# What are the four stages of passage planning? The RYA's published passage planning guidance does not name four formal stages. It instead lists essential planning elements, which can be grouped into a four-part process: deciding the route, checking tides and dangers, planning for constraints and refuge, and briefing crew before departure. Ask most skippers about the stages of passage planning and you will often hear a tidy four-part answer. The RYA's published guidance on passage planning, however, does not set out four named stages. What it does do is list the essential elements every plan should cover, and those elements fall naturally into four working phases. So rather than quote a framework the source doesn't define, here is how the RYA's own checklist can be organised into four practical stages. References: [https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/](https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/). ## Stage 1: Set the route The RYA opens with the most basic question: where you want to go and how you will get there safely. A straight line from A to B will seldom be possible, so this stage is about establishing your intended route and noting anything that limits your options. Passage planning is described as an obligation for all seafarers under the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS V), though the RYA also stresses that a plan needn't be complicated. Your boat and your trip determine how much planning is enough. References: [https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/](https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/). ## Stage 2: Check tides, dangers and daylight Next comes the information gathering. The RYA tells you to check anticipated currents and tidal predictions and make sure they fit your plan. Up-to-date charts, current pilot books, notices to mariners, almanacs and river guides should be checked for dangers such as shoals, overfalls, weirs, overhead wires and buoyage. Daylight matters too: could delays lead to unexpected night time boating? References: [https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/](https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/). ## Stage 3: Plan for the unexpected The third phase is contingency thinking. The RYA asks you to plan for deteriorating weather, illness, injury or gear failure on board, the trip taking longer than expected, missing a tidal gate, or simply deciding not to complete the trip. Refuge is part of this: study charts and the pilot book before you leave and identify alternative destinations and places to shelter. Weather forecasting sits here as well, with regular updates if you are out for any length of time, and seagoing boats with a VHF radio can monitor Coastguard maritime safety information broadcasts while at sea. References: [https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/](https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/). ## Stage 4: Boat, crew and the shore contact The final stage is people and hardware. Consider whether your boat is up to the trip, with appropriate safety equipment and stores, and check the engine before setting off. Take account of your crew's experience and physical ability, brief them on the voyage plan and the contingencies, and make sure everyone knows where safety equipment is stowed, how to start the engine and how to send a Mayday. Then let someone onshore know your plan and what to do if they become concerned about your wellbeing. References: [https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/](https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/). ## A worked comparison | Stage | Core question | Typical evidence you'd gather | | --- | --- | --- | | Route | Where are we going and how? | Charts, pilot book, intended track and hazards | | Conditions | Will tides and weather allow it? | Tidal predictions, forecast, daylight hours | | Contingency | What if it goes wrong? | Refuge options, alternative destinations, abort plan | | People and boat | Are boat and crew ready? | Engine checks, safety equipment, crew briefing, shore contact | References: [https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/](https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/). Imagine a short crossing between two Channel Islands. Stage one fixes the destination and the approach you'd use. Stage two has you checking the day's tidal predictions and forecast against that route. Stage three asks where you could shelter if the wind builds or the trip runs long. Stage four is the engine check, the crew briefing and the message to a friend onshore with your plan. A passage planner like ReadyBoatGo can support the middle stages by comparing harbour weather, tides and departure hours, but the RYA's elements still need a skipper's judgement on top. References: [https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/](https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/), [https://readyboatgo.com/](https://readyboatgo.com/). A practical next step: before your next trip, write your plan against these four phases and confirm each one against current charts, tide tables and the official forecast on the day. References: [https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/](https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/). ## Sources - [https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/](https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/passage-planning-and-navigation/passage-planning/) — accessed 2026-10-18 - [https://readyboatgo.com/](https://readyboatgo.com/) — accessed 2026-10-18 Published 2026-10-18. ReadyBoatGo editorial; AI-assisted preparation. ## Next step - [Open readyboatgo.com](https://readyboatgo.com/) - [Explore harbour guides →](https://readyboatgo.com/harbours) - [Marine fuel prices](https://readyboatgo.com/marine-fuel-prices) - [Sources & corrections](https://readyboatgo.com/how-our-data-works)