1. Watchkeeping in Coastal Waters
Scenario:
0810: Pilot onboard. Master brings the ships head round to create a lee from the prevailing wind and conditions. Ship reduces speed.
0812: Pilot away.
0815: Ship is steady on track FAOP.
The Master is satisfied no danger exists and will hand over to you as OOW. What will you be checking to ensure you are happy to carry out the watch.
Confirm where the ship is going by examining the chart. Work out time to next A/C. Estimated position for end of watch.
Check radar is working properly. Operate log, confirm its reading and input.
Verify track, compass errors, course to be steered.
Note any significant changes in depth for comparison with depth recorder.
Check pilot ladder is in.
Traffic situation.
Items to be needed are available. Tea, sunglases etc.
Know where the watchman is. Who the duty engineer is.
Be aware of crew activities.
Positive reports that shell doors have been closed.
Plan and be prepared.

2. During the watch there are two important function the watchkeeper must carry out.
Safe navigation of the ship.
Collision avoidance.
Control of navigation.
Ship steers along the intended track.
External forces such as wind or current cause ship to deviate from its track.
Navigator discovers the deviation by taking a fix.
Navigator corrects the course to bring the ship on track.
Fixing should be done whenever the vessel alters course and at regular intervals thereafter.
The fix interval should be such that the vessel cannot be set off track by wind,current or tide in the period between successive fixes.
Collision avoidance
Conflict between maintaining rack and altering course to avoid a collision.
Conflict as navigation requires speed over ground and collision avoidance is based on the aspect of other vessels.
Take action to avoid collision first. Then try and resume track.
If a critical situation occurs such as having to avoid a fishing fleet there may be a risk of running aground. Call Master. Consider slowing down or stopping ship.

3. Time Management
Navigational fixing is carried out at regular intervals. Collision avoidance is irregular.
The ship is not put at undue risk if there is a variation in the fix interval. The ship is put at risk if the OOW is too busy with the navigation when there is risk of collision.
When risk of collision exist be aware of te approach speed of the vessels. Consider as well that there will be a terminal period where its too late to prevent a collision.
e.g. Combined approach speed 20 knots. A target detected at 5 miles would collide in 15 minutes. Early detection and action is essential.
Coastal water can be very busy. The busier the OOW is solving collision problems the less time they have to plan ahead.
Recognise when you have reached your limit and call the Master. Control methods the Master has is by specifying when to be called in the standing orders.

4. Ocean Watchkeeping
Out of sight of land navigational accuracy depends upon instruments monitoring them deep sea is high priority.
Out of sight of land the main threat to ships is collision from other ships. The need for a vigilant lookout is essential.
Watchkeepers should balance their time between keeping a visual lookout, monitoring the radar and referring to the chart.
Priorities when navigating out of sight of land.
Check course at each watch change and during each watch.
After each significant course alteration check the compass error.
Check gyro against magnetic compass.
GPS is primary position fixing system. Know the limitations of system. Check waypoints in GPS route.
Practice taking sights for calculating the ships position.

5. Routine and time on watch
There is normally time deep sea to carry out other bridge duties.
Task that require concentration such as calculating sights or passage planning get the lookout on the bridge.
The main purpose of the OOW is to keep an effective lookout. Other duties must not detract from this.
Never leave the bridge without a relief.
Use of television, computers, radio on the bridge should be discouraged.
Be aware of limitations of radar guard rings.
Be aware of GMDSS requirements.
Monitor changes in the weather.
Keep records up to date.

6. (SAQ 47) What do you mean by fix interval. Your ship is doing 12 knots
(SAQ 47) What do you mean by fix interval? Your ship is doing 12 knots. There is a current across the track of the ship at three knots towards a danger. The wind is blowing in the same direction adding 1 knot of drift. The ships track is parallel to a sand bank at 1 mile. What should be the fix interval?
Ans.Fixing should be at regular intervals so that if an error has occurred there will be time to correct it before the ship might run aground.
Combined speed of wind and tide is about 4 knots. Distance to sandbank is 1 mile. If the vessel stopped it would take 15 minutes to hit the sandbank. Fix at 10 minute intervals.
SAQ 76. Which should take priority – navigation or collision avoidance and why?
In coastal waters, clear of obstructions, collision avoidance must take priority as this provides the most immediate threat. It is desirable to have regular fix intervals as this makes the estimation of the next position fix easier – not essential.
SAQ 15. List the items to be checked and monitored each watch.
Answ. The helmsman or auto pilot is steering the correct course.
Compass error checked and logged.
Autopilot tested on manual each watch and logged.
Nav lights, signal lights and nav equipment checked each watch.
Ships position fixed.
Alertness of lookout.
Changes in weather.
Weather forecasts.

7. SAQ 59. How would you instruct a lookout to assist you on the bridge?
Answ. In accordance with standing orders.
When the visibility deteriorates.
When I need to e occupied on the bridge with work that needs special attention.
Whever extra assistance is required.
If there was an emergency - MOB
SAQ 81. How would you brief a lookout?
Answ.Explain what he/she may be expected to see during the watch.
Encourage them to use the radar and search for targets visually

8. Calling the Master
The Masters responsibility
The Master has the ultimate responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the ship.
The OOW has a duty to comply with orders and to keep the Master informed of progress. The OOW should ask the Master about any unusual or potentially dangerous occurences.
In an emergency the Master needs time to get to the bridge and assess the situation. Brief the Master on the situation. The OOW is still in charge until he formally takes over.
Master will define when he wants called in his standing orders. Some situations will be.
Give way vessel standing on.
The ship found to unexpectedly heading for land.
The presence of a fishing fleet.
Dense traffic situations.
Where work load has become excessive.
Making a landfall.
Reduced visibility.
Weather.

9. Action prior to entering restricted visibilty.
Pre-departure and pre-arrival checklists