5 IMPORTANT POINTS FOR EFFICIENTLY TAKING OVER A BRIDGE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH

  Bridge navigation watch one of the most significant ship board operation for deck officers. When the ship is at sea , the bridge or the wheelhouse is the only workplace which is manned at all times. As the navigating officers have to keep bridge watches round the clock, the practice of taking over of the watch by a relieving officer of watch (OWW) from the present officer-of-watch is followed everyday. this short span of time , of taking over the watch is indeed a critical period, as the new OWW has to be aware of a lot of momentous information.

Here are the eight most important factor which need to be checked and reassured along with some good practice to be followed while taking over a bridge watch.

1. Ship's Position - Speed - Course

The most important factor or the thing to be checked after coming upon the bridge is the position and speed of the ship. Once you are satisfied with the position of the ship on the chart, it is a good practice to browse through the chart and the course to be followed till the end of your watch. Check for way points of course alternate, any reporting point, traffic separation schemes, shallow patches, or any danger to navigation along the intended track marked on the chart.
Compare the course on the chart with the course in the passage plan.
Make yourself aware of the Engine RPM, speed, log speed, course made good, course steered. Any doubt or uncertainties are to checked with the OOW.

2.Traffic Density  
                                                                         

                                                                         
Now that you are satisfied with the position and course of ship, without wasting time look outside the bridge to get a clear view of horizon and check the number of vessels around. It is advised to take a walk all the way to both the bridge wings to get a view of the stern of the ship, as it is likely to be omitted. Once you have visually ascertained the situation outside, glance at the radar screen for the targets around and for more information provided by the Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA). It is recommended to switch to higher range scales for early detection of the aspect of vessels coming down (if nay).

If your ship is already in situation such as overtaking, close-quarter, or a crossing situation, Do Not take over the watch until the situation is over and the vessel is past and quite clear.

3. Weather Condition and Night Vision

The next important factor to check is weather condition. Make sure you are aware of
A) wind speed and direction
B) set and the drift of the current, as these play an important role in the charting a good course. with the available information , try to foresee if restricted visibility or precipitation is expected during your watch.
during hours of darkness/ restricted visibility, it is of utmost important to be fully adjusted to the low lights, as it helps in the purpose of an effective lookout. keep in mind that, it takes around 15 mints for the eyes of an average person to get adjusted to low lights from the artificial lights.Also ensure that complete darkness is maintained on the bridge during night watches.

4. Bridge Equipment and dimmers.


                                                             

Make sure all bridge equipment are ready and intact. Any trouble shooting or exception is to be clarified with the OOW to be relieved.
If needed adjust and configure the required bridge equipment to your settings. It is found that different officers like to use the radar with different orientation, CPA limits, Alram settings, and displays which they are comfortable with.
Chek the degree of rate of turn, set on the auto pilot and adjustment if necessary. During hours of darkness , all bridge equipment and other displays should be dimmed absolute minimum. Switch the display of the equipment to night mode. This will help in effective look out and prevent back scatter of lights.

5. Log Books, checklists and daily orders.

Make it a habit to chek the latest entry of the log book while taking over the watch. All the necessary information found there should be noticed any misgiving entries should be clarify with the OOW in no time. Donot forget to note down the Gyro error as well.
It is also important to check and sign the change of watch checklist. the same should be complied as well. it is an common practice on board to issue masters daily orders in addition to the existing standing orders of the Master. Such daily orders will contain special guidelines and information about navigating the present leg of the voyage, and hence should be read with good care and the same should signed and complied. If prior to arrival or pilot boarding, confirm while taking over the watch, whether you are supposed to prepare the required checklists or pilot cards or give notices to engine room or deck crew.

By PAWAN AND SHUBAHM