Effective handing over of the ship navigation watch seafarer

A Navigational watch is really important for the safe operation of the ships. The officer on watch (OOW) shall maintain a proper lookout by sight, hearing and as well as all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of risk of collision. A Navigational watch lasts for 4 hours . A day is comprised by 6 navigational watches did by the deck officers (chief officer, second officer, third officer). At the end of each navigational watch the officer hands over the watch to the next officer. The officer carrying next watch should report to the bridge 10 minutes before the real commencement of his watch. At this type the watch is handed over to the officer . The relieving officer should be fit for duty and he should check the ship's position and status.

During Handing over a watch the following information shall be discussed and verified :
  • The current position of the ship is verified and the chances of navigational hazards is discussed. 
  • The track intended and course and speed and engine controls as needed. Any changes in the passage plan should be informed .
  • Any defects affecting the manuevrability of the ship, mainly due to machinery defects should be informed.
  • With reference to the manuevrability defects, the status of steering mode and related equipment should be informed.
  • Details of the navigational and safety equipment should be informed including its operating status and alarm status.
  • The compass errors should be found and reported to the officer.
  • The traffic situation in which the vessel is currently in and the status of vessel reporting requirements(Completed or due)
  • According to the MSI( Maritime safety information) recieved the watch officer should give the details of any navigational and meteorological hazards likely to be encountered during the watch to the relieving officer. 
  • The draught, trim, heel, list and about the stability of the ship should be informed.
  • Details of any shallow water effects on the ships , like squat, bank-suction, bank- cushion, etc 
  • Any special instructions of the master and any change to the bridge orders.
  • Details of any work which is currently being performed. For example. Crew working on deck, engine room maintenance, tank cleaning operations, cargo work, ballasting ,etc.