Bridge Procedures Ref: STCW 95 – Pg 140 on
Taking over the Watch (pg 144) Before taking over a watch, the oncoming OOW should undertake the following: Ensure that members of your watch are fully capable of performing their duties. Ensure that your night vision is adjusted. Read Standing/Night Orders Put a fix on the chart – satisfy yourself that you are where you think you are. Be briefed or read up on prevailing weather, tides, visibility etc.
Taking over the Watch (Cont/d) Satisfy yourself as regards all navigational equipment and its operational effectiveness. Check the gyro/compass error. Be briefed on what are other ships in the vicinity doing. Look ahead on the next chart, as to what hazards are likely to be encountered during your watch. If at the time, the OOW to be relieved is undertaking a manoeuvre or other action to avoid any hazard, the relieving OOW should not take the Watch until such action has been completed.
Periodic Checks of Equipment (pg 146) The OOW should make regular checks of the following:- The helmsman or automatic pilot is steering the correct course. The Compass Error is determined at least once a watch and when possible, after any major alteration of course. The Standard and Gyro Compasses are frequently compared and repeaters are synchroized with their master compass. The automatic pilot is tested manually at least once a watch. The navigation and signal lights are functioning properly.
Calling the Master (pg 147) The OOW should notify the Master immediately in the following circumstances: If restricted visibility is encountered or expected. If the traffic conditions or the movements of other ships are causing concern; If difficulty is experienced in maintaining course. On failure to sight land, a navigation mark or to obtain soundings by the expected time. If, unexpectedly, land or a navigation mark is sighted or a change in sounding occurs.
Calling the Master (cont/d) On the breakdown of the engines, steering gear or any essential navigational equipment. If the radio equipment malfunctions. In heavy weather if in any doubt about the possibility of weather damage. If the ship meets any hazard to navigation, such as ice or derelicts. In any other emergency or situation in which he is in any doubt. Despite the requirement to notify the master immediately in the foregoing circumstances, the officer of the watch should in addition not hesitate to take immediate action for the safety of the ship, where circumstances so require.
Actions on encountering Restricted Visibility (pg 148) Where restricted visibility is encountered or expected, the first responsibility of the officer of the watch is to comply with the relevant rules of the applicable regulations for preventing collisions at sea. This is with particular regard to the sounding of fog signals, proceeding at a safe speed and having the engines ready for immediate manoeuvres. In addition, he should:
Restricted Visibility (Cont/d) Inform the Master. Post a proper lookout and helmsman and, in congested waters, revert to hand steering immediately. Exhibit navigation lights. Commence radar plotting. Put a fix on the chart. Start sound signalling. Start the echo sounder.
Actions when Ship is at Anchor (pg 149) If the master considers it necessary, a continuous navigational watch should be maintained at anchor. In all circumstances, while at anchor, the officer of the watch should: Determine and plot the ship's position on the appropriate chart as soon as practicable: when circumstances permit, check at sufficiently frequent intervals whether the ship is remaining securely at anchor by taking bearings of fixed navigation marks or readily identifiable shore objects. Ensure that an efficient lookout is maintained. Ensure that inspection rounds of the ship are made periodically. Observe meteorological and tidal conditions and the state of the sea.
Ship is at Anchor (cont/d) Notify the master and undertake all necessary measures if the ship drags anchor. Ensure that the state of readiness of the main engines and other machinery is in accordance with the master's instructions. If visibility deteriorates, notify the master and comply with the applicable regulations for preventing collisions at sea. Ensure that the ship exhibits the appropriate lights and shapes and that appropriate sound signals are made at all times, as required. Take measures to protect the environment from pollution by the ship and comply with applicable pollution regulations.