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4.1 - Arrangements of the navigational watch

4.1.1 - The composition of the watch shall at all times be adequate and appropriate to the prevailing

circumstances and conditions, and shall take into account the need for maintaining a proper look-out.

4.1.2 - When deciding the composition of the watch the following factors, inter alia, shall be taken into account:

.1 - At no time shall the wheelhouse be left unattended;

.2 - Weather conditions, visibility and whether there is daylight or darkness;

.3 - Proximity of navigational hazards which may make it necessary for the officer in charge of the watch to

carry out additional navigational duties;

.4 - Use and operational condition of navigational aids such as radar or electronic position-indicating devices

and of any other equipment affecting the safe navigation of the vessel;

.5 - Whether the vessel is fitted with automatic steering; and

.6 - Any unusual demands on the navigational watch that may arise as a result of special operational

circumstances.

4.2 - Fitness for duty

The watch system shall be such that the efficiency of watchkeeping personnel is not impaired by fatigue.

Duties shall be so organized that the first watch at the commencement of a voyage and the subsequent relieving

watches are sufficiently rested and otherwise fit for duty.

4.3 – Navigation

4.3.1 - The intended voyage shall, as far as practicable, be planned in advance taking into consideration all

pertinent information, and any course laid down shall be checked before the voyage commences.

4.3.2 - During the watch the course steered, position and speed shall be checked at sufficiently frequent

intervals, using any available navigational aids necessary, to ensure that the vessel follows the planned course.

4.3.3 - The officer in charge of the watch shall have full knowledge of the location and operation of all safety

and navigational equipment on board the vessel, and shall be aware and take account of the operating limitations

of such equipment.

4.3.4 - The officer in charge of a navigational watch shall not be assigned or undertake any duties which would

interfere with the safe navigation of the vessel.

4.4 - Navigational equipment

4.4.1 - The officers in charge of the watch shall make the most effective use of all navigational equipment at

their disposal.

4.4.2 - When using radar the officer in charge of the watch shall bear in mind the necessity to comply at all

times with the provisions on the use of radar contained in the applicable regulations for preventing collisions at

sea.

4.4.3 - In cases of need the officer of the watch shall not hesitate to use the helm, engines, sound and light

signalling apparatus.

4.5 - Navigational duties and responsibilities

4.5.1 - The officer in charge of the watch shall:

.1 - Keep watch in the wheelhouse;

.2 - In no circumstances leave the wheelhouse until properly relieved;

.3 - Continue to be responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel despite the presence of the skipper in the

wheelhouse until informed specifically that the skipper has assumed that responsibility and this is mutually

understood;

.4 - Notify the skipper when in any doubt as to what action to take in the interest of safety; and

.5 - Not hand over the watch to a relieving officer if there is reason to believe that the latter is not capable of

carrying out the watchkeeping duties effectively, in which case the skipper shall be notified.

4.5.2 - On taking over the watch the relieving officer shall confirm and be satisfied as to the vessel’s estimated

or true position and confirm its intended track, course and speed, and shall note any dangers to navigation

expected to be encountered during the watch.

4.5.3 - Whenever practicable a proper record shall be kept of the movements and activities during the watch

relating to the navigation of the vessel.