LOOKOUT

1) A proper lookout will be maintained at all times in compliance with Rule 5 and shall
serve the purpose of:
 Maintaining a continuous state of vigilence by sight and hearing as well as by all
other available means
 Fully appraising the situation and the risk of collision, stranding and other dangers
to navigation and
 Detecting ships or aircraft in distress, shipwrecked persons, wrecks, debris and
other hazards to navigation

2) Lookout must give full attention to the keeping of a proper lookout and no other duties
shall interfere with that task

3) The duties of the helmsperson and lookout are separate and the helmsman will not be
considered to be the lookout while steering except in small ships where an unobstructed
all round view is provided at the steering position. The OOW may be sole lookout in
daylight conditions provided that:
1. It has been established that it is safe to do so
2. Full account has been taken of :
o State of weather
o Visibility
o Traffic density
o Dangers to Navigation
o Attention necessary in or near Traffic Separation Schemes

4) Assistance is immediately available to be summoned when required.

 Calling The Master
The OOW shall notify the Master immediately:

1) If Restricted Visibility is encountered or expected

2) If Traffic Conditions cause concern
3) If difficulty is experienced maintaining course
4) On failure to sight land, navigation mark or to obtain soundings by expected time
5) Unexpectedly sighting land, navigation mark or change in soundings
6) On breakdown of engines, propulsion, steering gear or navigational equipment
7) Radio equipment malfunctions
8) Any Hazard to Navigation
9) In heavy weather, the possibility of weather damage
10) In any other emergency or if in any doubt

Taking Over the Navigational Watch

The OOW will not hand over the watch to the relieving officer if there is reason to believe the latter is not
capable of carrying out the duties, in which case the master will be notified.
Relieving officers will satisfy themselves as to:
1) Their vision is fully adjusted to the light conditions
2) Standing Orders and Night Orders
3) Position, course, speed and draught of the ship
4) Tides, currents, weather and visibility and the effect on course and speed
5) Procedures of use of main engines to maneouvre
6) Condition of all navigational and safety equipment
7) Compass error
8) Traffic in the area
9) Conditions and hazards likely to be encoutered
10) The possible effects of heel, trim, squat and water density on underkeel clearance
If a maneouvre is being carried out at the time of changeover, it will be deferred until the
maneouvre is completed.
Taking Over Deck Watch in Port
The relieving officer shall be aware of the following:

1) The depth of water, draught, times of high and low waters, securing of the moorings is
adequate, arrangements of anchors and scope of chain, state of engines
2) All work to be performed on board the ship, the nature, disposition and stage of cargo
loading/ unloading
3) The level of water in bilges/ ballast tanks
4) The appropriate signals or lights are being exhibited or sounded
5) The number of crew required to be on board
6) The state of Fire fighting appliances and regulations are being maintained
7) Any special Port Regulations
8) Masters Standing or Special Orders
9) Lines of Communication between shore personnel and ship in the event of emergency
arising
10) Procedures for notifying the appropriate authority of any environmental pollution
resulting from ship activities.
11) Any hazardous or dangerous cargo being loaded/ unloaded and the action to be taken in
event of spillage or fire ( IMDG Code)
 Performing the Deck Watch in Port
Pay attention to:
1) The condition and securing of gangway, anchor chain and moorings
2) The draught and underkeel clearance and avoid dangerous listing or trim during cargo
handling or ballasting
3) Weather and sea state
4) Regulations concerning safety and fire protection
5) Water level in biloges and tanks
6) Location of persons on board, especially in enclosed spaces
7) Lights and signals to be shown (nav lights off when alongside)
8) In bad weather take measures to protect ship (extra ropes)
9) Prevent pollution
10) In emergency, raise alarm, inform master and take action to avoid damage to ship, cargo
and persons on board
11) Ships stability in event of fire
12) Offer assistance to ships/ persons in distress
13) Accidents or damage should propellors turn
14) Enter important events in logbook

Watch at Anchor
1) Determine and plot ships position on chart as soon as possible
2) Check aregular intervals that ship is remaining securely at anchor ( visual fixes, transits,
radar ranges, radar bearings, GPS or lead line)
3) Unsure proper lookout
4) Ensure inspection rounds
5) Observe weather and tidal conditions and sea state
6) If anchor drags, inform master and take all necessary measures ( let go more chain, drop
second anchor, lift and re- anchor, or lift and move to a new anchorage)
7) Ensure correct lights and shapes are displayed
 Watchkeeping

1) Calling Master

2) Lookout

3) Taking Over Navigational Watch

4) Performing Navigational Watch

5) Taking Over Deck Watch in Port

6) Performing Deck Watch in Port

7) Watch at Anchor

8) Watchkeeping Under Different Conditions

( e.gRestricted visibility)