[email protected] MGN 315 Notes MARCH 2008
Q5) (a) With reference to MGN 315, Keeping a Safe Navigational Watch on Merchant Ships, and MSN 1767, Hours of Work, Safe Manning and Watchkeeping revised Provisions from Sep 2002 , state each of the following: The 3 specified items that the OOW should ens ure before handing o ver the watch:
When handing over the watch the OOW shall (i) ensure that the members of the relieving watch are fully capable of performing their duty (ii) ensure that the vision of the relieving watch is fully adjusted to the light conditions (iii) ensure that all standing orders and the Master’s night orders are fully understood (MGN 315 Paragraph 6.1)
T h e 2 s p e c i f i e d i n s t a n c e s w h e n t h e OO OO W s h o u l d n o t h a n d o v e r t h e w a t c h t o t h e r e l i ev ev i n g o f f i c e r
The OOW shall not hand over the watch (i) 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 (ii) when a manoeuvre is in progress until such action has been completed. (MGN 315 Paragraph 6.2)
T h e m i n i m u m r e s t t im im e , u n l e s s a n ex ex c e p t i o n a l c i r c u m s t a n c e , d u r i n g a 24 24 hour period
The minimum rest period in any 24 hour period is 10 hours. This shall not be split into more than 2 periods. (MSN 1767 Paragraph 3.2) (MGN 315 Paragraph 4.1)
T h e m i n i m u m l e n g t h o f a t l ea ea s t o n e o f t h e d a il il y r e s t p e r i o d :
One of the periods should be at least 6 hours long, with an interval between not exceeding 14 hours. (MSN 1767 Paragraph 3.2) (MGN 315 Paragraph 4.1)
[email protected] MGN 315 Notes
b) A n O O W o b t ai a i n s a s h i p p o s i t i o n d e r i v ed ed b y c e l es es t r i al al o b s e r v a t io io n w h i c h Is 2 0 N M t o t h e s o u t h o f t h e D R p o s i t i o n . A f t e r h a v i n g c h e c k e d t h e c a l c u l a t i o n s a n d p l o t t i n g o f t h e s i g h t s t h e O O W c a n f i n d n o e r r o r . S ta ta t e t h e a c t i o n s r e q u i r e d b y t h e O OW OW :
Actions of the OOW should be (i) Call the Master (ii) Ensure that the vessel is safe in and continuing from either position (iii) Perform another sight and/or use another form of fixing to cross-check the original sight eg GPS
State 5 instances when the error of the ship’s c o m p a s s s h o u l d b e obtained:
The compass error should be obtained if (i) Once a watch when no major alterations of course take place (ii) After any major alteration of course (iii) When entering or leaving restricted waters (iv) When entering or leaving an area of magnetic anomaly (v) If the OOW has any doubts as to its reliability r eliability
S t at at e t h e m e an a n s o f c o m m u n i c a t io i o n w i t h t h e e m e r g e n c y s t e e r in in g p o s i t i o n
in the steering flat in the event of a total power failure of the ship’s t e le le p h o n e s y s t e m :
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
Sound powered telephone Talk back system VHF/UHF portable radio Messenger if applicable to that ship
[email protected] MGN 315 Notes OCT 2009
Q5): (a) S t a te te t h e s p e c i f i c c o n d i t i o n w h e n t h e O O W m a y a c t a s a s o l e lo lo o k o u t :
MGN 315 paragraph 8.3 states: “In certain circumstances of clear daylight conditions the Master may consider that the OOW may be the sole look-out.” look-out.”
S t a te te t h e f ac ac t o r s t h a t m u s t b e t ak ak e n i n t o a c c o u n t p r i o r t o t h e O O W becoming the sole Looko ut:
MGN 315 paragraph 8.3 states (i) Full account has been taken of all relevant factors including but not limited to (ii) state of the weather (iii) visibility (iv) traffic density (v) proximity of dangers to navigation (vi) the attention necessary when navigating navigating in or near traffic separation separation schemes (vii) design and layout of the the bridge (viii) arcs of visibility (ix) radar equipment fitted and their limitations with respect to navigation navigation (x) other duties that the officer may have to engage engage in and which which could be a distraction from the keeping of a proper look-out such as (xi) operation of GMDSS GMDSS and other communications communications equipment such as cell phones and email systems (xii) navigational maintenance maintenance such as completion completion of logs and other record record keeping and correction of charts and publications (xiii) routine testing and maintenance of bridge equipment In any event, an OOW 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.” requires.”
