Navigation Responsibilities Of The Officer Of The Watch (O.O.W.)

Navigation Responsibilities Of The Officer Of The Watch (O.O.W.)

a) General

The O.O.W. is the Master's representative and his primary responsibility at all times is the safe navigation of the ship. He must at all times comply with the applicable regulations for preventing collisions at sea. He is to send for the Master if he is in doubt, taking such actions in the meantime, as he considers necessary to avoid risks. Should the Officer of the Watch think the ship to be in shallow water, and/or be in doubt as to the position of the ship, he is to stop the ship at once and verify the position.

b) Company and Master's Standing Orders

In order to confirm their understanding and familiarisation, all deck officers are to sign the Company and Master’s Standing Orders.

c) Familiarisation

All Watch Officers must fully familiarise themselves with the location and operation of all bridge controls and equipment before assuming responsibility for a bridge watch. This is to be completed wherever possible with the assistance of the outgoing Officer.

d) Unexpected Danger and False Sense of Security

Danger may arise suddenly and unexpectedly from any quarter at any time. Watch Officers are warned against allowing themselves to be lulled into a false sense of security at any time and especially in pilotage waters, poor visibility and at night.

e) Navigational Watchkeeping Duties and Responsibilities

The O.O.W. is in complete charge of the safe navigation of the ship irrespective of the presence of the Master and is to remain in charge until the Master specifically states that he has taken charge and an appropriate log entry made. A log entry is also to be made when the Master hands the safe navigation of the vessel to the O.O.W.

If, at any time, the Officer of the Watch is in any doubt as to the safety of the ship, the Master is to be informed immediately.

All traffic is to be given a wide and safe berth as laid down in the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea. The Master will, in his Standing Orders, state his requirements for the minimum acceptable CPA and TCPA making due allowance for occasions where the proximity of land, shoal waters or traffic density restrict the available sea room.

All watchkeeping officers must be aware of the obligations placed on them when their vessel is the 'stand-on' vessel. If at any time they are in doubt as to the actions or lack of action by the give way vessel, the Master is to be informed immediately. The O.O.W. must not hesitate in taking avoiding action b y turning the vessel away from the danger or by a substantial reduction in speed.

Officers must realise that large vessels take time to manoeuvre. Early and prompt action will also help to minimise the potential for main engine damage that can occur by subjecting a vessel to a hard-over wheel order at full sea speed.

The O.O.W. is to keep his watch on the b ridge, which he must in no circumstances leave until properly relieved. He is not to hand over the watch to the relieving officer if he has reason to b elieve that the latter is not capab le of carrying out his duties effectively, in which case he is to notify the Master accordingly.

A proper record is to be kept in the Deck Log Book and Bridge Movement Book of the movements and activities during the watch relating to the navigation of the ship.

f) Bridge and Navigational Equipment

All aids to navigation are to be used as a check on visually obtained positions having due regard to their limitations and/or errors. Equipment operating manuals give guidance on this and, if in doubt, are to be discussed with the Master. The Master is to be informed of any malfunction or suspected malfunction of this equipment.

At all times the O.O.W. must not hesitate when the need arises to use the helm, engines, navigation equipment and sound signalling apparatus.

The O.O.W. must be aware of the handling characteristics of his ship, including stopping distances, and turning circles, and must appreciate that other ships may have different handling characteristics.

g) Calling the Master

The officer of the watch is to 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 change in sounding occurs;

  On the failure of the main engine, generating plant, steering gear or any essential navigational equipment;

  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;

  If oil is seen around the vessel from whatever source.

  In the case of the O.O.W. feeling fatigued or unwell and unable to continue a safe and efficient watch.

  Any other circumstances as dictated by the Master’s Standing orders.

  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 O.O.W. in addition must not hesitate to take immediate action for the safety of the ship, where circumstances so require.

h) Watchkeeping Personnel

The O.O.W. is to give watchkeeping personnel all appropriate instructions and information, which will ensure the keeping of a safe watch including an appropriate lookout. The Chief Officer is responsible for ensuring that all deck ratings are familiar with their duties prior to commencing duties.

Responsibilities of the Navigating Officer

In addition to keeping a navigational watch at sea and a cargo watch in port, the principle duties of the assigned navigating officer (usually Second Officer) are:

-Preparation of voyage plans

-To ensure all charts and publications are properly corrected and kept up-to-date.

-To ensure that on receipt of new editions of charts, old charts are removed from the chartroom or wheelhouse.

-To monitor the supply of Notices to Mariners and new editions and advise the Master if they are not received on schedule.

-To prepare monthly chart report. Chart Correction Record (where applicable)

-To ensure that Navigation Warnings are received, filed and brought to the Master’s attention where applicable.

-To monitor weather reports and bring to the Master’s attention any adverse reports.

-The responsibility for navigation instruments such as sextants, binoculars, chronometers etc.

-The responsibility for monitoring operation of all bridge equipment and notifying the Master in the event of errors or a reduction in performance.