ST.

VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

CIRCULAR N° STCW 003

GUIDELINES FOR KEEPING A SAFE WATCH ON BOARD

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING

CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS
(STCW 1978 AS AMENDED) – STCW CODE, SECTION A-VIII
IMO RESOLUTIONS A.285 (VIII), A.337 (IX), A.893 (21)
IMO CIRCULARS MSC/CIRC.867, MSC/CIRC.566, STCW.7/CIRC.14
ISC BRIDGE PROCEDURES GUIDE, MCA MGN 315(M)

TO: SHIPOWNERS, SHIPS’ OPERATORS AND MANAGERS, MASTERS,

SURVEYORS TO FLAG STATE ADMINISTRATION
RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS

APPLICABLE TO: SEAGOING VESSELS AS PER ARTICLE III OF STCW78

AS AMENDED
ENTRY INTO FORCE: DATE OF THE PRESENT CIRCULAR

Monaco, 25th May 2009

General
It is the responsibility of Masters, and companies owning or operating St Vincent and the
Grenadines registered vessels, to ensure that the principles applying to the keeping of a safe
watch, as detailed in STCW 78 as amended are followed.
According to STCW Code, IMO Resolutions and Circulars and taking into an account
guidelines from ICS and MCA, this circular contains guidance for officers in charge of a
navigational watch, which Masters are expected to supplement as they consider appropriate.
It is essential that Officers in charge of navigational watch appreciate that the proper
performance of their duties is necessary in the interests of the safety of life and property at sea
and the prevention of pollution to the marine environment.
The Master should not be constrained by the ship owner, charterer or any person from taking
any decision which, in the Master’s professional judgment, is necessary for safe navigation. It
is the duty of the Master of every vessel to ensure that watch keeping arrangements are
adequate for maintaining a safe navigational watch at all times.
The Officer in charge of navigational watch is the Master’s representative and is primarily
responsible at all times for the safe navigation of the vessel and for complying with the
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions At Sea.
It is of special importance that the Officer in charge of navigational watch ensures that at all
times an efficient look-out is maintained and that International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions At Sea are complied with.
Officers in charge of navigational watch and Masters are reminded that the vessel must at all
times proceed at a safe speed.
The vessel’s engines are at the disposal of the Officer in charge of navigational watch and
there should be no hesitation in using them in case of need. Where possible, timely notice of
intended variations of engine speed should be given to the duty engineer. The Officer in
charge of navigational watch should know the handling characteristics of the vessel including
the stopping distance, and should appreciate that other vessels may have different handling
characteristics.
Officers in charge of a navigational watch are responsible for navigating the vessel safely
during their periods of duty with particular concerns for avoiding collision and stranding.
The officer in charge of navigational watch should also be aware of the serious effects of
operational or accidental pollution of the marine environment and should take all possible
precautions to prevent such pollution.
Masters, owners and operators are reminded that the St Vincent and the Grenadines Maritime
Administration considers it dangerous and irresponsible for the Officer in charge of
navigational watch to act as sole look-out during periods of darkness or restricted visibility.

Fitness for Duty

Hours of Rest should be applied according to STCW Code, Chapter VIII/1 to all seafarers
employed or engaged in any capacity on board a seagoing vessel and includes Officers and
Ratings assigned to bridge watch keeping duties.
A minimum of ten (10) hours rest in any 24 hour period should be provided to the mentioned
seafarers. Hours of rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which should be
at least six (6) hours long.
The minimum period of ten hours may be reduced to not less than 6 consecutive hours
provided that any such reduction does not extend beyond two days and not less than 70 hours
of rest are seven-day period.
The requirements for rest periods need not be maintained in case of an emergency or drill or in
other overriding operational conditions.
The watch system should be such that the efficiency of watch keeping personnel is not
impaired by fatigue. The Master should take into account the quality and quantity of rest taken
by the watch keepers when determining fitness for duty.
It is the overall responsibility of the Master and the responsibility of every watch keeping
Officer and Rating to ensure that they are sufficiently rested prior to taking over a navigational
watch. It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to ensure that the vessel is manned with
a sufficient number of personnel so that a safe navigational watch can be maintained at all
times by appropriately qualified and rested personnel in all foreseeable circumstances.
Watch keepers should ensure they remain alert by moving around frequently and ensuring
good ventilation.
The Officer in charge of navigational watch should be free from the effects of alcohol and any
other substance, including prescription drugs or other medication that may have a detrimental
effect on the officer’s judgments.

