Duties of the officer of the watch

General

The officer of the watch is the master’s representative, and his primary responsibility at all times is the safety of the ship. He is responsible for ensuring that the planned passage is properly carried out during his watch. He must at all times comply with the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and Regulation 11/1 (Basic Principles to be Observed in Keeping a Navigational Watch) of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW Convention).

The officer of the watch should keep his watch on the bridge: in no circumstances should he leave the bridge until properly relieved. A fundamental responsibility of the officer of the watch is to ensure the efficiency of the navigating watch. It is therefore of particular importance that he ensures that an efficient lookout is maintained at all times. In a vessel with a separate chart room the officer of the watch may visit it, when essential, for a short period in order to carry out his navigational duties, but he should first satisfy himself that it is safe to do so and that a good lookout is being kept.

The officer of the watch continues to be responsible for the safety and navigation of the vessel despite the presence of the master on the bridge until such time as the master informs him specifically that he has assumed that responsibility.

The master should establish a recognised procedure for monitoring the actions of the officer of the watch in preference to taking over control himself, since in this way he will be able to train the officer by correcting errors and at the same time satisfy himself of the safety of the ship.

It is the duty of the officer of the watch to be aware of any work being carried out in the vicinity of the radar and radio aerials, and of sound signalling apparatus, so that the appropriate warnings can be given. The use of warning notices to hang on equipment controls when such work is in progress is recommended.

Keeping a Good Watch

The officer of the watch is responsible for the maintenance of a continuous and alert watch. This is one of the most important considerations in the avoidance of collisions, strandings and other casualties.

In order the keep an efficient watch the officer of the watch should ensure the following:

(a) an alert all-round visual and aural lookout to allow a full grasp of the current situation, including the presence of ships and landmarks in the vicinity;

(b) close observation of the movements and bearing of approaching vessels;

(с) identification of ship and shore lights;

(d) close monitoring that the course is being steered accurately and that wheel orders are correctly executed;

(e) observation of the radar and echo sounder displays;

(f) observation of changes in the weather, especially the visibility.

Main Engines

The officer of the watch should bear in mind that the engines are at his disposal for assistance in manoeuvring. He should not hesitate to use them in case of need, although timely notice of an alteration of engine movements should be given when possible. He should also be fully aware of the manoeuvring capabilities of his ship, including its stopping distance.

The officer of the watch should pay particular attention to the following when controlling main engines:

(a) Control of revolutions ahead and astern.

The officer of the watch should be familiar with the operation of the engine/propeller mechanism and aware of any limitations. He should appreciate that the type and configuration of the ship’s engines will have implications when changing speed or motion. Direct drive diesel, diesel through gearbox/clutch, turbo electric and gas turbine engines have relatively quick responses to change provided the engines are on “stand-by”. Geared turbines are not as responsive, nor is their change from ahead to astern or vice versa achieved as quickly. The delays and constraints built into engines when operating unmanned will have a substantial bearing on ship manoeuvring. The officer of the watch should therefore be familiar with the actual mechanical procedures initiated by an unforecast variation in engine speed.

(b) Condition and readiness.

The officer of the watch should know the time taken to achieve both an emergency and a routine stop in both ‘open sea’ and manoeuvring conditions.

2. Answer the following questions

1. What is the primary responsibility of the OOW at all times?

2. What is an OOW responsible for?

3. What regulations should he at all times comply with?

4. Where should the officer of the watch keep his watch?

5. What should he do to ensure the efficiency of the navigating watch?

3. Role play

You are the officer of the watch and the master is present on the bridge. Who continues to be responsible for the safety and navigation of the vessel?

Give the possible variants.

4. Summarize the steps proving that you are keeping a good watch

5. Comment on the following situation