FOM-3.9	Fleet Operations Manual Navigation Bridge watch	Doc No.: FOM-3.9 Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD

1.APPLICATION

The document applies to all vessels fully managed by Company.

2.PURPOSE

To specify:

• Requirements for bridge watches while vessel is underway and at anchor.
• Duties of Watch Keeping Officers and crew members for each bridge watch set.

3.RESPONSIBILITY

Master

• Proper bridge watch – Set as per prevailing conditions stated in section 4 below.
• Master’s standing orders – Establish and make them available on the bridge. See FOM 3.8 Master’s standing orders.
• Training of all officers and crew members assigned to bridge watch duties.

Watch Officer:

• Master's representative.
• Ensure safety of the ship.
• Execute planned passage.
• Determine vessel’s position.

4.BRIDGE WATCH CONDITIONS

Bridge and Engine Watch Levels – While Underway

Condition	Visibility	Traffic	Open Waters	Restricted Waters
Clear	Little or no	I/UMS	II
Clear	Higher density	II	II or III
Restricted visibility	Little or no	II	II or III
Restricted visibility	Higher density	III	III

Bridge and Engine Watch Levels – At Anchor

Day / Night	Bridge / Engine Watch Level
Day / Night	I / Engine UMS

Restricted waters include but are not limited to:

• Port arrival and departure including mooring and tug handling operations.
• Anchorage arrival and departure.
• Ship to ship manoeuvring operations.
• Mooring and tug handling operations.
• Pilot boarding and disembarkation.
• Traffic separation scheme.
• Fairway and roadstead transit.

For hazardous areas see FOM 3.5 Hazardous Areas.

5.ADDITIONAL WATCH REQUIREMENTS IN SINGAPORE STRAITS AND ONE FATHOM BANK

Refer to FOM 3.7 Additional watch – Singapore Straits and One Fathom Bank for additional watch requirements in specific areas in the Singapore Straits and One Fathom Bank. The additional watch requirements should be complied with:

• Irrespective of ship’s condition in both laden and ballast.
• Irrespective of day or night.

6.BRIDGE WATCH DEFINITIONS

6.1 Overview

CON	TRAFFIC	COMMS	NAVIGATION	OTHER DUTIES	HELM	LOOKOUT
Con Ship COLREGS	Radar & ARPA	Handle external and internal comms	Monitor vessel’s progress	Attend to Telegraph, monitor helm and engine, Keep Logs, Equipment tests/checks	Steering	Keep Look out
BW I	Watch officer	Watch officer	Watch officer	Watch officer	Lookout/Helmsman as required*	Lookout/Helmsman as required*
BW II	Master+ (at Master’s discretion)	Watch officer	Watch officer	Watch officer	Helmsman	Lookout
BW III	Master+	Watch officer	Watch officer	Additional Watch Officer (at Master’s discretion)	Helmsman	Lookout
ER I	Duty Engineer	Duty Engineer	Duty Engineer	Duty Engineer	Motorman	Motorman
ER II**	C/E++	Duty Engineer	Duty Engineer	Duty Engineer	Motorman	Motorman
ER III**	C/E++	Duty Engineer	Duty Engineer	Duty Engineer	Motorman	Motorman

* Mandatory during hours of darkness, from sunset to sunrise. Lookout (Officer/Crew member) to be available on Radio at all times for immediate assistance to the bridge when any of the conditions change.

+ Master can be relieved by C/O on bridge for extended periods of navigation, long pilotage, river passage & restricted visibility for work hours’ limitations.

++ C/E can be relieved by 2/E in engine room on extended periods of engine watches, long pilotage, river passage & restricted visibility for work hours’ limitations.

** ETO may be called for attendance on C/E’s discretion.

For details on bridge watch compositions during different levels, refer to sections 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 of this document.

6.2 Bridge Watch I

During daylight hours, one deck watch officer is required. When conditions change, ensure assistance is immediately available to bridge. In open waters, lookout (officer/crew member) shall be in contact with bridge to be called whenever required. In coastal waters, the lookout should be available on the bridge.

At Anchor

During daylight hours, OOW may be the sole watchkeeper. During hours of darkness (sunset to sunrise), deck watch officer & lookout are required for watchkeeping.

6.3 Bridge Watch II

Master to be on the bridge conning the vessel. One deck watch officer + Helmsman (at Master’s discretion) + lookout. Master can be relieved by C/O on bridge for extended periods of navigation, long pilotage, river passage & restricted visibility for work hours’ limitations. If long periods expected in this condition double the watches – Master is in charge of one watch and the Chief Officer of the other.

Duties of Conning Officer:

• Watch coordinator and supervisor.
• Regulate vessel’s course and speed for safe navigation.