Navigational Watch
The officer in charge of navigational watch should:
 in no circumstances leave the bridge until properly relieved by an appropriate Officer
 continue to be responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel despite the presence of
the Master on the bridge until informed specifically that the Master has assumed the
con and this is mutually understood
 notify the Master when in any doubt as to what action to take in the interests of safety
 continue to be responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel despite the presence of
a pilot on board
 if in any doubt as to the pilot’s actions or intentions, seek clarification from the pilot; if
doubt still exists, they should notify the Master immediately and take whatever action
is necessary until the Master arrives
 not undertake any other duties that would interfere or compromise the keeping of a
safe navigational watch
  ensure there are no distractions caused by the use of domestic radios, cassettes, CD
players, personal computers, television sets, mobile phones, etc
 have available at all times, the services of a qualified helmsman
 in areas of high traffic density, in conditions of restricted visibility and in all hazardous
navigational situations ensure the vessel is in hand steering
 keep in mind that the perceptions of watch keeping Officers on different types and
sizes of vessels may vary considerably when assessing a close quarter situation and
the time in which avoiding action should be taken
 keep a proper record during the watch on the movement and activities relating to the
navigation of the vessel
 station a person to steer the vessel and to put the steering into manual control in good
time to allow any potentially hazardous situation to be dealt with in a safe manner.
Officers are further reminded that when the vessel is in automatic steering it is highly
dangerous to allow a situation to develop to the point where the officer in charge of
navigational watch is without assistance and has to break the continuity of the look-out
in order to take emergency action
 use the radar at all times in areas of high traffic density and whenever restricted
visibility is encountered or expected and shall have due regard to its limitations. Radar
should be available for use at all times to enable the officers to use the equipment in
clear weather so as to fully appreciate the limitations of the equipment
 at sufficiently frequent intervals during the watch check the vessel’s position, course
and speed using all appropriate navigational aids and means necessary to ensure that
the vessel follows the planned track
 take fixes at frequent intervals. These fixes shall be carried out by more than one
method whenever circumstances allow. The largest scale chart on board, suitable for
the area and corrected with the latest available information shall be used. This
includes local navigation warnings, and temporary and preliminary notices to mariners

Mariners are also reminded of the requirement to use the latest editions of all supporting
navigational publications such as charts, list of lights, list of radio signals, pilot books etc. Such
publications should be updated/corrected.

Watch Arrangements

The composition of a navigational watch should comprise one (or more) qualified Officers
supported by appropriately qualified ratings. The actual number of Officers and Ratings on
watch at a particular time will depend on the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
At no time shall the bridge be left unmanned without a qualified watch keeping officer.
Factors to be taken into account when composing a bridge watch:
 fatigue
 weather conditions and visibility
 proximity of navigational hazards which may make it necessary for the Officer in
charge of the watch to carry out additional navigational duties
 use and operational condition of navigational aids
 whether the vessel is fitted with automatic steering
 whether there are radio duties to be performed
 unmanned machinery space (UMS) alarms, controls and indicators provided on the
bridge, procedures for their use and limitations
 any unusual demands on the navigational watch that may arise as a result of special
operational circumstances

In circumstances where a single man bridge is considered permissible support personnel

should be readily and immediately available should assistance be required. There should be
an established and continuously available means of communications for the watch keeper to
summon such assistance in all times.
Handing Over the Watch

The Officer in charge of navigational watch should:

 ensure that the members of the relieving watch are fully capable of performing their
duties
 ensure that the vision of the relieving watch is fully adjusted to the light conditions
 ensure that all standing orders and the Master’s night orders are fully understood

The officer in charge of navigational watch should not hand over the watch:

 if there is reason to believe that the relieving Officer is not capable of carrying out the
watch keeping duties effectively, in which case the Master should be notified
 when a manoeuvre is in progress until such action has been completed

