OOW Scenario Questions

Question 1

When shall an OOW call the Master?

Answer 1

 If any emergency arises.
 If there is any doubt.
 If visibility decreases.
 If traffic condition causes concern.
 If heavy weather is encountered, potentially causing weather damage.
 If difficulty in maintaining course.
 On failure to sight land or unexpected sighting of the land, and if the ship’s position doesn’t seem correct.
 Failure of navigational equipment or radio equipment.
 Any hazards to navigation.
 Or any other reasons within the masters standing orders.

Question 2

What should an OOW do whilst carrying out a navigational watch at sea?

Answer 2

 Keep watch on the bridge and maintain lookout by all available means.
 Not leave the bridge unless properly relieved.
 Check the vessels position speed and heading regularly.
 Use all available navigational aids to maintain the vessel on its planned track.
 Maintain/follow the masters standing orders and company policy.
 Comply with ColReg’s.
 Full knowledge of the use and location of safety and navigational equipment.
 Use appropriate light, sound, and flag signals as necessary.
 Be aware of the vessel handling characteristics and its stopping distance.
 Ensure the autopilot or the helmsman is steering the required course.
 Check for any errors or failures.
 Check the performance of navigational equipment.
 Keep a record of ship movements and activities in the ‘Bell Book’.
 Monitor the cargo (if needed), draught, ballast, and stability condition.
 Check for weather conditions or any upcoming hazards that may be encountered (Monitor the situation ahead).
 If in any doubt or emergency situation call the Master.

Question 3

How should a watch handover be conducted at sea?

Answer 3

• The OOW must not hand over the watch if he or she believes the relieving officer is incapable of carrying out the duties, if this is the case then the master must be informed.
• If at the time of changing the watch, a manoeuvre is being made, the watch handover must not be completed until the manoeuvre has been completed.
• A change of watch checklist must be completed.
• Before taking over the watch the relieving officer should satisfy. themselves with the following:
   Their vision must be fully adjusted to the conditions.
   Standing orders and night orders.
   Position, speed, course, and draught of the ship.
   Tides, current, weather and visibility.
   Procedures to use the main engine for manoeuvring.
   Compass error.
   Any malfunctions or errors with the navigational or safety equipment.
   Traffic in the area.
   Conditions and hazards likely to be encountered.
   Upcoming critical points (I.e., reporting points).

Question 4

What shall an OOW do when encountering restricted visibility?

Answer 4

 Call the Master.
 Maintain a safe lookout and comply with ColReg’s, sound fog signals.
 Ensure the vessel is proceeding at a safe speed and engines are available for immediate manoeuvring.
 Post extra lookouts as necessary.
 Exhibit navigation lights.
 Operate and use navigation equipment to its full potential (Radar).

Question 5

What must an OOW do when keeping a watch at anchor?

Answer 5

 Determine and plot the ship’s position once the vessel is anchored.
 Check the ship position regularly using all available means (GPS, Visual fixes, Transits, Radar ranges and bearings).
 Ensure proper lookout is maintained.
 Observe weather, tides, and sea state.
 Ensure correct lights or shapes are displayed.
 If visibility decreases inform the master and initiate sound signals.
 Call the master if the anchor starts to drag or another vessel in the vicinity starts dragging anchor and is a danger to the vessel.

Question 6

What are the procedures as an OOW when the vessel is dragging anchor?

Answer 6

 Call the Master.
 Inform the Engine Room and request engines.
 Steering gear in operation.
 Muster/ call the anchor party.
 Warn vessels in the area (VHF).
 Once the Master has assessed the situation, he or she will either leave the anchorage, let out more cable, or use the second anchor or anchor in a different part of the anchorage.

Question 7

What are the procedures as an OOW when other vessels are dragging anchor?

Answer 7

 Inform the Master.
 Try to attract the vessel’s attention and warn the OOW on board.
 Try to contact the port authority.
 Make a log of the incident.
 If time permits lift anchor and move away from the vessel.
 Take any action possible to minimise the effect of collision.

Question 8

What should the handover contain of a deck watch in port?

Answer 8

 Master’s standing orders or special orders.
 Any special port requirements.
 Ships access points.
 The number of crew or personnel onboard.
 The depth of water, the draught of the vessel, and times of high and low water.
 Mooring arrangements.
 All work to be performed or being performed on the ship.
 State of loading or unloading of cargo.
 Bilges and ballast conditions.
 The state of FFE and ensure regulations are being maintained.
 Lines of communication between ship and shore.
 Procedures/ knowledge on whom to contact ashore in case of emergency (as well as contacting the Mater).
 Any dangerous goods being loaded or unloaded, ensure regulations are being followed (IMDG Code).
 Knowledge of how to raise the alarm.

Question 9

What should be monitored by the OOW?

Answer 9

 The condition of the gangway and securing it when necessary.
 The mooring/ position of the vessel.
 The draught and under-keel clearance.
 The ships trim and listing especially during cargo operations and ballasting.
 Weather and sea state.
 Water level in bilges and tanks.
 Location of personnel on board, especially if in enclosed spaces.
 Other vessels nearby.
 Record important events in the logbook.
 Carry out security rounds when routinely or when necessary.

Question 10

What is the generic deck pre-departure checks?

Answer 10

 Completion of cargo operations.
 Completion of bunkering.
 Final draughts checked and calculated, as well as the dock water density.
 Hatches and (non-essential) watertight doors closed.
 Equipment and gangway secured for sea.
 Stowaway search/ security rounds complete.
 All visitors disembarked.
 Crew checks carried out.

Question 11

What is the bridge pre-departure checklist?

Answer 11

 Passage plans complete.
 Chart/ publications prepared.
 Weather forecast checked.
 Advise the port or pilot on the ETD.
 Steering gear checked.
 Engine telegraph controls and thrusters checked.
 Compasses checked.
 Navigational lights checked.
 Signalling apparatus checked (Aldiss lamp, ships whistle).
 Electronic NAVAIDS checked.
 Communications on board and to shore checked.
 Echo sounder, course recorder and other equipment turned on and checked.
 UKC and air draught checked and meet requirements.

Question 12

What is the bridge pre-arrival checklist?

Answer 12

 Test steering gear and engines.
 Internal communications tested.
 Contact the arrival port and provide the required information.
 Cargo/ ballast rearranged to achieve specific draught/ trim if required.
 Prepare pilot ladder/ pilot exchange.
 Check tides as well as draught and under-keel clearance.
 Notify the crew and ER when needed.
 Check compasses.
 Passage plan to the birth checked.
 All equipment checked and parameters/ alarms adjusted.