Elements and Performance Criteria
- Maintain watch on the bridge
- Own responsibility for the safety of navigation is clearly defined at all times including periods when the Master is on the bridge and while under pilotage
- Proper lookout is maintained at all times according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- Lights, shapes and sound signals are correctly recognised and acted upon
- Frequency and extent of monitoring traffic, vessel and environment are scheduled to conform with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- Bridge communication is maintained with other team members on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel
- Clear and unambiguous bridge communications are maintained and clarification is sought from or given to other team members when watch information or instructions are not clearly understood
- Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures
- Conduct, handover and relief of the watch is completed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- Maintain watch when anchored
- Organisational procedures and regulatory requirements are complied with through frequency, timing and coverage of scheduled checks and inspections
- Appropriate action is taken in the event of irregularities or abnormal conditions to maximise the safety and integrity of the vessel
- Restrictions on access to the vessel by non-authorised persons are followed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures
- Respond to potential collision and emergency situations
- Potential collision situations are analysed and appropriate action is taken in ample time according to regulatory requirements
- Correct responses are made to emergencies and situations that pose a danger to the vessel and personnel on board
- Distress signals are recognised and appropriate action is taken to initiate search and rescue operations
- Master is called in the event of a navigational incident which falls outside own responsibility
- Resource the bridge according to bridge resource management principles
- Bridge resource management principles are interpreted to establish the functions and responsibilities of the watchkeeping team on board a vessel
- Resources are allocated and assigned as needed in correct priority to perform necessary tasks to obtain and maintain situational awareness
- Watchkeeping schedule is developed with due consideration to team experience
- Instructions on watchkeeping and lookout requirements are clearly and unambiguously given in relation to monitoring traffic, vessel and environment
- Clear and unambiguous roles and responsibilities of watchkeeping team are determined and allocated
- Effective communication is maintained with team on matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel
- Questionable decisions and/or actions are dealt with using an appropriate challenge and response
- Maintain navigation records