ASUNCION, Ray Ezrael A.

BSMT 21-B4 09/10/2021

Integrated Navigational Watchkeeping

STCW.6/Circ.1 ANNEX CHAPTER VIII

1. Why is there a need that the watchkeepers are fit for duty
-The watchkeepers are needed to be fit because the nature of their work can cause
physically and mentally exhaustion. In accordance with Section A-VIII/1, They are provided a
minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period. Also, the hours or rest can be divided into
maximum of two periods with one of which will be at least 6 hours. These requirements need to
be maintained unless in the case of an emergency or drill or in other overriding operational
conditions.
2. Why is there a need for watchkeepers to be certified before conducting his duty
- The watchkeepers are needed to be certified before conducting his duty, so that the
required duties will be fully met by the watchkeepers in relation to navigational or deck
watchkeeping.
3. What are the general principles applied in watchkeeping
The groups concerning the safety of the ship, its crew and marine environment shall
direct the attention of Companies, Masters, Chief Engineer Officers and Watchkeepers to the
principles which need to be observed to maintain the safe watch at all times.
The captain of the ship makes sure that watchkeeping orders are sufficient to maintain
the safe navigational watch. The responsibility of the officers of the watch is to navigate the
ship safely and to avoid possible collision and stranding of the ship. The captain and the chief
engineer need to communicate to maintain and secure the safeness of engineering watch.
All of crews on the ship should be also aware of the effects of operational or accidental
pollution of the marine environment and take all possible precautions to prevent damages of the
sea.

4. How the proper look out should be done

According with the rule 5 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at
Sea, a proper look-out shall be maintained at all times.
The terms for “proper lookout” are listed in the following:
1. includes the effective use of available instruments and equipment, in addition to the use
of both sight and hearing.
2. report any lights, vessels or large floating objects which he sees, and, in low visibility,
any fog signals which he hears.
3. the officer of the watch, or person in charge, must also pay attention to what is
happening on his own vessel keeping a check on the steering and seeing that
equipment required for keeping the vessel on course is functioning correctly.
5. How to properly take over the watch
If you are the officer in charge of the navigational watch and you believe that the
relieving officer can not perform the required watchkeeping duties properly and effectively, you
shall not entrust your duty to him/her. The master needs to be notified if this is the case.
One of the responsibilities of the relieving officers is to make sure that the embers of the
relieving watch can perform their duties with regards their adjustment to night vision. Their
vision should be fully adjusted to the light conditions before taking over the watch.
As they take over the watch, the reliving officers shall monitor and be satisfied with the
ship’s estimated or true position and confirm its intended track, course and speed, and UMS
controls as appropriate and shall note any dangers to navigation expected to be encountered
during their watch.
Relieving officers shall personally satisfy themselves regarding the:
1. Orders and instructions of the captain related to navigating the ship
2. position, course, speed and draught of the ship;
3. prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility and the effect of these
factors upon course and speed;
4. proper operation to use of main engines to work when the main engines are on
bridge control.
5. navigational situation, including but not limited to:
- condition of all navigational and safety equipment used for the watch
- error of gyro and magnetic compasses
- existing presence and movement of ships in sight
- potential effects of heel, trim, water density and squat on under keel clearance.

If the case of the officer in charge of the navigational watch needs to be relieved while
they are working, the relief of that officer will be suspended till the work has been completed.
6. How to perform navigational watch
To perform navigational watch, the officer in charge shall:
1. maintain your duty as a watcher on the bridge
2. Never leave in the bridge until properly relieved
3. Always maintain safe navigation of the ship, even if the master is present, until
informed specifically that the master has assumed that responsibility and this is
mutually understood; and
4. notify the master when in any doubt as to what action to take in the interest of
safety.
The officer in charge of the navigational watch shall give watchkeeping personnel all
appropriate instructions and information which will ensure the keeping of a safe watch, including
a proper look-out. Watchkeeping under different conditions and in different areas
 6.1 During Clear Weather
During clear weather, the duty of the navigational watch is to always check the compass
bearings of moving ships to detect possible risk of collision especially when large ship or a tow
because the bearing change is noticeable. The officer in charge of the navigational watch shall
also take early and positive action and subsequently check that such action is having the
desired effect.
In clear weather, the officer in charge of the navigational watch shall carry out radar
practice as much as possible
6.2 During Restricted Visibility
When restricted visibility is inevitable, the first thing that officer in charge of the
navigational watch will do is to comply with the relevant rules particular regard to the sounding
of fog signals, proceeding at a safe speed and having the engines ready for immediate
manoeuvre.
In addition, the officer in charge of the navigational watch shall:
1. notify the master
2. exhibit proper look-out
3. display navigational lights
4. operate and use of the radar.
6.3 In Hours of Darkness
The master and the officer in charge of the navigational watch when arranging look-out
duty shall have due regard to the bridge equipment and navigational aids available for use, their
limitations; procedures and safeguards implemented. The officer in charge of the navigational
watch shall positively identify all relevant navigation marks. They shall positively identify all
relevant navigation marks.
6.4 Coastal and Congested Waters
The officer in charge should use the largest scale on board available which is suited for
the area and corrected with the latest available information. Fixes shall be taken at frequent
intervals, and shall be carried out by more than one method whenever circumstances allow.
6.5 Navigation with pilot on Board
Even though a pilot will be navigating, it doesn’t mean that the master or officer in
charge will not carry their duties and responsibilities for the safety of the ship. The master and
the pilot shall communicate regarding navigation procedures, local conditions and the ship's
characteristics.
In addition, cooperation and information are needed to maintain an accurate check on
the ship's position and movement. If there is any doubt on the action or intention of the pilot, the
officer in charge need to clarify from the pilot. If doubt continues, the master should be notified
and take necessary action until the master will be there.
 6.6 Ship at Anchor
The duty to keep a proper look-out applies also when a vessel is at anchor, especially if
there is a strong tide running, or if other vessels are likely to be passing by. Crew assisting the
OOW should regularly report what they are observing. A continuous navigational watch shall be
maintained at anchor when the master requires it.
While at anchor, the officer in charge of the navigational watch shall:
1. determine and plot the ship's position on the appropriate chart as soon as
practicable;
2. 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;
3. ensure that proper look-out is maintained;
4. ensure that inspection rounds of the ship are made periodically;
5. observe meteorological and tidal conditions and the state of the sea;
6. notify the master and undertake all necessary measures if the ship drags anchor;
7. ensure that the state of readiness of the main engines and other machinery is in
accordance with the master's instructions;
8. if visibility deteriorates, notify the master;
9. ensure that the ship exhibits the appropriate lights and shapes and that appropriate
sound signals are made in accordance with all applicable regulations; and
10. take measures to protect the environment from pollution by the ship and comply with
applicable pollution regulations.

References:
https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/torontobrigantine/pages/51/attachments/original/
1436196906/03_-_STCW_Code_Section_A-VIII.pdf?1436196906