Taking Over the Watch

The relieving officer in charge of navigational watch should:

 prior to taking over the watch verify the vessel's estimated or true position
 confirm the vessel's intended track, course and speed
 note any dangers to navigation expected to be encountered during the watch
 be aware of prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility and the effect of
these factors upon course and speed
 note any errors in gyro and magnetic compasses
 note the status of all bridge equipment
 note the settings of bridge/engine controls and manning of engine room
 be aware of the presence and movement of vessels in sight or known to be in the
vicinity
 give watch keeping personnel all appropriate instructions and information which will
ensure the keeping of a safe navigational watch, including maintenance of a proper
look-out

Look-out

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions At Sea require that every vessel should
at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means
appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the
situation and of risk of collision.
The look-out must be able to give full attention to the keeping of a proper look-out and no other
duties should be undertaken that could interfere with that task. The duties of the look-out and
helmsman are separate and the helmsman should not be considered to be a look-out except in
small vessels where an un-obstructed all round view is provided at the steering position and
there is no impairment of night vision or other impediment to the keeping of a proper look-out.
In certain circumstances of clear daylight conditions the Master may consider that the officer in
charge of navigational watch may be the sole look-out. On each occasion the Master should
ensure that:
 The prevailing situation has been carefully assessed and it has been established
without a doubt that it is safe to do so;
 Full account has been taken of all the relevant factors including not limited to:
- state of the weather
- visibility
- traffic density
- proximity of dangers to navigation
- the attention necessary when navigating in or near trafic separation schemes
- design and layout of the bridge
- arcs of visibility
 - radar equipment fitted and their limitations with respect to navigation
- other duties that the officer may have to engage in and which could be a
distraction from the keeping of a proper look-out such as:
a. operation of GMDSS and other communications equipment
such as cell phones and email systems
b. navigational maintenance such as completion of logs and other
record keeping and correction of charts and publications
c. routine testing and maintenance of bridge equipment

In any event, an Officer in charge of navigational watch acting as sole look-out should always
be able to fully perform both the duties of a look-out and those of keeping a safe navigational
watch. Assistance must be immediately available to be summoned to the bridge when any
change in the situation so requires.
It is of special importance that at all times the Officer in charge of the navigational watch
ensures that a proper look-out is maintained. In vessels with a separate chartroom the Officer
in charge of the navigational watch may visit the chartroom, when essential, for a short period
for the necessary performance of navigational duties, but should first ensure that it is safe to
do so and that a proper look-out is maintained.

Relationship Between the Officer in charge of navigational watch and the Look-out

The officer in charge of navigational watch should consider the look-out as an integral part of
the Bridge Team and utilise the look-out to the fullest extent.
As a way of fully engaging the look-out’s attention consideration should be given to keeping
the look-out appraised of the current navigational situation with regard to expected traffic,
buoyage, weather, landfall, pilotage and any other circumstance relevant to good watch
keeping.

In Restricted Visibility

When restricted visibility is encountered or expected, the first responsibility of the Officer in
charge of navigational watch should comply with the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions At Sea with particular regard to the keeping of a look-out, sounding of fog signals,
proceeding at a safe speed and having the engines ready for immediate manoeuvre.
In addition the Officer in charge of navigational watch should:
 inform the Master
 ensure that a dedicated look-out is posted at all times
 exhibit navigation lights
 operate and use the radar
 put the engines on standby

Safe Speed and Stopping Distance

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions At Sea require that every vessel should
at all times proceed at a safe speed so that proper effective action can be taken to avoid
collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and
conditions.
In cases of need, the officer in charge of navigational watch shall not hesitate to use the
engines to reduce speed further and allow more time for consideration and assessment of a
developing situation. However, timely notice of the intended variations of engine speed shall
be given to the engineers where possible or effective use made of UMS engine controls.
Whatever the pressure on Masters to make a quick passage or to meet the owners’ wishes,
operators, charterers or port operators is, it does not justify vessels and those on board to be
unnecessarily put at risk. The St Vincent and the Grenadines Maritime Administration is
concerned that proper standards be maintained and will take appropriate action against
officers who jeopardize their vessels or the lives and property of others. Such action may lead
to fines and/or the suspension or cancellation of their certificates.

