What is an OOW

Question 1

Primary duties
“The primary duty is..”
+ (5)

Answer 1

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

This will involve:
1. __* Maintaining a proper look-out__
2. __* Execution of the passage plan__
3. __* Collision avoidance in compliance with the COLREGS__
4. __* GMDSS watchkeeping__
5. __* Compliance with environmental requirements__

Other:
* Effective watch handovers
* Management of the bridge team
* Familiarity with the bridge layout and equipment
* Familiarity with and implementation of bridge procedures
* Maintaining situational awareness
* Overall monitoring and surveillance of the ship
* Navigation and control of the vessel
* Monitoring the performance of navigational equipment
* Recording bridge activities
* Management of emergencies
* Security awareness

Question 2

The OOW and the Master
(MGN 315)

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 Master on the bridge does not relieve the OOW of their responsibility for the safe navigation of the ship unless Masters verbilises he has the con.

OOW should comply with :
-SMS requirements
-Master’s standing orders.

Question 3

How to maintain a proper lookout (“Rule 5”)
(+5)

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:
1. Make a full appraisal of the risk of collision with other vessels;
2. Identify navigational hazards, e.g. wrecks, floating objects, ice and uncharted hazards;
3. Determine risk of grounding
4. Detect and respond significant change in the weather, visibility or sea state;
5. Identify aids to navigation, including buoys and lights;

Other:
* 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
(6)

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.