Angus Ferguson's Seamanship Notes is a highly regarded study guide specifically designed for students preparing for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
Certificate of Competency exams. The book simplifies the extensive seamanship syllabus into a concise, flashcard-style format using bullet points and tables to make the material less daunting. Key Features and Content Structured Format:
Designed to build student confidence, the text uses structured notes and tables to highlight essential information. Target Audience:
Ideal for deck officer candidates and any seafarer looking to refresh their practical knowledge. Primary Topics Covered: Navigation & Watchkeeping:
Passage planning, charts, IALA buoyage, and bridge procedures. Rules & Regulations: Comprehensive coverage of the
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) Ship Operations:
Cargo handling, anchor work, ship handling, and use of mooring lines. Emergencies: seamanship notes angus ferguson pdf
Navigational emergency response and safety precautions for passengers. Meteorology: Weather system characteristics and instrumentation. Reference Links:
The notes include references to authoritative sources from organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
, the MCA, and the International Chamber of Shipping to encourage deeper research. Editions and Availability Second Edition (2019): This updated version is published by Witherby Publishing Group (ISBN: 978-1856098427). First Edition (2004): Originally published by Seamanship International Ltd.
While physical copies are common, digital versions are available through maritime-specific platforms like Witherby Connect
Seamanship Notes (2nd Edition) by Angus Ferguson is a comprehensive, structured study guide designed for candidates preparing for MCA Certificate of Competency exams, covering navigation, cargo handling, emergency response, and ship operations. Published by Witherby Publishing Group in 2019, the 214-page guide is available in both paperback and eBook/PDF formats, condensing essential maritime knowledge into accessible bullet points. To purchase the official eBook or physical copy, visit Witherbys. Seamanship Notes Angus Ferguson PDF & Book - Amnautical
Seamanship Notes by Angus Ferguson is a highly regarded study guide specifically designed for maritime students and deck officers preparing for their Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Certificate of Competency exams. The book, currently in its Second Edition (2019), is widely used as a concise refresher for seafarers to update their professional knowledge. Core Content and Features Angus Ferguson's Seamanship Notes is a highly regarded
The guide is structured to mirror the MCA examination syllabus, presenting complex maritime subjects in an easy-to-digest format. Key features include:
Concise Layout: Uses tables and bullet points to highlight essential information, making it ideal for quick reference.
Official References: Links topics to authoritative publications from the IMO, MCA, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and P&I Clubs.
Portable Size: Traditionally published in an A5 format, it is designed as a "pocket companion" for officers on duty. Comprehensive Topic Coverage
The book is divided into sections covering critical areas of shipboard operations:
Navigation: Passage planning, IALA buoyage, electronic chart systems (ECDIS), RADAR/ARPA, and watchkeeping principles. What it likely is: A set of concise,
Meteorology: Sources of weather info, instruments, and characteristics of weather systems.
Ship Handling: Berthing, anchoring procedures, use of tugs, and dealing with interaction/squat.
Cargo & Safety: Safe handling of cargoes, carriage of goods by sea, and emergency responses (e.g., Man Overboard, Grounding). About the Author Seamanship Notes Angus Ferguson PDF & Book - Amnautical
I couldn’t find a direct PDF download for "Seamanship Notes" by Angus Ferguson in my search. However, here are useful details and how you might locate it:
Ferguson is famous for his "Rule by Rule" breakdown. He provides simple triggers for each horn signal and light configuration. For example, his mnemonic for "Vessels Constrained by Draught" is often shared verbatim in exam halls.
A common failure mode is relying only on Ferguson. If an examiner asks "Why is the metacentric height (GM) affected by free surface?" and you only answer the Ferguson bullet point ("Reduces GM"), you may fail because you didn't explain the physics of shifting liquids. Use a textbook for the theory and Ferguson for the procedure.
Get a friend or fellow cadet. Have them open the PDF to a random page (e.g., "Lifeboat release gear"). You must explain the mechanism verbally without looking. Ferguson organizes his notes in Q&A format, so you can ask "Why do we check the painter?” and answer "To ensure it hasn’t rotted or been incorrectly rigged."
No. Angus Ferguson’s notes are a copyrighted commercial publication. They are traditionally sold as physical spiral-bound booklets or through authorized maritime training centers. The author (and his estate/publisher) relies on sales to continue updating the notes for new regulations (e.g., Polar Code, 2024 COLREGS updates).