WATCHKEEPING QUESTIONS

WATCHKEEPING EXERCISE: NAME:

QUESTIONS

1 List the factors that should be amongst those taken into consideration by all vessels when determining “Safe Speed”.

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2 Discuss the difference between a vessel “Not Under Command” and one that is “Restricted in its Ability to Manoeuvre”.

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3 With the aid of a sketch describe a East Cardinal mark.

What does this buoy signify?

Describe the various means of identifying the buoy by day and night.

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4 List the instructions that a master should leave for the navigational watchkeeper with respect to the keeping of a safe navigational watch.

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5 Describe the principles to be observed in the taking over of a navigational watch.

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WATCHKEEPING ANSWERS

1. By all vessels:

i. the state of visibility;

ii. the traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels;

iii. the manoeuvrability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and timing ability in the prevailing conditions;

iv. at night the presence of background light such as from short lights or from back scatter of known lights;

v. the state of wind, sea, current, and the proximity of navigatinal hazards;

vi. the draught in relation to the available depth of water

2. A vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre. Once its work is completed or terminated it can manoeuvre. In contrast a vessel not under command cannot manoeuvre until the exceptional circumstance is rectified.

Pass to the east of the mark.

4. List the instructions that a master should leave for the navigational watchkeeper with respect to the keeping of a safe navigational watch.

Instructions left by the master for the navigational watchkeeper should include the following:

Call me if:

· if restricted visibility is encountered or expected.

· if the traffic conditions or the movement of other vessels is causing concern.

· if difficulty is experienced in maintaining course.

· on failure to sight land, a navigational mark or to obtain soundings by the expected time

· if, unexpectedly, you sight land, a navigational mark or to obtain soundings.

· on the breakdown of engines, steering gear or any essential navigational equipment.

· in heavy weather if in any doubt about the possibility of weather damage.

· if the vessel meets any hazard to navigation such as ice or derelicts.

· in any other situation in which he/she is in any doubt.

Despite informing the master in any of the above circumstances the OOW must take immediate action if necessary to ensure the safety of the vessel, where the circumstances require.

5. Describe the principles to be observed in the taking over of a navigational watch.

Arrive in the 15 mins prior to the start of your watch.

Check you position on the chart.

Check the course to steer of the chart.

Check the compass error.

Check that the vessel is steering the course required.

Check if any alterations of course are due in the near future and also in the entire length of your watch.

If at night check you nav. lights are working.

Look out for any vessels in close proximity.

Check the radar for vessels further away.

Check the skippers/masters instructions

Check the latest weather forecast and the prevailing weather.

Check the engine room gauges and controls.

Check the auto pilot.

Once the watchkeeper going of the watch has plotted his/her last fix for the watch, check that plotted position.

Inform the outgoing watchkeeper that he is relieved and take over.