ABSTRACT
The navigational watch is one of the most significant shipboard operations performed by deck officers. When the ship is at sea, the bridge is the only location that is perpetually manned. This is not a moment in time where the bridge can be left unattended, even if just for a few minutes. As the navigating officers must keep bridge watches round the clock, the practice of taking over the watch by a relieving OOW from the outgoing OOW is performed twice daily. When taking over the watch, the oncoming OOW is acquainted with the ship’s position, speed, and course; traffic density; past, present, and expected weather and sea conditions; the state and condition of bridge equipment; logbooks, checklists, and daily orders; readiness of the lookout and or helmsman; any activities taking place on deck or in the engine room; and any conditions that may require the master to attend the bridge. Whilst on watch, the OOW is responsible for complying with the COLREGS and with all standing orders issued by the master. In summary, the OOW has three primary duties: perform safe navigation; maintain watchkeeping; and monitoring the GMDSS.
