How to take over the navigation watch ?

• The officer in charge of the navigational watch shall not hand over the watch to the relieving officer if there is reason to believe that the letter is not capable of carrying out the watch keeping duties effectively, in which case the master shall be notified.
• The relieving officer shall ensure that the members of the relieving watch are fully capable of performing their duties particularly as regards their adjustment of night vision. Relieving officers shall not take over the watch untill their vision is fully adjusted to the light conditions.
• Prior to taking over the watch, relieving officers shall satisfy themselves as to the ships estimated or true position and confirm its intended track, course and speed and ums controls as appropriate and shall note any dangers to navigation expected to be encountered during their watch.
• Relieving officers shall personally satisfy themselves regarding the :
• Standing orders and other special instructions of the master relating to navigation of the ship.
• Position, course, speed and draught of the ship.
• Prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility and the effects of these factors upon course and speed.
• Procedures for the use of main engines to manoeuvre when the main engines are on bridge control and
• Navigational situation, including but not limited to :
  1. The operational condition of all navigational and safety equipment being used or likely to be used during the watch.
  2. The errors of gyro and magnetic compasses.
  3. The presence and movement of ships in sight or known to be in the vicinity.
  4. The conditions and hazards likely to be encountered during the watch and
  5. The possible effects of heel, trim water density and squat on under keel clearance.
• If at any time the officer in charge of the navigational watch is to be believed when a manoeuvre or other action to avoid any hazard is taking place, the relief of that officer shall be deferred until such action has been completed.

OOW Actions includes:

• How to sound the General Alarm
• The dimensions of the ship.
• How to show appropriate signals & lights.
• How to illuminate all parts of bridge.
• How to use the communication equipment.
• How to control the engines.
• How to close watertight doors.
• How to transfer steering gear to manual.
• How to seek assistance.
• How to log times.
• How to record the ships position in a moment.
• How to think through critical situations in advance.