BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING - ICS Bridge Procedures Guide

• THE ICS BRIDGE PROCEDURES GUIDE IS WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED AS THE PRINCIPAL INDUSTRY GUIDANCE
ON SAFE BRIDGE PROCEDURES, AND IS USED BY MASTERS, WATCHKEEPING OFFICERS, COMPANIES AND
TRAINING INSTITUTIONS WORLDWIDE. ITS CONTENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
CHAPTERS:
o 1 – BRIDGE ORGANISATION – PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON BRM AND BTM, COMPANY POLICY &
PROCEDURES, MOBILE PHONES & PDA’S, BRIDGE INTERNET AND EMAIL, EMERGENCIES.
o 2 – PASSAGE PLANNING – PASSAGE PLANNING FROM BERTH-TO-BERTH USING THE APEM MODEL
[APPRAISAL, PLANNING, EXECUTION AND MONITORING] TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL FACTORS
EXTERNAL TO THE SHIP AS WELL AS SHIPBOARD OPERATIONS AND THE CONDITION AND
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SHIP ITSELF.
o 3 – DUTIES OF THE OFFICER OF THE WATCH – COVERS EFFECTIVE WATCH HANDOVER, MANAGING THE
WATCH, PROPER LOOKOUT, BNWAS, CALLING MASTER, FAMILIARITY WITH BRIDGE EQUIPMENT &
LAYOUT, SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, MONITORING SHIPBOARD OPERATIONS, NAVIGATION, PASSAGE
MONITORING, COLREGS, PILOT ON BOARD, ANCHOR WATCH, GMDSS WATCH, LRIT, ENVIRONMENTAL
POLLUTION COMPLIANCE, CHECK OF NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT, RECORDING BRIDGE ACTIVITY,
EMERGENCIES, DANGER REPORTS, HELICOPTER OPS, SECURITY.
o 4 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BRIDGE EQUIPMENT – DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE OF BRIDGE EQUIPMENT LIKE AUTO-PILOT, GYRO, STEERING GEAR,
RADARS, GPS, VDR, ECDIS, IBS ETC. INCLUDES MAINTENANCE OF CHARTS AND PUBLICATIONS.
o 5 – PILOTAGE – PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON PREPARATION FOR, PICKING UP AND SAILING WITH PILOT
ON BOARD. MASTER/PILOT EXCHANGE, PILOTAGE PLAN, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
BRIDGE TEAM AND PILOT, MANOEUVRING AND DEEP SEA PILOTS.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 1

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING - ICS Bridge Procedures Guide
ANNEXES:
o 1 – DYNAMIC POSITIONING – GUIDANCE ON OPERATIONAL
PLANNING, NAVIGATION, SPEED & DIRECTION CONTROL AND
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE OF DP SYSTEMS.
o 2 – ECDIS CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS – HELPS DECIDE
WHETHER THE ECDIS SYSTEM SATISFIES THE REQUIREMENTS.
o 3 – CHECKLISTS
• A – PILOTAGE – MASTER PILOT EXCHANGE, PILOT CARD,
WHEELHOUSE POSTER, PILOT BOARDING
ARRANGEMENT.
• B – BRIDGE – STEERING GEAR TEST, BRIDGE MANNING
MATRIX, BRIDGE FAMILIARISATION, ECDIS
FAMILIARISATION, ECDIS SETUP, PREPARATIONS FOR
SEA, PREPARATIONS FOR ARRIVAL, PILOTAGE, PASSAGE
PLANNING, NAVIGATION IN COASTAL WATERS,
NAVIGATION IN OCEAN WATERS, ANCHORING AND
ANCHOR WATCH, RESTRICTED VISIBILITY, HEAVY
WEATHER, NAVIGATION IN ICE, CHANGE OF WATCH AT
SEA, CALLING THE MASTER, DP OPERATIONS, FALSE
DISTRESS ALERTS.
• C – EMERGENCIES – M/E FAILURE, STEERING FAILURE,
BLACKOUT, COLLISION, STRANDING/GROUNDING, MOB,
FIRE, FLOODING/HULL FAILURE, SAR, ABANDONING
SHIP.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 2
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING - General
WITH REFERENCE TO THE STCW CODE, SECTION A-VIII/2, SECTION 1:

• THE MASTER OF EVERY SHIP IS BOUND TO ENSURE THAT WATCHKEEPING ARRANGEMENTS ARE ADEQUATE
FOR MAINTAINING A SAFE NAVIGATIONAL OR CARGO WATCH. UNDER THE MASTER’S GENERAL DIRECTION;
THE OFFICERS OF THE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR NAVIGATING THE SHIP SAFELY
DURING THEIR PERIODS OF DUTY, WHEN THEY WILL BE PARTICULARLY CONCERNED WITH AVOIDING
COLLISION AND STRANDING.

• LIKEWISE, THE CHIEF ENGINEER OFFICER OF EVERY SHIP IS BOUND, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE MASTER,
TO ENSURE THAT WATCHKEEPING ARRANGEMENTS ARE ADEQUATE TO MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING
WATCH.

• THE MASTER, OFFICERS AND RATINGS SHALL ALSO BE AWARE OF THE SERIOUS EFFECTS OF OPERATIONAL
OR ACCIDENTAL POLLUTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND SHALL TAKE ALL POSSIBLE PRECAUTIONS
TO PREVENT SUCH POLLUTION, PARTICULARLY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL
AND PORT REGULATIONS.