Vessel at Anchor

The Officer in charge of navigational watch should:

 determine and plot the vessel's position on the appropriate chart as soon as
practicable
 when circumstances permit, check at sufficiently frequent intervals whether the vessel
is remaining securely at anchor by taking bearings of fixed navigation marks or readily
identifiable shore objects. The use of carefully chosen transits can give an almost
instant indication as to whether the vessel’s position has changed
 ensure that a proper look-out is maintained
 ensure that inspection rounds are made periodically
 observe meteorological and tidal conditions and state of sea, notify the Master and
undertake all necessary measures if the vessel drags anchor
 ensure the state of readiness of the main engines and other machinery complies with
the Masters requirements
 ensure the vessel exhibits the appropriate lights and shapes and that appropriate
sound signals as per International Regulations for Preventing Collisions At Sea are
made
 avoid placing reliance on guard zones when using radar in lieu of a look-out as this is
not considered acceptable practice.

In all the above circumstances it remains the Master’s responsibility to ensure that the anchor
watch to be kept is appropriate to the prevailing conditions.

Navigation with pilot on board

Despite the duties and obligations of pilots, their presence on board does not relieve the
Master or Officer in charge of the navigational watch from their duties and obligations for the
safety of the ship. The Master and the pilot shoudl exchange information regarding navigation
procedures, local conditions and the ship’s characteristics. The Master and/or the Officer in
charge of the navigational watch should co-operate closely with the pilot and maintain an
accurate check on the ship’s position and movement.

If in any doubt as to the pilot’s actions or intentions, the Officer in charge of the navigational
watch should seek clarification from the pilot and, if doubt still exists, should notify the Master
immediately and take whatever action is necessary before the Master arrives.

Officer of the navigational watch acting as the sole look-out during periods of darkness

This Administration highlights that solo watch keeping in periods of darkness would have a
potentially adverse impact on safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment.
In this regard no Officer of the navigational watch acting as the sole look-out during periods of
darkness is allowed.
Voyage Planning

The development of a plan for voyage or passage and the close and continuous monitoring of
the vessel’s position during the execution of such a plan are of vital importance for safety of life
at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment.

The need for voyage and passage planning applies to all vessels.

The detailed voyage or passage plan should include the following:

 the plotting of the intended route or track of the voyage or passage on appropriate
scale charts
 the true direction of the planned route or track
 areas of danger
 existing ships’ routing and reporting systems
 vessel traffic services
 any areas where marine environmental protection considerations apply;

Voyage Plan (from berth to berth should be carefully prepared keeping in mind IMO Resolution
A.893(21) hereby annexed.

Watch in Port

The objections for keeping a watch when the ship is in port are as follows:
 to ensure the safety of life, ship, cargo and port
 to observe international, national and local rules
 to maintain order and the normal routine of the ship.
Detailed recommendation on principles and operational guidance for deck officers in charge of
a watch in port is contained in annexed Resolution A.337 (IX).

Engine Room Watch

Rating forms part of an engine room watch, the watch keeper should be qualified to the
standards and hold certification prescribed in Table A-III/4 of STCW, according to the duties
required to be performed.

No member of the engine room watch should be required to enter the engine room alone,
except under controlled conditions (IMO Resolution A.481 (XII) paragraph 7.3).

Certification

The Regulations require that any Officer in charge of a navigational watch should be duly
qualified in accordance with the requirements of STCW 95. It is the responsibility of the owner
or operator, and Master to ensure that every navigational watch keeping Officer is
appropriately qualified with respect to the size of the vessel and limitations in area of operation.
Under no circumstances is it permitted for an un-qualified person to take charge of a
navigational watch. Similarly STCW 95 Section A-II/4 requires that every rating forming part of
a navigational watch on a seagoing vessel of 500 GT or more should be required to
demonstrate competence in the duties associated with the keeping of a safe navigational
watch at the support level. This competence is evidenced by the issue of a Navigational Watch
Rating Certificate. No rating should be assigned to navigational watch keeping duties unless
suitably qualified.
Officer in charge of an engineering watch should be duly qualified in accordance with the
requirements of STCW 95.
Rating forming part of watch in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a
periodically unmanned engine room should be duly qualified with STCW 95 Section A-III/4.
The annexed of the following IMO Resolutions and Circulars should be read in conjunction with
this Circular.

RESOLUTION A.285 (VIII)

RESOLUTION A.337 (IX)
RESOLUTION A.481 (XII)
RESOLUTION A.893 (21)
CIRCULAR / MSC/Circ.867
CIRCULAR / MSC/Circ.566
STCW.7/Circ.l4