When to call ship’s master on the bridge?

shipper 29/04/202129/04/2021 0 Comments

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When to call ship’s master on the bridge?

The Master of a ship is overall responsible for the safety of the ship, crew and cargo onboard , the master is also responsible for safe maneuvering of the ship and his decisions is final and must be followed by all.

Master On board also has the authority to take any actions if it is to protect the environment.

The Officer of Watch (OOW) is the in-charge of the navigation & safety of a ship

While on the watch he is consider as the representative of the master.

Every OOW the officer in charge while on watch has to take independent decisions as he is competent to do so, he must ensure a smooth navigation of the ship.

However, he must call the master immediately to the bridge in case of an emergency or when there is a doubt about a particular situation and OOW is unable to take decision.

The officer in charge of the navigational watch shall not hesitate to take immediate action for the safety of the ship, (when there is no time to wait for the Master) where circumstances and situation requires so.

Chapter VIII- Part 3 of Section A of STCW, explains clearly when an Officer of watch must call the Master

When to call ship’s master on the bridge?

If any doubt arises in regard to the position of own vessel
- If for any reason the safety of courses which is laid out is tampered
- When sudden course is altered by other vessel cause concern or draws immediate attention

If for any reason there is a sudden passage plan change and master approval is required

In case there is sudden breakdown of:
- Main Engine,
- Propulsion Control system
- Steering Gear / Machinery
- Malfunctioning of navigational equipment

Alarm or Indicator suddenly becomes inoperative
- If there is sudden fall in Engine RPM
- Difficulty to maintain Course
- Sudden change in stability of the ship due to heavy or bad weather
- Failure if Radio equipment.

Notify the bridge team immediately when there is a change in planned course

• Bad visibility and when OOW is not confident enough
• Failing to deduct any Navigational Mark and is encountered accidently
• Any drop in atmospheric pressure below three hPa or as instructed by the Masters in his Standing Orders.
• When the OOW is doubtful about own position.
• In case there is any kind of emergency
• When any vessel in vicinity is found in distress.
• When Sighting a ship that has suffered from collision
• If the density of traffic is causing OOW unease
• If other vessel which needs to take action as per COLREGS is not complying as per COLREGS
• In case of an unexpected encounter of landfall.

If there is any difference in CPA / TCPA as per the Standing Orders.
If wind force increase beyond the limit as stated in Master’s Standing Orders.
When the vessel is facing bad weather and vessel is pitching heavily.
When OOW notices there is unsafe practices being carried out on-board.
If the OOW came to take over is found drunk or seems to be unfit for the watch.
If there is any piracy or suspicious boat is sighted
When there is oil spillage sighted by the OOW
If any danger message needs to be sent as per SOLAS Chp V.
Whenever there is unusual change in list or trim.
If own vessel is noticed to go into the “No Go Area”.

Why is a ships bridge dark at night?

Ships bridge is kept dark at night so as light coming out of the bridge must not confuse other vessels form the light prescribed in COLREG for all vessels.

Navigation with a pilot Embarked

The Master and OOW(officer in charge of a navigational watch) are always responsible for the safe navigation and safety of their ships at all times, while in port or when the coastal pilot is on board.

The bridge must remain well manned under a certificated officer in charge of a navigational watch.

The bridge team must supports the pilot by keeping a good lookout, assisting pilot with bridge equipment’s usage.

Master’s standing orders

The standing orders are a list of guidelines to ensure that the safe ship navigation and operations is followed sailing at sea or when ship operations is being carried out at port.

These set of guidelines by the Master of the ship consists wide aspects of navigation and rules of conduct for the navigating officers.

Master’s standing orders are to be followed at all times by the officer on duty & signed by all officer on board, signing makes them liable to adhere to the orders.

What are the duties and responsibility of a bridge look out?

A lookout person (Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch) is always present at the ship’s bridge who maintains a continuous watch of the sea.

His duty is to report for any kind of obstacle in the navigation and can cause harm to the ship.

According to COLREG, a lookout is required to provide officer of watch assistance in keeping bridge watch though OOW is also liable to keep lookout and does not relieve him from his obligation.

The duty of Lookout person is to report to the duty officer if he for any other ships, boats ,lights ,debris, land, Ice ,floating objects etc.

It is advice to keep lookout from bridge’s wing as lookout person will get better view of the sea, lookout is of utmost importance on ships and no other work to be given to the person who is keeping lookout.

While handing over and taking over the lookout watch the handing over watch keeper must provide all information to his reliever.

Certification of ratings forming part of a navigational / engineering watch

Certificate of proficiency as able seafarer deck

When to call ship’s master on the bridge?