• ALL NAVIGATING OFFICERS SHOULD THEREFORE BE QUALIFIED AND CERTIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER II, OR CHAPTER VII APPROPRIATE TO THE DUTIES RELATED TO NAVIGATIONAL OR
DECK WATCHKEEPING, WHILE ENGINEER OFFICERS BE QUALIFIED AND CERTIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER III, OR CHAPTER VII APPROPRIATE TO THE DUTIES RELATED TO ENGINEERING
WATCHKEEPING.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 3

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – The OOW
• THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH IS
THE MASTER’S REPRESENTATIVE AND IS PRIMARILY
RESPONSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR THE SAFE NAVIGATION OF
THE SHIP AND FOR COMPLYING WITH THE INTERNATIONAL
REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972,
AS AMENDED. HE MUST THEREFORE MAINTAIN A PROPER
LOOKOUT BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:
o A PROPER LOOKOUT SHALL BE MAINTAINED AT ALL
TIMES IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 5 OF THE
INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING
COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972, AS AMENDED AND SHALL
SERVE THE PURPOSE OF:
o MAINTAINING A CONTINUOUS STATE OF VIGILANCE,
BY SIGHT AND HEARING AS WELL AS BY ALL OTHER
AVAILABLE MEANS, WITH REGARD TO ANY
SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE OPERATING
ENVIRONMENT;
o FULLY APPRAISING THE SITUATION AND THE RISK OF
COLLISION, STRANDING AND OTHER DANGERS TO
NAVIGATION; AND
o DETECTING SHIPS OR AIRCRAFT IN DISTRESS,
SHIPWRECKED PERSONS, WRECKS, DEBRIS AND
OTHER HAZARDS TO SAFE NAVIGATION.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 4

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Composition of the Bridge Watch
THE COMPOSITION OF THE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH SHOULD BE ADEQUATE TO ENSURE THAT A PROPER
LOOKOUT CAN CONTINUOUSLY BE MAINTAINED TAKING INTO ACOUNT:
• VISIBILITY, WEATHER AND SEA CONDITIONS, TRAFFIC DENSITY, SEA AREA [TSS ETC].
• WORK SUCH AS DOCUMENTATION, VESSEL OPERATING REQUIREMENTS, ANTICIPATED MANOEUVRES,
RADIOCOMMUNICATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
• FITNESS FOR DUTY [WELL RESTED], KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, MASTERS’ CONFIDENCE IN THE
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF THE OOW.
• OPERATIONAL STATUS OF BRIDGE NAVIGATIONAL AND MANOEUVRING EQUIPMENT AND CONTROLS.
• BRIDGE CONFIGURATION AND SHIP SIZE, FIELD OF VISION AT THE CON ETC.
• AT NO TIME SHALL THE BRIDGE BE LEFT UNATTENDED.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 5

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – The Bridge Team
• THE BRIDGE TEAM REFERS TO ALL PERSONNEL WITH BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING OR ADVISORY DUTIES.
• DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES SHOULD BE CLEARLY ASSIGNED BY THE OOW WHO SHOULD ENSURE THAT
ALL MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGE TEAM UNDERSTAND THE DUTIES ASSIGNED TO THEM.
• THE OOW SHOULD BRIEF HIS TEAM, KEEPING THEM INFORMED OF WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THEM DURING
THEIR WATCH, GUIDING THEM ON LOOKOUT REQUIREMENT AND EMPHASIZING THE NEED TO
CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR THE SEAS FOR NAVIGATIONAL HAZARDS AS WELL AS FOR THOSE IN NEED OF
ASSISTANCE.
• THE FOLLOWING DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATES AN EXAMPLE OF A BRIDGE TEAM.

OOW
MASTER
Responsible for managing the Bridge Team
Ultimate responsibility for
and accountable to the Master for the safe
the safety of the ship
navigation of the ship.

LOOK-OUT HELMSMAN
An all round look-out by sight and Acknowledges and executes steering
hearing, reporting all sightings and/or instructions from the OOW. Advises
sound signals to the OOW. the OOW of any steering concerns.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 6

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Calling Master
THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH SHALL, WITHOUT HESITATION, CALL THE MASTER:
1. IF RESTRICTED VISIBILITY IS ENCOUNTERED OR EXPECTED.
2. IF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OR THE MOVEMENTS OF OTHER SHIPS ARE CAUSING CONCERN.
3. WHEN A DISTRESS ALERT HAS BEEN RECEIVED OR A DISTRESS SIGNAL HAS BEEN SIGHTED.
4. WHEN THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LATEST OBSERVED POSITION AND EXPECTED
POSITION OF THE SHIP.
5. IF DIFFICULTIES ARE EXPERIENCED IN MAINTAINING COURSE.
6. ON FAILURE TO SIGHT LAND, A NAVIGATION MARK OR OBTAIN SOUNDINGS BY THE EXPECTED TIME.
7. IF, UNEXPECTEDLY, LAND OR A NAVIGATION MARK IS SIGHTED OR A CHANGE IN SOUNDINGS OCCURS.
8. IF AMENDMENTS TO THE PASSAGE PLAN REQUIRE IMMEDIATE APPROVAL
9. ON BREAKDOWN OF THE ENGINES, PROPULSION MACHINERY REMOTE CONTROL, STEERING GEAR OR ANY
ESSENTIAL NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT, ALARM OR INDICATOR.
10. IF THE COMMUNICATIONS OR GMDSS EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS.
11. IN HEAVY WEATHER, IF IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF WEATHER DAMAGE.
12. IF THE SHIP MEETS ANY HAZARD TO NAVIGATION, SUCH AS ICE OR A DERELICT.
13. IF ANY VESSEL SECURITY CONCERNS ARISE [PIRATES ETC].
14. IN ANY OTHER EMERGENCY OR IF IN ANY DOUBT.
15. IN ANY CASE WHEN THE SITUATION IS BEYOND THE EXPERIENCE OF THE OOW OR IF THERE IS AS DOUBT
REGARDING THE SAFETY OF THE SHIP OR HER ABILITY TO COMPLY WITH REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS.

