Watchkeeping

Question 1

Hours of rest? What are the requirements? (4 factors)

Answer 1

1. All watch keepers must be well rested and fit for duty before taking over the watch
2. 10 hours of rest per 24 hour period
3. No more than two rest periods, with one period of 6 hours uninterrupted rest
4. 77 hours per 7 days

Question 2

What do we do in a change of watch (at night)? (List at least 10)

Answer 2

1. Allow for sufficient time for night vision to be established
2. Read masters night orders
3. Check position on ECDIS (chart)
4. Check radars
5. Scan the horizon
6. Status of steering equipment (steering pumps i.e)
7. Check AIS
8. Status of engine controls
9. Check GMDSS equipment (go to appropriate channel if not already)
10. Make sure correct light and shapes are displayed
11. Ask for past traffic situations
12. Ask for past important radio information
13. Ask for past alarms
14. Check GPS
15. Ask for ongoing jobs on deck (if any)
16. Ask for ongoing interior movement
17. Both shall make entry in logbook
18. Tick of SMS checklist

Question 3

When shall you as an OOW not hand over the watch? (3 factors)

Answer 3

1. When the oncoming OOW isn’t fit for duty (under the influence of alcohol, drugs or fatigue)
2. When you are doing a manoeuvre
3. When you are reaching a critical point

Question 4

When should you as an OOW call the master? (List 10 at least)

Answer 4

1. If restricted visibility is encountered or expected
2. If traffic conditions, density or the movements of other ships are causing concern
3. When a distress alert has been received or a distress signal has been sighted
4. If difficulties are experienced in maintaining course
5. When there is a significant difference between the last observed position and the expected position of the ship
6. On failure to sight land, a navigation mark or obtain sounding by the expected time
7. If unexpectedly sighting land, a navigation mark or obtain soundings occur
8. If amendments to the passage plan require immediate approval
9. In any emergency
10. In concern of ships safety
11. If MARPOL requirements has been broken
12. If you spot shipwreck, ice, containers etc
13. When requested on passageplan
14. When critical navigational equipment malfunction
15. Failure to get a position fix
16. If GMDSS equipment malfunction
17. If machinery malfunction

Question 5

What would you as an OOW do when encountering restricted visibility?

Answer 5

1. Reduce to safe speed
2. Call the master
3. Call ER and have engines ready for immediate manoeuvre
4. Post additional lookouts
5. Stop any loud works on deck
6. Close W/T doors
7. Post a helmsman
8. Make sure correct lights are displayed
9. Commence plotting targets on the radar
10. Sound appropriate sound signal
11. Increase bridge manning if needed

Question 6

What should you as an OOW do as anchor watch?

Answer 6

1.Check at frequent intervals if the ship is remaining securely at anchor
2. Plot ships position
3. Monitor swinging circle
4. Ensure that rounds are conducted
5. Ensure that a proper lookout is maintained
6. Ensure the ship exhibits the correct lights
7. Ensure the readiness of engines if needed
8. Monitor vessel security
9. Track and log weather