Safe Water

Around the No-Go Area, secure Safe Water where the ship can navigate safely by taking Margins of
Safety into consideration.
In determining Safe Water consider the following :

Ship conditions such as Draft and Maneuvering Performance

Effects of Ocean stream, Tidal current and Tide
Under Keel Clearance
Distance off from the Shallow waters, Obstacles etc

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Enter the planned ship track on a small-scale chart to obtain its approximate distance. The following are
among the points to be considered when setting ship course line:

Select an optimal ships course. (Great Circle, Composite or Rhumb. Line in the order of preference,
subject to prevalent weather conditions)
Use information from Sea and Weather forecast and, in case a Weather Service is adopted, information
on recommendable Ships Routing.
Besides above analyzing , the Master shall select the route which is expected Minimum Fuel
Consumption and Minimum Hours Under Way.

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Collecting Information and Data for Passage Planning

Data of the tide and current, the time of Sunrise and Sunset, and the ships Time Correction schedule.
Data from Routing charts and various nautical publications like Sailing directions, List of Lights, List of
Radio Signals, Ocean passages, Mariners hand book, etc.
Navigational Rules and Regulations through the passage.
(Traffic scheme, Signals, method of communications with VTS, etc.)
Draught and other ship conditions.
Sea and Weather forecast.
Navigational Warning.
Distance Table.
Environmental requirement such as Ballast exchange.

This necessary information and data shall be kept in proper order so that the OOW may check them at
any time.

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Confirmation of preparation of Materials Essential to Complete the Voyage

The Passage plan shall have the description of ROB (Fuel, Lubricating oil and Fresh water) on departure,
their daily consumption and estimated ROB on arrival as evidence to prove that the vessel has
confirmed that she is able to reach the destined port, in addition to carrying out the required
procedures stipulated in Procedures for Preparation for Departure.

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A deck officer assigned with the duties of watch keeping and navigation on a ship’s bridge is known as
the officer on watch (OOW). While keeping a watch on the bridge he is the representative of the ship’s
master and has the total responsibility of safe and smooth navigation of the ship.

Officer on Watch (OOW) is also in charge of the bridge team, which is there to support him in the
navigation process. He is also responsible to ensure that the ship complies with COLREGS and all the
orders of the master are followed with utmost safety under all conditions.

The three main duties of an officer on watch (OOW) are:

 Navigation

 Watch keeping

 GMDSS radio watch keeping

A list of main duties of an officer on watch (OOW) is provided below. However, this is not an
exhaustive list and the duties may change according to the requirements.

Duties of OOW
  Maintaining a proper watch along with general surveillance of the ship

 Monitoring and recording all bridge activities

 Checking navigational equipment in use at regular interval of time

 Following a proper navigation plan to avoid any kind of collision according to

COLREGS

 Must know how to use Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA)

 Must know how to use Electronic Chart and Display System (ECDIS)

 Should be conversant with the ship’s speed, turning circles, and ship handling
characteristics

 Keep a continuous watch on GMDSS radio for any kind of distress or general signals

 Prepare, execute, and monitor a safe passage plan

 Ensure handing over of the watch is done according to shipboard operation procedures

 Asking for support whenever required

 Contact master when need arise

 Should be fully aware of all safety equipment on board ship

 Must use helm and signalling apparatus whenever required

 Must know how to use all equipment meant for prevention of pollution at the sea and
safety of lives

 Should not leave the bridge unattended during his watch

These are the primary duties of any officer of watch at the bridge. However, there would also be
additional duties allotted to the officer depending on his rank