DERELICT – MEANS: ABANDONED, DESERTED, NEGLECTED, RUN-DOWN

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 7

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Calling Master
OTHER REASONS FOR CALLING THE MASTER:
• ON RECEIVING AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OWNERS, CHARTERERS, AGENTS ETC., THAT REQUIRES
IMMEDIATE ATTENTION [CHANGE OF DESTINATION, ETA CHANGE, DELAYED/EARLIER BERTHING ETC].
• A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN BAROMETRIC PRESSURE [4 MB PER WATCH].
• ANY ACCIDENT, INJURY TO PERSONNEL, SICKNESS ETC.
• ON ARRIVAL AT OR ON PASSING A MARKED POSITION ON THE CHART. Hey! What is
• IF UNABLE TO MAINTAIN THE CPA/TCPA AS REQUIRED BY MASTER. that ship doing
• IF UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE MASTERS’ OR COMPANYS’ REQUIREMENT. on our
foc’sle???
CaP…T A I NNN !!
Small problem SIR!!

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 8

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Calling Master
• IF THERE IS A DOUBT WHETHER TO CALL THE MASTER – CALL MASTER!!
• DO NOT WORRY ABOUT INCONVENIENCING THE MASTER, EVEN AT NIGHT.
• IT IS BETTER TO CALL THE MASTER EARLY ON, IN A SITUATION, THAN AT THE LAST MINUTE WHEN THERE IS
LITTLE OR NO TIME TO RESPOND TO A SITUATION.
• UNTIL THE MASTER RESPONDS TO THE CALL, THE OOW MUST TAKE WHATEVER ACTION IS NECESSARY TO
ENSURE THE CONTINUED SAFETY OF THE VESSEL.
• UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MUST THE OOW LEAVE THE BRIDGE UNATTENDED.
• THE MASTERS PRESENCE ON THE BRIDGE DOES NOT RELIEVE THE OOW OF HIS/HER RESPONSIBILITY AND
HE/SHE STILL REMAINS IN CHARGE OF THE WATCH UNTIL THE MASTER FORMALLY TAKES CHARGE.
• HAVING CALLED THE MASTER TO THE BRIDGE, THE OOW MUST BE IN A POSITION TO BRIEF THE MASTER
ON THE SITUATION AND ON THE ACTIONS THAT HE/SHE HAS INITIATED OR COMPLETED.
• ONCE THE MASTER TAKES THE CON, THE OOW WILL CONTINUE ON THE BRIDGE AS SUBORDINATE
WATCHKEEPER AND CONTINUE TO ASSIST THE MASTER IN HIS DUTIES UNTIL OTHERWISE ADVISED.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 9

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Duties of the OOW
• THE OOW IS THE MASTERS REPRESENTATIVE AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFE NAVIGATION OF THE SHIP
AT SEA AND AT ANCHOR, ALWAYS COMPLYING FULLY WITH THE COLREGS.
• THE MASTERS PRESENCE ON THE BRIDGE DOES NOT RELIEVE THE OOW OF HIS/HER RESPONSIBILITY AND
HE/SHE STILL REMAINS IN CHARGE OF THE WATCH UNTIL THE MASTER FORMALLY TAKES CHARGE.
• THE ENGINES ARE AT HIS DISPOSAL AND HE SHALL NOT HESITATE TO USE THEM WHEN REQUIRED.
• THE OOW SHALL ENSURE:
o COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE SMS, COMPANY POLICIES AND MASTERS’ STANDING AND
DAILY ORDERS.
o EFFECTIVE HANDOVER/TAKEOVER OF WATCH.
o PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE BRIDGE TEAM.
o THAT HE CHALLENGES THE PILOT IF IN ANY DOUBT AS TO THE PILOTS’ INTENTIONS AND BRING IT TO
THE MASTERS ATTENTION.
o HE/SHE IS FAMILIAR WITH BRIDGE PROCEDURES, BRIDGE LAYOUT AND EQUIPMENT, THE VESSELS
MANOEUVRING CHARACTERISTICS AND STOPPING DISTANCES.
o NAVIGATION AND CONTROL OF THE VESSEL INCLUDING COLLISION AVOIDANCE.
o THAT A PROPER LOOKOUT IS MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.
o THAT HE/SHE REMAINS SITUATIONALLY AWARE.
o SURVEILLANCE OF THE VESSEL AND SECURITY AWARENESS.
o PROPER EXECUTION OF THE PASSAGE PLAN.
o GMDSS WATCHKEEPING.
o COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS.
o MONITORING THE PERFORMANCE OF NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT.
o RECORDING BRIDGE ACTIVITIES.
o MANAGEMENT OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 10
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Taking over watch at sea
• GO TO THE BRIDGE 15 MINUTES EARLY TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR NIGHT VISION TO BE ESTABLISHED.
• CHECK AND SIGN MASTERS DAILY ORDERS.
• VERIFY THAT GMDSS/DECK LOG BOOKS ARE UP TO DATE.
• VERIFY VESSELS POSITION, COURSE, SPEED, ENGINE AND STEERING GEAR STATUS. COMPARE COMPASSES.
• VERIFY THE STATUS OF SOUNDING DEVICES AND CHECK UKC.
• VERIFY THE STATUS OF POSITION FIXING DEVICES LIKE GPS, LORAN-C ETC. CHECK DOP LEVEL, 2D/3D FIX.
• VERIFY THE STATUS OF THE ECDIS, BACK-UP ECDIS AND THEIR INPUT SOURCES PARTICULARLY RADAR/ARPA
AND AIS. ENSURE THAT SETTINGS AND ALARMS ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE AREA BEING TRAVERSED.
• NOTE PASSAGE PLAN PROGRESS AND LOOK AHEAD INCLUDING HAZARDS EXPECTED DURING THE WATCH.
• NOTE VESSELS CONDITION – DRAFT, UKC, TRIM, HEEL, SQUAT.
• NOTE CURRENT AND EXPECTED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND REQUIRED MINIMUM CPA/TCPA.
• RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM THE OUTGOING WATCH OF WHAT HAS GONE BY AND WHAT MAY BE
EXPECTED.
• DO NOT TAKE OVER THE WATCH WHILE A MANOEUVRE/OPERATION IS BEING CARRIED OUT.
• NOTE WEATHER REPORTS, LOCAL WEATHER CONDITIONS, NAVIGATION WARNINGS ETC.
• VERIFY THE STATUS OF ALL BRIDGE MANOEUVRING, NAVIGATION, SIGNALLING AND COMMUNICATION
EQUIPMENT.
• VERIFY THE STATUS OF WATERTIGHT DOORS, FIRE DETECTOR SYSTEMS AND OTHER ALARM SYSTEMS.
• CHECK THE COURSE AND ENGINE MOVEMENT RECORDERS.
• NOTE ANY SPECIAL WORK IN PROGRESS AND KNOW WHERE VARIOUS TEAMS ARE WORKING.
• CONFIRM THAT THE LOOKOUT/S AND HELMSMAN ARE IN POSITION, WELL RESTED AND ALERT, AND ARE
FULLY BRIEFED ON WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATCH AND THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF WHAT THEY
SHOULD DO AND REPORT.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 11

BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Taking over watch in restricted visibility
ADDITIONALLY IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY :
• CALL MASTER AND INFORM HIM OF THE
RESTRICTED VISIBILITY AS REQUIRED IN HIS
STANDING ORDERS AND SMS.
• ADVISE ENGINE ROOM TO HAVE ENGINES
READY FOR IMMEDIATE MANOEUVRING.
• BRING VESSEL TO SAFE SPEED.
• INCREASE BRIDGE MANNING LEVEL, POST
EXTRA LOOKOUTS.
• PUT VESSEL ON HAND STEERING.
• CHECK AND TURN ON NAVIGATION LIGHTS.
• START SOUND SIGNALS IN RESTRICTED
VISIBILITY [“T” MAKING WAY, “M” UNDERWAY
BUT STOPPED, “D” RESTRICTED/NUC, BELL &
GONG + “R” AT ANCHOR]
• COMMENCE RADAR/ARPA PLOTTING.
• CLOSE ALL WATERTIGHT DOORS AND HATCHES.
• MONITOR VHF CHANNEL 16.
• OBSERVE THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 19.
• CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF ANCHORING
PROVIDED DEPTHS ARE SUITABLE.
• USE AIS TO IDENTIFY NEARBY VESSELS SO THAT
THEY MAY BE POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED BY NAME,
IF REQUIRED TO BE CALLED.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 12
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Handing over watch at sea
WHEN HANDING OVER WATCH, THE OUTGOING OOW MUST SATISFY HIMSELF:
• THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE RELIEVING WATCH ARE CAPABLE OF CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES, NOT
INEBRIATED, WELL RESTED, EYES ADJUSTED TO DARKNESS WHEN HANDING OVER AT NIGHT.
• THAT THE RELIEVING OFFICER HAS READ THE MASTER’S STANDING ORDERS AND ANY OTHER SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS.
THE OUTGOING OOW MUST ENSURE HE HAS ADVISED THE RELIEF OF:
• THE ERRORS OF THE GYRO AND MAGNETIC COMPASSES.
• THE POSITION, COURSE, SPEED AND DRAFT OF THE SHIP.
• ANY TRIM/HEEL, DENSITY AND SQUAT AND THE UKC.
• NAVIGATION CONDITIONS AND HAZARDS LIKELY TO BE ENCOUNTERED DURING THE COMING WATCH.
• THE INTENDED COURSE AND ETA’S AT CRITICAL POINTS.
• PREVAILING AND PREDICTED TIDES, WEATHER AND CURRENT VISIBILITY.
• OPERATIONAL CONDITION OF ALL BRIDGE EQUIPMENT, PARTICULARLY COMPLEX EQUIPMENT LIKE ECDIS
AND ARPA.
• POSITION FIXING ACCURACY.
• ENGINE ROOM STATUS.
• WHETHER A PERIODIC CHECK OF THE NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT BEEN CARRIED OUT DURING THE WATCH,
INCLUDING TESTING OF MANUAL STEERING IF NAVIGATING BY AUTO-PILOT.
• WHETHER THE VESSEL IS FOLLOWING THE PRE-DETERMINED PLAN.
• WHETHER THE PLAN REQUIRES TO BE REVISED.
• THE SHIP SECURITY STATUS AND ANY INCIDENTS EXPERIENCED OR EXPECTED.
• ANY SPECIAL DECK OR ENGINE WORK IN PROGRESS AND THE CREWS WORK PLAN.
IF THE OOW IS IN THE PROCESS OF MANOEUVRING OR OTHER OPERATIONS, HANDOVER MUST BE DEFERRED
UNTIL THE OPERATION IS COMPLETED SAFELY.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 13
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Watchkeeping in coastal waters
IN COASTAL WATERS THE OOW MUST ENSURE THAT THE VESSEL IS AT A SAFE SPEED, THAT REQUIRED CPA/TCPA
IS MAINTAINED, THAT A QUALIFIED HELMSMAN AND ADDITIONAL LOOKOUT IS STANDBY. READ AND
UNDERSTAND MASTERS ORDERS AND ANY SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. HE MUST ALSO CHECK :
• THAT CHARTS IN USE ARE OF THE LARGEST SCALE ENC, RNC OR PAPER CHARTS AVAILABLE.
• THAT THE SHIP’S POSITION IS BEING FIXED AT REGULAR INTERVALS USING APPROPRIATE FIXING METHODS.
• THAT COURSES ARE LAID OFF WELL CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS AND ALL RELEVANT NAVIGATIONAL MARKS
ARE POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED.
• GYRO AND MAGNETIC COMPASS ERROR AT LEAST ONCE PER WATCH AND AFTER ANY LARGE ALTERATION.
• THAT THE ECHO-SOUNDER IS PROPERLY SET AND SWITCHED ON WHERE REQUIRED.
• ALL AVAILABLE NAVIGATIONAL AIDS, THEIR OPERATION AND ACCURACY.
• REGARDING DAYLIGHT / NIGHT-TIME PASSING OF DANGER POINTS.
• THE TRAFFIC LIKELY TO BE ENCOUNTERED – FLOW, TYPE, VOLUME.
• THE REQUIREMENT FOR FOLLOWING TRAFFIC SEPARATION/ROUTEING/REPORTING SCHEMES. WHERE
REPORTING IS DUE, THE NECESSARY DATA/INFORMATION SHOULD BE READILY AVAILABLE.
• THAT LOCAL/COASTAL WARNING BROADCASTS ARE MONITORED.
