Handing over watches

Question 1

What information would handover to the next watch keeper at sea?

Answer 1

• Allow sufficient time for night vision to be established if at night
• Pass masters night orders
• Ships current position, course and speed
• Passage plan progress
• Any navigational hazards coming up for watch
• Current traffic conditions
• Any MSI information
• Status of navigation and bridge equipment
• Status of communication equipment
• Status of propulsion and steering equipment
• Status of watertight doors
• Any deck work in progress

Question 2

What information would handover to the next watch keeper in port?

Answer 2

• The depth of water at berth, the ships draught and current tidal conditions
• The mooring arrangement and status
• The status of the engines
• The cargo wok in operation the nature and amount of the cargo to be loaded/unloaded and where it is to be loaded/unloaded
• Ship related activities, any stores order to be expected or work to be carried out
• The level of water in the bilges and ballast tanks
• The number of crew onboard, presence of other people onboard or any visitors
• The state of fire-fighting appliances
• All methods of communication to ship and shore
• Awareness of activities related to environmental pollution

Question 3

How would you prepare the vessel for anchor?

Answer 3

Prepare a plan to anchor which would include:

• Nature of seabed/depth
• Anchoring position
• calculate swinging circle
• Tide, current and wind
• Proximity to navigational hazards
• VTS requirements
• Latest weather information

Approaching the anchorage:

• Fix position of the ship
• Have engines on standby for immediate manoeuvre
• Prepare required shapes/lights
• Change AIS status
• Brief anchor team
• Have the anchor ready to let go

During anchor watch:

• Maintain a navigation watch
• Maintain a proper lookout
• Observe traffic and weather conditions
• Verify ship is holding on anchor position
• If the ship is dragging anchor inform the master and take appropriate action
• Notify master is visibility changes
• Exhibit correct shapes or lights until anchor is aweigh

Question 4

How would you maintain a navigational watch?

Answer 4

• By maintaining a look-out at all times
• Being in compliance with the COLREGS
• Recording bridge activities
• Making periodical checks of navigational equipment
• Monitor the ships progress against the passage plan
• Monitor all radio Communications

Question 5

How would you prepare the bridge for sea?

Answer 5

• Ensure passage plans are loaded and ready for use
• Inform all departments of departure time (E/R, hotel, passengers)
• Ensure all deck/cargo operations are completed and secured for sea passage
• On bridge prepare, pilot flag, log book, bell book and pilot card
• Ensure radar is on stand-by ready for use
• Ensure up to date weather forecasts have been checked
• Ensure gyro is on correct heading and settled + all repeaters are synchronised
• Test all bridge equipment (VHF’s, AIS, Echo sounder, course recorder, GPS, NAVTEX, Whistle
• Ensure correct day shapes/lights are engaged
• Perform steering gear test in all modes
• Test engines ahead / astern
• Establish communications with mooring teams

Question 6

How would you secure the anchor?

Answer 6

• Turn on the brake
• Secure the Devils claw and tighten bottle screw
• Secure guillotine stopper
• Seal hawse pipe cover
• Secure additional chain lashings through chain
• Clean anchor area, ready for immediate use