Bridge Procedures

Ref: STCW 95 Pg 140 on

Taking over the Watch (pg

144)
Before taking over a watch, the oncoming

OOW should undertake the following:

Ensure that members of your watch are
fully capable of performing their duties.
Ensure that your night vision is adjusted.
Read Standing/Night Orders
Put a fix on the chart satisfy yourself
that you are where you think you are.
Be briefed or read up on prevailing
weather, tides, visibility etc.

Taking over the Watch

(Cont/d)

Satisfy yourself as regards all navigational

equipment and its operational effectiveness.
Check the gyro/compass error.
Be briefed on what are other ships in the vicinity
doing.
Look ahead on the next chart, as to what hazards
are likely to be encountered during your watch.
If at the time, the OOW to be relieved is
undertaking a manoeuvre or other action to avoid
any hazard, the relieving OOW should not take the
Watch until such action has been completed.

Periodic Checks of Equipment

(pg 146)

The OOW should make regular checks of the following:The helmsman or automatic pilot is steering the correct
course.
The Compass Error is determined at least once a watch
and when possible, after any major alteration of course.
The Standard and Gyro Compasses are frequently
compared and repeaters are synchroized with their
master compass.
The automatic pilot is tested manually at least once a
watch.
The navigation and signal lights are functioning
properly.

Calling the Master (pg 147)

The OOW should notify the Master immediately

in the following circumstances:

If restricted visibility is encountered or expected.
If the traffic conditions or the movements of
other ships are causing concern;
If difficulty is experienced in maintaining course.
On failure to sight land, a navigation mark or to
obtain soundings by the expected time.
If, unexpectedly, land or a navigation mark is
sighted or a change in sounding occurs.

Calling the Master (cont/d)

On the breakdown of the engines, steering gear or any

essential navigational equipment.
If the radio equipment malfunctions.
In heavy weather if in any doubt about the possibility
of weather damage.
If the ship meets any hazard to navigation, such as ice
or derelicts.
In any other emergency or situation in which he is in
any doubt.
Despite the requirement to notify the master
immediately in the foregoing circumstances, the officer
of the watch should in addition not hesitate to take
immediate action for the safety of the ship, where
circumstances so require.

Actions on encountering
Restricted Visibility (pg 148)
Where restricted visibility is encountered or

expected, the first responsibility of the

officer of the watch is to comply with the
relevant rules of the applicable regulations
for preventing collisions at sea. This is with
particular regard to the sounding of fog
signals, proceeding at a safe speed and
having the engines ready for immediate
manoeuvres. In addition, he should:

Restricted Visibility (Cont/d)

Inform the Master.
Post a proper lookout and helmsman and,

in congested waters, revert to hand

steering immediately.
Exhibit navigation lights.
Commence radar plotting.
Put a fix on the chart.
Start sound signalling.
Start the echo sounder.

Actions when Ship is at Anchor

(pg 149)
If the master considers it necessary, a continuous

navigational watch should be maintained at anchor. In all

circumstances, while at anchor, the officer of the watch
should:
Determine and plot the ship's position on the appropriate
chart as soon as practicable: when circumstances permit,
check at sufficiently frequent intervals whether the ship is
remaining securely at anchor by taking bearings of fixed
navigation marks or readily identifiable shore objects.
Ensure that an efficient lookout is maintained.
Ensure that inspection rounds of the ship are made
periodically.
Observe meteorological and tidal conditions and the state
of the sea.

Ship is at Anchor (cont/d)

Notify the master and undertake all necessary

measures if the ship drags anchor.
Ensure that the state of readiness of the main engines
and other machinery is in accordance with the
master's instructions.
If visibility deteriorates, notify the master and comply
with the applicable regulations for preventing
collisions at sea.
Ensure that the ship exhibits the appropriate lights
and shapes and that appropriate sound signals are
made at all times, as required.
Take measures to protect the environment from
pollution by the ship and comply with applicable
pollution regulations.