• WEATHER REPORTS, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS WHERE POOR VISIBILITY IS EXPECTED.
• THE SHIP’S DRAFT.
• EFFECT OF “SQUAT” ON UNDER-KEEL CLEARANCE IN SHALLOW WATER.
• TIDES & CURRENTS AND THE EFFECT OF SEA AND SWELL ON UKC.
• THAT ALL COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT ARE TESTED AND READY FOR USE AND THAT A LISTENING WATCH
IS MAINTAINED ON RELEVANT CHANNELS.
• THAT ENGINES ARE PUT ON STANDBY AND ENGINE ROOM NOTIFIED WELL IN TIME, SHOULD IT BE
NECESSARY TO MANOEUVRE THE VESSEL THROUGH TRAFFIC OR OTHER HAZARDS.
• THAT HE IS ABLE TO CALL/CONTACT MASTER QUICKLY IN CASE OF NEED.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 14
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Watchkeeping in open sea
• IN OPEN SEA, THOUGH THE RISKS ARE LESS, THE VESSEL MUST STILL BE AT A SAFE SPEED AND REQUIRED
CPA/TCPA MUST BE MAINTAINED.
• IN OPEN SEA, DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS, WHERE THE MASTER CONSIDERS IT SAFE TO DO SO, THE OOW
MAY BE THE SOLE WATCHKEEPER PROVIDED THAT ASSISTANCE CAN BE IMMEDIATELY SUMMONED TO THE
BRIDGE WHEN REQUIRED. THE OOW SHOULD:
• CARRY OUT BOTH THE DUTIES OF A LOOKOUT AND THAT OF A NAVIGATOR.
• USE THE MOST SUITABLE SCALE OF CHARTS AND PLOT POSITIONS AT REGULAR INTERVALS, APPROPRIATE TO
THE SCALE OF THE CHART IN USE.
• COMPARE COMPASSES AND CHECK THE ERROR OF THE COMPASS AT LEAST ONCE PER WATCH AND AFTER
EVERY LARGE ALTERATION.
• WHEN RUNNING ON AUTO-PILOT, CHECK HAND STEERING AT LEAST ONCE PER WATCH.
• MAKE FULL USE OF ALL NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT PARTICULARLY RADAR/ARPA, AIS, ECDIS AND GPS.
• SET THE CORRECT STATUS OF THE VESSEL ON AIS.
• USE VISUAL BEARINGS TO VERIFY THE CORRECT OPERATION OF RADAR/ARPA.
• PLOT AND TRACK ALL TARGETS OF INTEREST AND KEEP WELL CLEAR OF ALL HAZARDS. FOLLOW THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROR AT ALL TIMES.
• KEEP A SHARP LOOKOUT NOT ONLY FOR TRAFFIC BUT ALSO FOR ANY PERSON OR CRAFT IN DISTRESS OR
OTHER EMERGENCY. REPORT TO THE MASTER ANY SUCH SIGHTING.
• LOOKOUT FOR ANY DANGERS TO NAVIGATION AND REPORT SIGHTINGS OF DERELICTS, FLOATING ICE ETC.
• MONITOR THE SECURITY OF THE VESSEL.
• MONITOR WEATHER CONDITIONS AND MAKE WEATHER REPORTS AS REQUIRED.
• BE AWARE OF THE STATUS OF ENGINES AND ENGINE ROOM MANNING. KNOW THE ENGINEER ON DUTY
AND BE ABLE TO ESTABLISH CONTACT WHENEVER REQUIRED.
• BE AWARE OF ANY OTHER JOBS BEING CARRIED OUT AND THE LOCATION OF THE CREW AT WORK.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 15
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Watchkeeping at anchor
IF THE MASTER CONSIDERS IT NECESSARY, A CONTINUOUS NAVIGATIONAL WATCH SHALL BE MAINTAINED AT
ANCHOR. WHILE AT ANCHOR, THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH SHALL:
• DETERMINE AND PLOT THE SHIP’S POSITION ON THE APPROPRIATE CHART AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE.
• ADVISE PORT AUTHORITIES OF THE VESSELS ANCHOR POSITION.
• DETERMINE THE SWINGING CIRCLE AND FREQUENTLY CHECK WHETHER THE SHIP IS REMAINING SECURELY
AT ANCHOR BY TAKING BEARINGS OF FIXED NAVIGATION MARKS OR READILY IDENTIFIABLE SHORE OBJECTS.
• SET THE AIS STATUS TO “AT ANCHOR”.
• ENSURE THAT A PROPER LOOKOUT IS MAINTAINED.
• ENSURE THAT INSPECTION AND SECURITY ROUNDS OF THE SHIP ARE MADE PERIODICALLY.
• LIMIT ACCESS TO THE VESSEL TO AUTHORISED PERSONNEL ONLY.
• ENSURE THAT THE MAIN ENGINES AND OTHER MACHINERY ARE MAINTAINED IN READINESS ACCORDING
TO MASTER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
• OBSERVE METEOROLOGICAL AND TIDAL CONDITIONS AND THE STATE OF THE SEA.
• EXHIBIT ANCHOR LIGHTS AND SHAPES AND IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY, ENSURE THAT APPROPRIATE SOUND
SIGNALS ARE MADE.
• TAKE MEASURES TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT FROM POLLUTION BY THE SHIP AND COMPLY WITH
APPLICABLE POLLUTION REGULATIONS.
• NOTIFY THE MASTER :
o IF THE VESSEL DRAGS ANCHOR, IF THE SEA STATE OR VISIBILITY DETERIORATES, IF THERE IS ANY
DOUBT ABOUT THE SAFETY OR SECURITY OF THE SHIP.

