Principles of a Safe Navigational Watch

Question 1

Standards needed of People:

Answer 1

1. Suitably licenced
2. Fit for duty
3. Medically fit ENG1
4. Not allowed to leave the bridge unattended
5. Sufficient personnel to deal with NAV workload
6. Common working language
7. Masters representative
8. Fully familiarised

Question 2

Standards for procedures:

Answer 2

1. Keeping a safe lookout
2. Monitoring the vessel along her planned route (position fixing)
3. Safe speed (rule 6)
4. Collision avoidance (rule 7-8)
5. Maintain a listening watch on designated frequency. (Distress frequency)
6. Full 360 appraisal of what’s going on the vessel
7. Follow the company SMS, following masters standing orders/ night orders
8. Cross-check all NAV & bridge equipment & corresponding alarms
9. Compass checks
10. Vessel correct lights and shapes
11. Monitouring weather
12. Obtaining weather forecast
13. Obtaining/ processing NAV warnings
14. Conducting proper handover
15. Calling the master as required
16. Insure MARPOL & ISPS measures are being followed
17. Reporting to VTS as required

Question 3

Standards for paper work

Answer 3

1. Bridge log book
   1a. It has to contain a comprehensive narrative/ record of everything that happened during the watch
2. GMDSS log
3. Garbage record book
4. ISM checklist
5. Every time a water tight door is opened or closed

Question 4

What is hours of rest?

Answer 4

• amount of hours you should receive as rest in set over a daily and weekly period The minimum

Question 5

What is hours of work?
How many hours can you work?
How many hours do you need and length of breaks?

Answer 5

• 10 hours rest in any 24 hour period
• 77 hours rest in any 7 day period
• Hours of rest cannot be divided into more than 2 periods, one of which shall be 6 hours in length

Question 6

When would you call the master to the bridge (10 marks)

Answer 6

• Restricted visibility is encountered
• Traffic conditions or the movement of other vessels is causing concern
• On failure to sight land or a navigation mark at an expected time
• Unexpectedly sighting land or a navigation mark
• Breakdown of any essential equipment
• If heavy weather could lead to damage
• If the weather exceeds the limit stated in the Masters standing orders
• If the ship meets a hazard e.g. ice
• In any other emergency

Question 7

State the immediate actions to be taken by the Officer Of the Watch on
encountering restricted visibility. (8)

Answer 7

1. Call Master.
2. Access safe speed for prevailing conditions
3. Inform eng room, eng on stand by
4. Sound fog signal.
5. Ensure navigation lights on
6. Additional Lookout/s.
7. Consider status of steering and accessibility of helmsman
8. Operate and use radar.
9. Make a note in log book
10. Check status of W/T doors.
11. Fix position, turn echo sounder on in shallow waters
    (8 marks)