story of watchkeeping officer - handing over watch

this is for exam purposes but still..something worth to read and to know about...

8 hours a day in 4 hours shift and at least 2 hours of overtime - 10 hours every day for six month excluding other extraordinary situation which consume another extra hours

handing over watch / taking over watch at sea


1.ensure relieving officer or watch-keeper is fit to carry out watch-keeping duties.if not inform master.

2.master standing and night order has been read by reliever.

3.vision adjusted to the prevailing conditions - any requirements for extra lookout.


4.vessel position indicated on chart, course laid and course alterations, charts use for the duration of the next watch.


5.state of visibility, sea state, current and wind, weather conditions, ship draft, under-keel clearance, stability conditions.


6.speed and engine movement - effects of squat, estimated time arrival at critical points or destination


7.status of steering system - manual steering or auto-pilot - gyro/compass error


8.current and anticipated traffic conditions, proximity of vessel or navigational hazards, navigational warnings, meteorological forecasts.

9. status of navigation equipments - performance, malfunction, rectification.

10.daylight signal, sound signal, navigation lights or flag displayed.


11.status of communication systems in operations, status of GMDSS equipments - Inmarsat-C, MF/HF, VHF.

12. location and number of ship personnel working which require extra attention and monitoring.

13.cargo and ballast conditions - tank alarms.



14.status of fire, safety and security rounds conducted.


-come to sea and see for yourself-