WHILE AT AN UNSHELTERED ANCHORAGE, OPEN ROADSTEAD OR ANY OTHER VIRTUALLY “AT SEA” AREAS,
WATCHKEEPING ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE ADEQUATE FOR MAINTAINING A SAFE WATCH AND A DECK OFFICER
SHOULD AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN RESPONSIBILITY FOR A SAFE ANCHOR WATCH.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 16
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – The Bridge Team/Pilot relationship
• THE PILOT HAS KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION OF
LOCAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENT
PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO THE APPROACHES TO
AND ROUTES WITHIN A PORT, LOCAL TIDES, WEATHER
CONDITIONS, BERTHING ARRANGEMENTS, TUG
ASSISTANCE, SHIP HANDLING TECHNIQUES, LOCAL
REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENT,
MOVEMENT OF VESSELS WITHIN THE PORT ETC.
• HE/SHE THEREFORE, ACTS IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY,
GUIDING AND DIRECTING THE MASTER IN
NAVIGATING THE VESSEL.
• COMMAND AND CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR
THE CON REMAINS WITH THE BRIDGE TEAM.
• THE PRESENCE OF A PILOT DOES NOT RELIEVE THE
MASTER OR OOW FROM THEIR DUTIES AND
OBLIGATIONS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE SHIP.
• THE MASTER AND PILOT SHALL EXCHANGE
INFORMATION REGARDING NAVIGATIONAL
PROCEDURES, LOCAL CONDITIONS AND THE SHIPS
CHARACTERISTICS, STATUS OF NAVIGATION
EQUIPMENT AND HER LOADED CONDITION.
• THE MASTER AND OOW SHOULD COOPERATE CLOSELY
WITH THE PILOT AND MAINTAIN AN ACCURATE CHECK
OF THE SHIPS MOVEMENT AND POSITION AT ALL
TIMES.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 17
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Picking up Pilot
PICKING UP THE PILOT:
• CONTACT THE PILOT STATION, CONFIRM PILOT BOARDING TIME AND BOARDING POSITION, VHF CHANNEL
TO BE MONITORED ETC.
• ADJUST ETA TO PILOT STATION SO AS TO AVOID ANY DELAY/WAITING, ADVISE E/R OF PILOT BOARDING
TIME, HAVE ENGINES TESTED AND READY FOR MANOEUVRING, BOW/STERN THRUSTERS ON STANDBY,
BOTH STEERING MOTORS RUNNING, ANCHORS READY FOR LETTING GO AND BE ON HAND STEERING.
• CONFIRM THE APPROACH COURSE, BOARDING SPEED, BOARDING SIDE AND BOARDING ARRANGEMENT
[PILOT LADDER, GANGWAY, COMBINATION LADDER ETC].
• MAKE A LEE FOR THE PILOT [IF REQUIRED].
• A NAVIGATING OFFICER MUST BE STANDBY AT THE BOARDING POINT TO RECEIVE THE PILOT AND ENSURE
HIS/HER SAFE BOARDING. THE OFFICER SHOULD :
o CARRY A FLASHLIGHT AND HAVE WALKIE TALKIE COMMUNICATION WITH THE BRIDGE.
o ENSURE THE PILOT LADDER OR OTHER BOARDING ARRANGEMENT IS SECURELY AND CORRECTLY
RIGGED AND TESTED.
o ENSURE THAT MANROPES, IF REQUIRED, ARE RIGGED AND A HEAVING LINE KEPT READY SHOULD THE
PILOT HAVE TO BRING UP ANY EQUIPMENT OR GEAR.
o MONITOR THE PILOT VESSELS’ APPROACH AND REMAIN IN CONSTANT TOUCH WITH THE BRIDGE
WHILE THE PILOT BOARDS AND THE PILOT VESSEL CLEARS THE SHIP.
o WHERE PILOT BOARDS BY HELICOPTER OR BY WINCH, ENSURE HELICOPTER OPERATIONS PROCEDURE
IS STRICTLY FOLLOWED AND THAT NO ATTEMPT IS MADE TO ASSIST THE PILOT WHILE HE/SHE IS BEING
WINCHED DOWN ON DECK BUT WAIT UNTIL THE TRAILING EARTH LINK FIRMLY TOUCHES THE DECK
AND THE PILOT DISENGAGES FROM THE WINCH.
o DIRECT THE PILOT AND ASSIST WITH TAKING HIS/HER EQUIPMENT/GEAR TO THE BRIDGE.
• RECORD ALL OPERATIONS IN THE LOG BOOK.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 18
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Navigating with Pilot on board
WORKING WITH THE PILOT:
• ONCE THE PILOT IS ON THE BRIDGE, OFFER HIM/HER A CUP OF COFFEE/TEA /SOFT DRINK/WATER/MEALS.
• HAND OVER A CORRECTLY FILLED PILOT CARD AND RECEIVE THE PILOTAGE PLAN AND OTHER LOCAL
INFORMATION SUCH AS TIDES, CURRENTS, VESSEL MOVEMENTS ETC., FROM THE PILOT.
• THE MASTER SHALL DISCUSS THE PILOTAGE PLAN WITH THE PILOT, AMEND THE PLAN AS REQUIRED AND
COMPLETE THE MASTER/PILOT EXCHANGE [MPX] CHECKLIST. THE MASTER SHOULD ADVISE HIS BRIDGE
TEAM OF THE FINAL PILOTAGE PLAN, HIGHLIGHTING ANY DEVIATIONS FROM THAT ORIGINALLY PLANNED.
• WHERE REQUIRED, PROVIDE PILOT/PORT AUTHORITIES WITH INFORMATION RELATED TO THE VESSEL,
CARGO, STORES, CREW, PASSENGERS, DANGEROUS GOODS ETC. IF REQUIRED, ALSO PROVIDE
INFORMATION REGARDING PLANNED BERTHING, CARGO OPERATIONS, BUNKERING ETC.
• ANY DEFICIENCIES, DEFECTS OR UNUSUAL SHIP-HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS THAT MAY AFFECT THE
VESSELS NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY, BERTHING ARRANGEMENT OR COMPROMISE POLLUTION PREVENTION
SHOULD BE MADE CLEAR TO THE PILOT.
• OBTAIN CLEAR INFORMATION FROM THE PILOT REGARDING BERTHING ARRANGEMENT, TUGS, MOORING
BOATS, MOORING ARRANGEMENTS ETC.
• CONSIDER CONTINGENCY PLANS, IDENTIFYING ABORT POINTS IN THE EVENT OF A MALFUNCTION OR
EMERGENCY.
• FORMALLY ESTABLISH THE WORKING LANGUAGE, REQUESTING THE PILOT FOR TRANSLATION OF ANY
COMMUNICATION MADE IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE.
• IF IN DOUBT ABOUT THE PILOTS INTENTIONS, THE OOW SHOULD NOT HESITATE TO CHALLENGE THE PILOT
AND INFORM THE MASTER OF HIS DOUBTS.
• WORK CLOSELY WITH THE PILOT, KEEP A SHARP LOOKOUT, REPORT OBSERVATIONS, MONITOR THE VESSELS
NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY, FIX THE VESSELS POSITION AND ADVISE THE PILOT OF THE SAME.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 19

