plan and prepare, and every boater should read this book. This unique survival at sea handbook helps you ensure your crew’s survival in a liferaft. Buy it, build your own grab bag and be sure to be prepared!

This is the essential manual for every yacht captain and all those aspiring to become one. It outlines the correct protocol for keeping watch to STCW-95 standards and the procedures to be followed on the bridge of every yacht irrespective of the vessel's flag state or the ensign flying at her stern. It caters specifically to the needs and requirements of large yachts and the professional crews that man them. Packed with essential information and useful checklists it covers: - Bridge organisation - Duties of an OOW - Principles of operation and maintenance of equipment including radar, chart plotters, compasses, echo sounders and AIS equipment - The watchkeeping elements of all yacht training school courses, following the syllabuses laid down by the RYA, International Yachtmaster Training and the MCA. This book is fully compliant with ISM procedures stipulated by the IMO and is written to conform to the MCA's Large Yacht Code, as well as yacht codes issued by other authorities.