Duties of the Officer of the Watch (oow)

The OOW is the master’s representative and is primarily responsible at all times for safe navigation of the ship and for complying with the COLREG. As the master’s representative, the OOW is in charge of the bridge and therefore in charge of the bridge team for that, until properly relieved. In compliance with shipboard operational procedures and master’s standing orders, the OOW should ensure that bridge watch manning levels are at all times safe for the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

In order to maintain a safe navigational watch, the primary duties of the OOW will involve watchkeeping, navigation and GMDSS radio watchkeeping.

The watchkeeping duties of the OOW include maintaining a lookout and general surveillance of the ship, collision avoidance in compliance with the COLREGS, recording bridge activities and making periodic checks on the navigational equipment in use. The Watch Officer shall ensure that a good lookout is maintained at all times using means available, including but not limited to, visual, audible and electronic.

The OOW needs to maintain a high level of general awareness about the ship and its day-to-day operations. This may include maintaining a general watch over the ship’s decks to monitor, where possible, people working on deck, and cargo or cargo handling equipment. Special watchkeeping arrangements may be appropriate in waters where there is a risk of piracy or armed attack.

The Watch Officer shall once every watch check the manual steering at times when the autopilot is in use, the gyro and magnetic compass errors and the synchronization between the compass repeaters and the main gyro.

Procedures for handing over the watch and calling for support on the bridge should be in place and understood by the OOW.

The navigational duties of the OOW are based upon the need to execute the passage plan safely, and monitor the progress of the ship against that plan.

With the introduction of the Global Maritime Distress System (GMDSS) radiocommunications have now become an important element in the functions of the OOW, who will be responsible for maintaining a continuous radio watch at sea.

(from Bridge Procedures Guide)

5 Answer the questions.

1. What should the OOW insure?

2. What will the duties of the OOW involve?

3. What do the watchkeeping duties of the OOW inclide?

4. What lookout should be provided?

5. What should be done if sailing in waters where there is a risk of piracy attack?

6. What equipment should be checked by the OOW?