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Navigating with Pilot on board
• CAREFULLY OBSERVE AND RELAY THE PILOTS INSTRUCTIONS AND ENSURE THAT THE HELMSMAN IS
STEERING AS ADVISED AND THAT ENGINE ORDERS ARE CORRECTLY ANSWERED, CONFIRMING THE ACTIONS
TO THE PILOT.
• DO NOT HESITATE TO REMIND THE PILOT OF PLANNED ALTERATIONS OF COURSE, SPEED ETC AS PER THE
PILOTAGE PLAN.
• THE OOW SHOULD AT ALL TIMES
REMEMBER THAT HE IS IN CHARGE
OF THE CON [UNLESS MASTER HAS
TAKEN THE CON] AND THAT THE
PILOT IS ONLY THERE IN AN
ADVISORY CAPACITY.
• THE PILOT IN TURN, SHOULD KEEP
THE OOW INFORMED ANY
CHANGES IN BERTHING PLAN AS
WELL AS ANY LIKELY DEVIATION
FROM THE PLANNED PILOTAGE
PASSAGE.
• EACH PARTY SHOULD RESPECT THE
OTHERS KNOWLEDGE AND
STRENGTHS.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 20

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Preparation for Sea Checklist
PASSAGE PLAN
• BERTH TO BERTH PASSAGE PLAN PREPARED AND AVAILABLE ON THE BRIDGE WITH THE ROUTE PLOTTED ON
UP TO DATE AND APPROPRIATE SCALE CHARTS (OFFICIAL PAPER OR ELECTRONIC)
• PASSAGE PLAN CHECKED AND APPROVED BY THE MASTER
• PASSAGE PLAN BRIEFED TO THE BRIDGE TEAM
• ROUTE DISPLAYED ON ECDIS AND/OR OTHER ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION AIDS, AS APPROPRIATE
• UP TO DATE CHARTS AND NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE
• LATEST NOTICES TO MARINERS (WEEK NUMBER):

EQUIPMENT CHECKS (TESTED AND READY FOR USE)

• AIS (VOYAGE DATA UPDATED AND CORRECT)
• ANCHORS, CABLES AND WINCHES
• ANCILLARY BRIDGE EQUIPMENT (E.G. BINOCULARS)
• BNWAS
• CLOCKS SYNCHRONISED WITH ENGINE ROOM
• CONTROLLABLE PITCH PROPELLER CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
• COURSE AND ENGINE MOVEMENT RECORDER/BRIDGE MOVEMENT BOOK
• DECK POWER
• ECDIS AND/OR OTHER ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION AIDS
• ECHO SOUNDER
• ELECTRONIC POSITION FIXING SYSTEMS
• EMERGENCY ENGINE STOPS
• ENGINE(S) - PROPULSION (AHEAD AND ASTERN)

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 21

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Preparation for Sea Checklist
EQUIPMENT CHECKS (TESTED AND READY FOR USE) – [CONTINUED]
• GMDSS COMMUNICATIONS AND GMDSS LOG
• GYRO/MAGNETIC COMPASS AND REPEATERS, INCLUDING REPEATER IN STEERING GEAR AREA
• INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS (BRIDGE TO ENGINE ROOM & STEERING FLAT/BRIDGE TO MOORING
STATIONS)
• LRIT
• NAVIGATION LIGHTS, SHAPES AND SOUND SIGNALS
• RADAR(S) AND ARPA
• RPM AND ROT INDICATORS
• SIGNALLING EQUIPMENT INCLUDING FLAGS, SEARCH LIGHTS AND SIGNAL LAMPS
• SPEED AND DISTANCE LOG
• STABILISERS
• STEERING GEAR
• THRUSTERS
• VDR/S-VDR

• THE ABOVE COULD BE SUMMARIZED THUS - FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT TESTED & READY FOR USE:
ALL NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATION, SIGNALLING, PROPELLING AND MANOEUVRING EQUIPMENT AND
ANCILLARIES LIKE BINOCULARS, SEXTANTS, CALCULATORS, CLOCKS ETC.

