Watch keeping

W hen we are sailing, we have to keep watch on the bridge. There are a few reasons for what we need to keep watch:

1. For the safety of the ship and the crew.
2. For the safety of the environment.

During the watch keeping we have to do the following:

1. Keep a good lookout. This means looking outside as well. Not only looking at the radar or ECDIS!
2. Try to sail on the designated course as indicated in the voyage plan.
3. Keep track of our own position and put positions in chart at regular intervals.
1. In harbors or on the river, every 15 minutes in chart and journal
2. On coastal voyages, every 30 minutes in chart and journal
3. At sea (open water), every hour in chart and journal
4. Every time when changing course, position in chart and journal
4. Keep good lookout for ships around you. You never know what crazy maneuver they can/will do and can cause dangerous situations.
5. Make sure the CPA to another vessel is at least 0.5nm and in open water if possible even 1nm.
6. Use all available equipment and means on the bridge.
7. If sight becomes less than 2nm, call the Captain.
8. If there is any incident, call the Captain. Incidents can be:
1. Chance of collision
2. Receiving of distress calls by VHF radio or any other means of communications
3. Danger of fire
4. Man over board
5. Shifting of cargo
6. Critical equipment on the bridge not working, needed for navigational use
7. And many more…
9. Keep track of the weather forecast, received by Navtex and / or EGC (SatC). If the weather becomes worse, call / inform the Captain.
10. Inform the ER in case of special circumstances
11. If you are in doubt, call the Captain

And the most important rule of watch keeping:

1. Follow the regulations and act on good seamanship! To summarize:
   
   Good seamanship means that you navigate in such a safe manner, that you will not have to use the regulations!!

Warning: Watch keeping is very important! When you have watch on the bridge, you also have the responsibility of the rest of the crew and the ship in your hands.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14