Voyage Plan

The voyage plan, or passage plan, is the berth-to-berth route prepared before sailing covering appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring. SOLAS V/34 requires the master, before proceeding to sea, to ensure the intended voyage is planned using appropriate nautical charts and publications for the area, taking account of IMO routeing measures, sufficient sea room, known navigational hazards, weather, and environmentally sensitive areas. The detailed guidance is in IMO Assembly resolution A.893(21). The plan pairs with V/34-1, which preserves the master’s authority to depart from it for safety. Bridge teams record the plan and brief it; port state control checks that it exists and is followed.