PORT AND PILOTAGE

• MASTER/PILOT INFORMATION EXCHANGE CHECKLIST COMPLETED
• PILOT CARD PREPARED
• PILOT BOARDING TIME CONFIRMED & ARRANGEMENTS READY FOR DISEMBARKATION OF THE PILOT
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 22
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Preparation for Sea Checklist
• PORT AND VTS CHANNELS MONITORED
• PORT, VTS AND PILOT ADVISED OF ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• PREPARATIONS FOR PILOTAGE COMPLETE

SECURING FOR SEA

• CARGO AND CARGO HANDLING EQUIPMENT SECURE
• CARGO/PASSENGER DETAILS AVAILABLE
• HULL OPENINGS SECURE AND WATERTIGHT
• STABILITY AND DRAUGHT INFORMATION AVAILABLE
• WATERTIGHT DOORS CLOSED

BEFORE SAILING
• ALL CREW ON BOARD
• ANCHORS CLEARED AWAY
• BRIDGE TEAM FIT FOR DUTY
• ENGINE ROOM READY
• MOORING STATIONS MANNED AND READY
• MSI [MARITIME SAFETY INFO] CHECKED AND COMMUNICATED TO BRIDGE TEAM
• PRESSURE ON FIRE MAIN
• STOWAWAY/SECURITY SEARCH COMPLETED

OTHER
• ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF VESSEL, CARGO, LOADING CONDITION,
WEATHER, PLANNED ROUTE, PASSENGERS ON BOARD, NUMBER OF CREW ETC.
2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 23
 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Checklist Prior Arrival at Port
PASSAGE PLAN
• PRE-ARRIVAL DOCUMENTATION COMPLETE AND SENT
• PASSAGE PLAN UPDATED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECEIVED SINCE DEPARTURE
• UPDATED PASSAGE PLAN CHECKED AND APPROVED BY THE MASTER
• UPDATED PASSAGE PLAN BRIEFED TO THE BRIDGE TEAM
• UPDATED PASSAGE PLAN AVAILABLE ON THE BRIDGE WITH THE ROUTE PLOTTED ON UP TO DATE AND
APPROPRIATE SCALE CHARTS (OFFICIAL PAPER OR ELECTRONIC)
• UPDATED ROUTE DISPLAYED ON ECDIS AND/OR OTHER ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION AIDS, AS APPROPRIATE
• IS CARGO/BALLAST REARRANGEMENT REQUIRED

EQUIPMENT CHECKS (TESTED AND READY FOR USE)

• CLOCKS SYNCHRONISED WITH ENGINE ROOM
• CONTROLLABLE PITCH PROPELLER CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
• DECK POWER
• ECDIS AND/OR OTHER ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION AIDS
• ECHO SOUNDER
• ELECTRONIC POSITION FIXING SYSTEMS
• EMERGENCY ENGINE STOPS
• ENGINES - PROPULSION (AHEAD AND ASTERN)
• GYRO/MAGNETIC COMPASS AND REPEATERS, INCLUDING REPEATER IN STEERING GEAR AREA
• INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS (BRIDGE TO ENGINE ROOM & STEERING FLAT/BRIDGE TO MOORING
STATIONS)
• NAVIGATION LIGHTS, SHAPES AND SOUND SIGNALS

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 24

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Checklist Prior Arrival at Port
EQUIPMENT CHECKS (TESTED AND READY FOR USE) – [CONTINUED]
• RPM & ROT INDICATORS
• SIGNALLING EQUIPMENT INCLUDING FLAGS, SEARCH LIGHTS AND SIGNAL LAMPS
• STEERING GEAR
• THRUSTERS

• THE ABOVE COULD BE SUMMARIZED THUS - FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT TESTED & READY FOR USE:
ALL NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATION, SIGNALLING, PROPELLING AND MANOEUVRING EQUIPMENT AND
ANCILLARIES LIKE BINOCULARS, CALCULATORS, CLOCKS ETC.

BEFORE ARRIVAL
• ANCHORS CLEARED AND READY FOR USE
• STABILISERS HOUSED [IF ANY]
• BRIDGE TEAM READY
• CARGO/PASSENGER DETAILS AVAILABLE
• ENGINE ROOM READY
• MANUAL STEERING ENGAGED
• WHERE AVAILABLE, MORE THAN ONE STEERING GEAR UNIT IN USE
• MOORING STATIONS MANNED AND READY
• PRESSURE ON FIRE MAIN
• STABILITY AND DRAUGHT INFORMATION VERIFIED AND AVAILABLE
• WATERTIGHT DOORS CLOSED

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 25

 BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING – Checklist Prior Arrival at Port
PORT AND PILOTAGE REQUIREMENTS
• MASTER/PILOT INFORMATION EXCHANGE CHECKLIST COMPLETED
• PILOT CARD PREPARED
• PILOT BOARDING TIME CONFIRMED & PILOT BOARDING ARRANGEMENTS READY
• PORT AND VTS CHANNELS MONITORED
• PORT, VTS AND PILOT ADVISED OF ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• PREPARATIONS FOR PILOTAGE COMPLETE

OTHER
• ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF VESSEL, CARGO, LOADING CONDITION,
BERTHING REQUIREMENT DUE TO PLACEMENT OF RAMPS, CHICKSANS ETC, PASSENGERS ON BOARD,
NUMBER OF CREW ETC.

2M/BR.WK/Wk’ing Practices/ Capt.S.F.Gomez 26