C 6
CAP. 281] Merchant Shipping (Certification and
Watchkeeping) Regulations
[1984 Ed.
[Subsidiary]
(b) When deciding the composition of the watch on the bridge, which may include appropriate deck ratings, the following factors, inter alia, shall be taken into account—
(i) that at no time should the bridge be left unattended;
(ii) weather conditions, visibility and whether there is daylight or darkness;
(iii) the proximity of navigational hazards which may make it necessary for the officer in charge of the watch to carry out additional navigational duties;
(iv) the method of use and the operational condition of navigational aids such as radar or electronic position-indicating devices and any other equipment affecting the safe navigation of the ship;
(v) whether the ship is fitted with automatic steering;
(vi) any unusual demands on the navigational watch that may arise as a result of special operational circumstances.
2. Fitness for duty.
The watch system shall be such that the efficiency of watchkeeping officers and watchkeeping ratings is not impaired by fatigue. Duties shall be so organized that the first watch at the commencement of a voyage and the subsequent relieving watches are sufficiently rested and otherwise fit for duty.
3. Navigation.
(a) The intended voyage shall be planned in advance taking into consideration all pertinent information and any course laid down shall be checked before the voyage commences.
(b) During the watch the course steered, position and speed shall be checked at sufficiently frequent intervals, using any available navigational aids necessary, to ensure that the ship follows the planned course.
(c) The officer of the watch shall have full knowledge of the location and operation of all safety and navigational equipment on board the ship and shall be aware and take account of the operating limitations of such equipment.
(d) The officer in charge of a navigational watch shall not be assigned or undertake any duties which would interfere with the safe navigation of the ship.
4. Navigational equipment.
(a) The officer of the watch shall make the most effective use of all navigational equipment at his disposal.
(b) When using radar, the officer of the watch shall bear in mind the necessity to comply at all times with the provisions relating to the use of radar contained in the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1983.
(c) In cases of need the officer of the watch shall not hesitate to use the helm, engines and sound signalling apparatus.
5. Navigational duties and responsibilities.
(a) The officer in charge of the watch shall—
(i) keep watch on the bridge and in no circumstances leave it until properly relieved;
(ii) continue to be responsible for the safe navigation of the ship, despite the presence of the master on the bridge, until the master informs him specifically that he has assumed that responsibility and it is clear that this is mutually understood;
(iii) notify the master when in any doubt as to what action to take in the interest of safety;
(iv) not hand over the watch to the relieving officer if he has reason to believe that the latter is obviously not capable of carrying out his duties effectively, in which case he shall notify the master accordingly.