Navigation Assessments

Navigation Audits & Operational Assessments

Hodges Maritime Compliance provides independent Navigation Audits and Operational Navigation Assessments onboard Ocean Going, Near Coastal and Inland Towing Vessels. These assessments are designed to evaluate real-world navigational practices against regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company-specific policies, with the objective of identifying risk, gaps, and improvement opportunities before incidents occur.

Scope and Standards Applied

Navigation Audits and Assessments are conducted using a structured, evidence-based approach that incorporates:

  • U.S. Coast Guard regulations applicable to towing vessels (including Subchapter M)

  • International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS)

  • Industry best practices for towing vessel navigation and bridge resource management

  • Company TSMS requirements, policies, and standing orders

  • Practical operational experience specific to towing vessels operating on:

    • Inland waterways

    • Coastwise routes

    • Oceans routes

Electronic Charting & Voyage Planning

Where fitted, assessments include evaluation of Electronic Charting Systems configuration and use, including:

  • Chart licensing, updates, and corrections

  • Route creation and voyage planning practices

  • Safety contour, alarms, and display settings

  • Watchstander interaction with ECS during routine and high-risk operations

  • Integration of ECS use with traditional navigation methods and situational awareness

The focus is on how the system is actually used onboard, not just whether it is installed.

Assessment Methodology

Navigation Audits and Assessments may include:

  • Onboard observation of navigation and watchstanding practices

  • Review of navigation-related records and procedures

  • Interviews with masters, mates, and key personnel

  • Evaluation of bridge resource management and decision-making

  • Assessment of compliance with COLREGS and applicable company policies

  • Identification of operational risk factors and human-element issues

Company-Specific Customization

Clients receive a clear, structured report that may include:

  • Documented observations and findings

  • Identified regulatory or policy gaps

  • Risk-based recommendations for improvement

  • Best-practice alignment suggestions

  • Optional guidance for procedure updates or crew coaching

Deliverables

Each assessment is tailored using direct input from company representatives, allowing findings and recommendations to align with:

  • Company operating areas and vessel types

  • Existing TSMS structure

  • Internal navigation policies and procedures

  • Management expectations and risk tolerance

This ensures results are practical, actionable, and company-specific, rather than generic.

HMC Navigation Audits and Assessments are non-regulatory and non-certifying. They are intended to support continuous improvement, operational safety, and readiness—not to replace required external audits or surveys.

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