Officer of the Watch Bridge Watchkeeping

Questions and Answers

From which sources would you obtain information about your OOW duties?
The STCW convention resolution on bridge watch keeping, company navigational instructions, masters standing orders, masters night orders, masters verbal orders.

What reports are expected from the engine room to the bridge prior to sailing?
The main engines are ready for maneuvering, power is available for deck machinery, control systems are tested, communications are tested, steering gear telegraph and control system to check with the bridge.
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How would you monitor the navigation of the pilot?

By familiarising yourself with the intended pilotage passage and the tracks laid down on the chart in accordance with the pilots briefing. Knowing the intended course to be steered and establishing the ship's speed and monitoring progress. Independently fix the ship's position and note the times of passing buoys. Note the distance off radar conspicuous land. Monitor the depth recorder against the chart. Observe traffic.

You are alone on the bridge with the pilot and you notice a course alteration which you do not think is correct. What you going to do?
As OOW you have a duty to query any unexpected deviation from the pilotage plan. Ask the pilot was the action was intended. If appropriate ask the pilot to check the heading of the steering position to verify any compass error. If concerned about any deviation from the plan or the safety of the ship you would call the master.
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Why must the pilot ladder be rigged so that it does not touch the water?
If the bottom of the ladder was in the water it would be caught by the movement of the sea, particularly if the ship was moving through the water. This would be dangerous and could cause the pilots to be thrown from the ladder.
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Which should take priority navigation or collision avoidance? Why?

In coastal waters, clear of obstructions, collision avoidance must take priority as this provides the most immediate threat. It is desirable to have a regular fix interval as this makes the estimation of the next fix position easier.
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What advantages does the eye have over the radar?

The eye has the following advantages; reliable, sensitive to colour, can assess heading, can identify a small targets, can see light configurations, can assess ship types, can identify conspicuous marks, can identify flashing lights, is better at discrimination, can see changing weather patterns, can see effect of sea on vessel, not affected by blind arcs if the observer moves!!

When would you instruct a look out to assist you on the bridge?
You should post a look out; in accordance with standing orders, when visibility deteriorates, when occupied what bridge work which requires special attention, whenever extra assistance is required, if there is an emergency, like man overboard.
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What preparations would you take when making a landfall in poor visibility?
Call the master in accordance with instructions. Post a look out to assist in searching for other vessels and fishing vessels in the vicinity. Have the depth recorder running and the maximum number of radars. Ensure that ENS are working correctly. Follow the policy on the closing of watertight doors.
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How can the OOW best assist the master when approaching an anchorage?
Discuss the plan. Provide bearings and distances. Control and monitor the engines. Monitor the steering. Keep a good lookout for other ships moving. Relay messages.
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What are various options are available to ship at anchor when faced with threat of collision from an oncoming ship?
Sound of the whistle, flash the Aldus, try calling on VHF. If possible use the engines and or the rudder to create a sheer. Call the Chief Officer to go forward urgently to let go the brake. Inform the master as early as possible.
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Apart from navigational safety, what else would you do on anchor watch?
Monitor communications, comply with the collision regulations for a vessel at anchor, maintain a security watch.

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If the master and yourself are using the same ARPA what should you check?
The long range from time to time. Also verify the range each time in case the master has changed it from a previous setting. Check the speed input, particularly if it is being fed in manually. Inform master of any changes made to setting on the radar.

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As the relieving OOW there is an instruction in the bridge orders you do not fully understand. What do you do?
Call the master and ask for clarification.

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The master has left instructions for alteration of course at the time of the watch changeover. Traffic in the area prevents this course alteration from taking place. What action should the relieving officer take?

The course alteration should take place at the time when it is safe in terms of the position of the ship and the traffic in the area. If the OOW is in doubt as to when he can accomplish this course alteration he should inform the Master of the circumstances.
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What would you do if third engineer phoned the bridge to say that the fitter had fallen and broken his leg?
Make a quick look out around the ship to ensure the ship was not at risk. I would then inform the Master and alert the leader of the emergency response team and the designated medical officer.

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What would you do if you observing a ship on radar on a collision course when the gyro- compass gyrofailure alarm sounded?
A gyro failure could be critical and could cause the ship to change course unpredictably. I would put the ship into hand steering and steer by magnetic compass to avoid any danger and call the master. The gyro failure could then be investigated.
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You are alone on the bridge at night with a pilot in an estuary and the ship has blacked out. What you do?
Call the master and the appropriate officer forward. Maintain steering using the emergency system. If the internal limitation system has failed i would use hand-held handradios to communicate with the fo'c'sle. Then switch on the NUC lights.
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You are the OOW of a power driven vessel. Which vessels must you keep out of the way of?
IRPCS Rule 18. A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre, a vessel engaged in fishing, a sailing vessel.

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Why is record keeping a necessary part of watch keeping?

To free the mind. To keep an accurate record of events, to establish trends, to provide evidence in the event of an incident.

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When would you sound of the general alarm?

Only in the real emergencies. When the OOW needs urgent assistance or when the vessel is in immediate danger and when other methods of calling personnel are in adequate.

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When examining the chart, prior to taking over the watch, what will you be looking for?
Note to ship's position and work out where you would expect to be at the end of the watch. Examine and the track and note that is correct the followed on from any chart changes. Verify the track and the compass courses covering your watch. Note buoys, lights or any other conspicuous navigational mark that you would expect to see in the next half hour. Note the expected tidal set. Read the master s night orders and mark on the chart when he requests a call.

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Give some examples of when you would call the master for assistance.
If you thought the ship might be put into danger from a situation you could not control for example; a give way vessel standing on, a sudden increase in traffic density, deteriorating visibility, the malfunction of any essential navigation equipment for example radar or steering gear. Reported problems with the engines. Any emergency on board. You should of course call the master in accordance with his instructions.
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What conditions must be satisfied by the OOW before taking over a bridge watch?
Read and understand and a sign that masters standing orders. Check the ship's position, course planned and the course being steered, by gyro and magnetic compass. Check the errors of the compass. Verify the ship speed and draft. Observed prevailing weather and sea conditions, visibility, sea state and tides. Understand the operational state of all navigational equipment. Be made aware of the presence and movement of all traffic in the vicinity. Informed of the conditions and hazards are likely to be encountered during the watch. Be aware of the effects of heel, trim, water density and squat on the under keel clearance. Understand the state of the internal ship's systems, engine and cargo monitoring, communications and crew availability. Ensure the required lookout and helmsman, as appropriate, are on duty alert and properly instructed.

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What action would you take in the event of a man overboard?

Immediately release the bridge wings smoke marker floats. Sound the general alarm. Try to ensure the person stays in sight by posting lookouts. Turn the vessels to facilitate recovery. Log the time and note to position of the ship in case research is needed. Marked the waypoint on the GPS receiver. Put the engines on standby. Be ready to brief the master when it comes on the bridge. Broadcast a mayday mayday mayday message. Sound three long blasts to warn other ships if they're in the vicinity.

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