What is an OOW

Question 1

Primary duties

Answer 1

The primary duty of the OOW is to maintain a safe navigational watch at sea or at anchor.

This will involve:
* Effective watch handovers
* Management of the bridge team
* Maintaining a proper look-out
* Familiarity with the bridge layout and equipment
* Familiarity with and implementation of bridge procedures
* Maintaining situational awareness
* Overall monitoring and surveillance of the ship
* Execution of the passage plan
* Navigation and control of the vessel
* Collision avoidance in compliance with the COLREGS
* GMDSS watchkeeping
* Compliance with environmental requirements
* Monitoring the performance of navigational equipment
* Recording bridge activities
* Management of emergencies
* Security awareness

Question 2

The OOW and the Master

Answer 2

The OOW is the Master’s representative and is responsible for the safe navigation of the
ship, in full compliance with international regulations.
(MGN 315)
The presence of the Master on the bridge does not relieve the OOW of their responsibility for the safe navigation of the ship.
A decision by the Master to assume responsibility for the watch should be explicitly communicated to the OOW and the other members of the bridge team and fully understood by them.
The OOW should comply with the SMS requirements and the Master’s standing, daily and
night orders.

Question 3

How to maintain a proper lookout

Answer 3

The OOW should ensure that a proper look-out by sight and hearing and all other available means is
always maintained. (RULE 5)
The OOW Should:
* Make a full appraisal of the risk of collision with other vessels;
* Identify navigational hazards, e.g. wrecks, floating objects, ice and uncharted hazards;
* Determine the risk of grounding or stranding;
* Detect and respond as appropriate to any significant change in the weather, visibility or sea state;
* Identify aids to navigation, including buoys and lights;
* Respond to persons, ships or aircraft in distress;
* Identify threats to security, especially in areas with a known risk of piracy or armed
robbery.

Question 4

How to keep the look out engaged

Answer 4

Keep the look-out involved in the current navigational situation with regard to expected traffic, buoyage, weather, landfall, pilotage and any other circumstance relevant to good watch-keeping.

Question 5

When to call the Master

Answer 5

• When restricted visibility is encountered.
• When traffic movements cause concern.
• When a distress alert or signal is received or sighted.
• When difficulties in maintaining course are experienced.
• When there is a significant difference between the latest observed position and the
  expected position of the ship.
• In case of failure to sight land, identify a navigation mark or get soundings by the
  expected time.
• When there is unexpected sighting of land or a navigation mark or unexpected change
  in soundings.
• When amendments to the passage plan require immediate approval.
• When there is a breakdown of the engines, propulsion machinery remote control,
  steering gear or any essential navigational equipment, alarm or indicator.
• When communications or GMDSS radio equipment malfunctions.
• In heavy weather, if any doubt about the possibility of weather damage.
• When the ship meets hazards to navigation, e.g. ice or a derelict vessel.
• When there are concerns about the ship’s security.
• In any emergency situation.
• In any cases when the situation is beyond the experience of the OOW or if there is
  any doubt about the safety of the ship, or ability to comply with regulatory
  requirements.