Baggerbedrijf de Boer B.V. / Dutch Dredging B.V.

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Taking Over
Navigational
Watch
STANDARD OPERATING
PROCEDURE

BdB-KAM-SOP-2017-001

Version Date Description Status

1.0 01-08-2017 Final version in new lay-out Final

Status code: Drawn up by: Signature Checked by: Signature

Name: Name:
C
S. v.d. Molen H. Remmerswaal
A = Draft Date: Date:
B = Pending acceptance 01-08-2017 01-08-2017
C = Final
Contents
General ................................................................................................................................. 1
Calling the Master ................................................................................................................ 1
Standing Orders Bridge ........................................................................................................ 2

General
Every officer in charge of a navigational watch must have the proper examinations, diplomas and
certificates. Before an officer begins his first watch he must have had a familiarization with the
bridge equipment. Before commencing the first watch, the standing orders are to be reviewed
and declared understood by the officer on watch (OOW). The watch must not be transferred to the
next officer on watch when he is temporarily unable to take over the watch or is temporarily not
fit for duty.
It is not permitted to leave the bridge unattended. A lookout must be present at all times and a
continuous listening watch should be held.

Calling the Master

Never hesitate to call the master under any circumstances.

The Master must be informed whenever:

Visibility: when dropping below 2 miles, any time. Indicate traffic situation.
Manoeuvring: In any situation when the OOW is not sure what action to take or
when other vessels do not comply with the Rules of the Road.
Breakdown of equipment or navigational systems
Traffic situations which require more manpower
Any unusual situation or event

Calling the Master is not a disgrace.

It is an indication of responsible behaviour on the part of the OOW to request
assistance when required

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Standing Orders Bridge
The following orders are set out for the general guidance of watch-keeping officers. They
are not intended dictatorially as a substitute for common sense. Neither they are
intended to curtail basic initiative in any particular circumstance.

1. NEVER HESITATE TO CALL THE MASTER IF IN DOUBT.

The Officer going on watch before taking over should make himself familiar with the
charted position, plotted course and course steered, traffic in the vicinity, weather
conditions and forecast, and check displayed lights.
2. The Officer Of the Watch (OOW) should be on the bridge at all times when the vessel
is underway and must not leave the bridge until properly relieved by another officer
or the Master.
Under no circumstance the watch can be handed over to an officer who is not
completely sober and fully alert.
3. Keep sharp lookout at all times and do not rely upon the lookout-man alone.
Navigational aids like Radar or ARPA are not substitute for proper lookout.
4. Except when complying with the Anti-Collision Rules or avoiding immediate danger,
the true course plotted down must not be altered without order from the Master. The
course steered should be adjusted for set and leeway in order to make true course.
5. Notwithstanding paragraph 4, necessary steps must be taken by OOW to prevent
collision or avoid navigational danger. In such cases immediate action i.e. changing
course and/or speed as deemed by OOW should be executed. Notify the Master as
quickly as possible about the circumstances and actions taken.
6. Give a safe berth to all traffic and when it is your obligation to keep clear, make a
bold alteration of course and/or speed in ample time so that there may be no doubt
on the part of the other vessel as to what you are doing.
7. If a vessel is detected which does not comply with The Rules For Preventing Collision
call the Master and in case of imminent danger act as set forth in paragraph 5.
8. At least one radar must be kept in operation.
9. If reduction in visibility for any reason appears to be taking place, start sounding
proper signals, post a lookout and notify the Master.
10. When sailing in close proximity to the land and with a pilot, position of the ship
should be verified frequently by best means available and cross-checked with
Electronic Navigational Aids.
11. Ensure that a good course is made and watch steering closely at all times. Keep
Course Board up to date. Shift from automatic to hand steering well in advance
before incoming heavy traffic or when approaching congested waters. Changes to
steering mode can be made only by OOW or under his close supervision.
12. Compare Gyro steering repeater with the Magnetic Compass after each course
alteration and at least every hour. Weather forecast and facsimile weather chart
should be received whenever possible.
13. Navigational warnings when received should be immediately checked, plotted and
brought to the attention of the Master. All messages must be properly marked
(annotated) before storing in respective file.
14. If the vessel encounters heavy weather, or when it is expected, have rounds made to
ensure that everything is properly battened down and all watertight doors, ports and
vents are closed. All gear on deck and in the accommodation must be secured and

2
 anything, which cannot be dealt with by the watch, is to be brought to the attention
of the Chief Mate.
15. When the vessel is at anchor, the OOW should verify ships position frequently.
Should the vessel appear to be dragging her anchor, alert Duty Engineer, inform the
Master and have watchman and the boatswain on stand-by ready to operate anchor
winches.
16. Bilge pumping and garbage disposal are to be in strict accordance with MARPOL
regulations. During all oil and oily mixtures transfer operations the OOW must ensure
that all scuppers are plugged, drip containers in place and in good order, signal
hoisted or displayed and NO SMOKING warning issued. Port regulations are to be
strictly observed.
17. When the vessel is alongside, the gangway is to be properly secured with net, steps
and stanchions in place. Nobody is allowed to use the gangway before its setting-up
is finished. Proper lightning for the gangway must be arranged.
18. False entry in the Logbook should be crossed and put into brackets, new entry made
and signed by the officer. Dont ever overwrite anything.

Safety must be stressed constantly. Officers are expected to set an example to those
under their supervision. If a safety hazard is recognized, then action must be taken to
rectify it as soon as possible. Anyone committing an unsafe act must be reprimanded and
made aware of consequences.
All officers should bear in mind that efficient operation of this vessel depends on full co-
operation of all personnel in each department. Friction within or between departments
will not be tolerated.
When dealing with your subordinates, set an example through your own integrity and
ability. Be decisive, consistent and accessible at all times and think before answering any
question or giving any order.

MASTER


Please sign when Read and Understood:
1. ___________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________