O u t l i n e t h e guidance on how the OOW may fully engage the lookout’s attention:
MGN 315 paragraph 9.2 states: The OOW 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 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 watchkeeping.” watchkeeping.”
[email protected] MGN 315 Notes OCT 2010 Q 5 ) a ) L i s t t h e i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t t h e O OW O W s h o u l d i n f o r m t h e r e l ie ie v i n g O O W d u r i n g t h e h a n d o v e r o f a n a v i g a t io io n w a t c h ?
7.1 The relieving officer shall inform: 1. the vessel's vessel's estimated or true position 2. the vessel's intended track, course and speed speed 3. any dangers to navigation expected to be encountered encountered during the watch 4. about the prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility visibility and the effect of these factors upon course and speed 5. any errors in gyro and magnetic compasses 6. the status status of all bridge equipment 7. the settings of bridge/engine controls and manning of engine room 8. about the presence presence and movement movement of vessels in sight or known known to be in the vicinity 9. watchkeeping personnel all appropriate instructions instructions and information which will ensure the keeping of a safe navigational watch, including maintenance of a proper look-out
S t at at e t h e i n s t an an c e w h e n t h e h a n d o v e r o f a n a v i g a ti ti o n w a t c h s h o u l d b e deferred?
6.2 The OOW shall not hand over the watch: 1. if there is reason reason to believe that the relieving officer is not capable of carrying out the watchkeeping duties effectively, in which case the Master should be notified 2. when a manoeuvre manoeuvre is in progress until until such action has has been completed completed
DEC 2010 Q 5 ) b ) P u r p o s e o f m a i n t a in in i n g a l o o k o u t ?
In compliance with the COLREGS, a proper look-out must be maintained at all times to serve the purposes of 1. Maintaining a continuous continuous state of vigilance by sight and hearing as well as by all other available means, with regard to any significant change in the operating environment 2. Fully appraising the situation situation and the risk of of collision, stranding and other dangers to navigation 3. Detecting ships or aircraft in distress, distress, shipwrecked persons, persons, wrecks, debris and other hazards to safe navigation.
[email protected] MGN 315 Notes c ) Ou Ou t l i n e t h e m a n d a t o r y r e s t p e r i o d s ?
The Regulations provide for a minimum of 10 hours rest in any 24 hour period and 77 hours in any seven day period. Hours of rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which should be at least six hours long, and the intervals in between should not exceed 14 hours.
FEB 2011 Q5) Outline the prim ary duties o f the OOW in order to m aintain a safe navigation al watch?
The officer of the navigational watch shall; 1. keep the watch watch on the bridge 2. in no circumstances leave the bridge until properly relieved by an appropriate officer 3. continue to be responsible responsible for the safe navigation navigation of the vessel 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 4. notify the Master when when in any doubt doubt as to what action to take in the interests of safety 5. continue to be responsible responsible for the safe safe navigation of the vessel vessel despite the presence of a pilot on board 6. 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 7. not undertake any any other duties that would interfere interfere or compromise the keeping of a safe navigational watch 8. ensure there are no distractions caused caused by the use of domestic radios, radios, cassettes, CD players, personal computers, television sets, mobile phones, etc 9. have available available at all times, times, the services services of a qualified helmsman 10. in areas of high traffic density, in conditions of restricted visibility and in all hazardous navigational situations ensure the vessel is in hand steering 11. keep a proper record during the watch on the movement and activities relating to the navigation of the vessel 12. 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
[email protected] MGN 315 Notes Q 5 b ) L i s t t h e e i g h t d u t i e s t h a t t h e O OW OW s h o u l d p e r f o r m w h i l s t t h e v e s s e l i s a t an an c h o r ?
The OOW shall 1. Determine and plot the vessel's vessel's position on the appropriate appropriate chart as soon as practicable 2. 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 3. Ensure that a proper look-out look-out is maintained 4. Ensure that inspection rounds are made periodically periodically 5. Observe meteorological meteorological and tidal conditions conditions and state state of sea, notify notify the Master and undertake all necessary measures if the vessel drags anchor 6. Ensure the state state of readiness of the main engines and other other machinery complies with the Masters requirements 7. Ensure the vessel exhibits exhibits the appropriate lights and shapes shapes and that appropriate ColRegs sound signals are made 8. 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 “ In ensure that the anchor watch to be kept is appropriate to the prevailing conditions.”
