5 Watchkeeping arrangements & principles to be observed

5.1 Regard to be had to STCW Code

Companies, masters, chief engineers and all persons engaged on watchkeeping duties must observe the standards regarding watchkeeping set out in Appendix 1 and the guidance regarding watchkeeping set out in Appendix 2 to ensure that a safe continuous watch or watches appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions are maintained in all seagoing ships at all times.

Note: Appendix 1 gives effect to Section A-VIII/2 and Appendix 2 to Section B-VIII/2 of the STCW Code.

5.2 Master to ensure adequate arrangements

5.2.1 The master of a ship must ensure that watchkeeping arrangements are adequate for maintaining a safe watch or watches, taking into account the prevailing circumstances.

5.2.2 Under the master’s general direction:

(a) officers in charge of the navigational watch are responsible for navigating the ship safely during their periods of duty, when they must be physically present on the navigating bridge, or in a directly associated location such as the chartroom or bridge control room, at all times;
(b) radio operators are responsible for maintaining a continuous radio watch on appropriate frequencies during their periods of duty; and
(c) officers in charge of an engineering watch, as defined in the STCW Code and under the direction of the chief engineer officer, must be immediately available and on call to attend the machinery spaces and, when required, must be physically present in the machinery space during their periods of responsibility.

5.2.3 The master must ensure that an appropriate and effective watch or watches are maintained for the purpose of safety at all times while the ship is at anchor or moored and, if the ship is carrying hazardous cargo, the organisation of such watch or watches takes full account of the nature, quantity, packing and stowage of the hazardous cargo and of any special conditions prevailing on board, afloat or ashore.

5.3 Watchkeeping at sea

5.3.1 Companies, masters, chief engineer officers and watchkeeping personnel must observe the following principles to ensure that safe watches are maintained at all times.

5.3.2 The master of every ship is bound to ensure that watchkeeping arrangements are adequate for maintaining a safe navigational watch. Under the master's general direction, the officers of the navigational watch are responsible for navigating the ship safely during their periods of duty, when they will be particularly concerned with avoiding collision and stranding.

5.3.3 The chief engineer officer of every ship is bound, in consultation with the master, to ensure that watchkeeping arrangements are adequate to maintain a safe engineering watch.