Duties of Deck Watch Officer:

• Primary duty - Radar operation for both collision avoidance and navigation.
• Other Duties -
  • Conning Officer's helm and engine orders – Acknowledge and ensure they are carried out properly.
  • Engine order telegraph/Bridge propulsion control – Operate and watch for proper response.
  • RPM indicator/RPM & Pitch Indicator – Check for correct response to engine orders.
  • VTS local regulations regarding vessel’s speed & other parameters are complied with.
  • Rapid radar plotting & ARPA data – Ensure accuracy.

  CAUTION:

  Communicate any problems maintaining the track to the Conning Officer.

  • Plot closing targets to obtain CPA, TCPA, course and speed.
  • Report to Conning Officer & confirm acknowledgement.
  • Maintain Bridge logs and records.
  • Handle Communications.
  • Other duties as ordered by the Master.

6.4 Bridge Watch III

Master to be on the bridge conning the vessel. One deck watch officer + Helmsman (at Master’s discretion) + lookout. Additional watch officer to be deployed at the Master’s discretion.

Duties of Conning Officer:

• Watch coordinator and supervisor.
• Regulate vessel’s course & speed for safe navigation.
• Use two deck watch officers with maximum effectiveness & minimum confusion.
• Smoothly functioning team.
• Communication – Optimise.
• Assign one deck watch officer as the radar watch officer and other as the navigation watch officer.

Duties of Radar Watch Officer:

• Operate radar as primary responsibility, with specific reference to collision avoidance.
• Radar-derived information – Promptly and accurately report to the Master and confirm his acknowledgement.
• Radar navigation data – Provide to the navigation watch officer, preferably using the alternate radar.

Duties of Navigation Watch Officer:

• Navigation duties, excluding radar operation.
• Communication duties – Handle.
• Vessel's plotted navigational progress – Track.
• Especially speed and possible position deviations from the planned track.

7.DUTIES OF THE OFFICER OF THE WATCH – STEAMING CONDITIONS

7.1 General Duties

• Comply with COLREGS & basic principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch of STCW convention.
• Be aware of & comply with Master’s standing orders & additional instructions.
• Systems and their controls located on the bridge – Monitor.
• Keep watch on the bridge.

Chart Correction

Only carry out in hours of daylight, provided:

• Dedicated lookout personnel stationed on bridge.
• Clear visibility.
• Vessel is in deep waters.
• No proximity to any navigational hazard.
• Not navigating in coastal areas.

Be Aware Of

• Relevant bridge and emergency check lists.
• Work being carried out near radar, radio aerials & sound signalling apparatus.

CAUTION:

Use warning notices to hang on equipment controls when such work is in progress.

• Manoeuvring capabilities of the ship including the stopping distance & time, both as emergency and routine, in open sea and manoeuvring conditions.
• Operation of engine/propeller mechanism/propulsion systems and any limitations.

7.2 Calling the Master

Notify the Master immediately under any of the following circumstances:

• If in doubt as to the correct action to take for any reason.
• Visibility – If deteriorates to level stated in Master's Standing Instructions.
• Movements of other vessels – If causing concern.
• Maintaining course – If in difficulty due to traffic/meteorological/or sea conditions.
• Land or a navigation mark – Failure to sight/obtain soundings by the expected time.
• Land or a navigation mark – Unexpectedly sighted.
• Sounded depth – Unexpected reduction.
• Hazard to navigation – Unexpectedly sighted.
• Vessel’s position – If in doubt.
• Navigational equipment – If in doubt about accuracy.
• Breakdown of the engines, steering gear or any essential navigational equipment.
• Speed – If necessary to reduce for any reason.
• Traffic density – If increases substantially.
• Weather damage – If in any doubt about the possibility.
• Distress signal – Sighting or receipt of distress message.

7.3 Keeping a Good Watch

Maintain a continuous, alert and efficient watch. Give the watch-keeping personnel all appropriate instructions and information necessary for maintaining a safe watch. Ensure the following:

• Bridge manning as per the passage plan watch level requirements.
• All-round visual and aural lookout – To allow a full grasp of the current situation, including the presence of ships and landmarks in the vicinity (see section 7.4 below).
• Movements and bearing of approaching vessels – Close observation.
• Ship and shore lights – Identification.
• Course accurately steered and wheel orders executed – Closely monitor.
• Radar and echo sounder displays – Observe.
• Weather & visibility – Observe changes.

7.4 Lookouts and Watch Keeping Hours

It is of special importance that at all times the officer in charge of the navigational watch ensures that a proper look-out is maintained. In a ship with a separate chartroom the officer in charge of the navigational watch may visit the chartroom, when essential, for a short period for the necessary performance of navigational duties but shall first ensure that is safe to do so and that a proper look-out is maintained.

The officer in charge of the navigational watch may be the sole look-out in daylight provided that on each occasion:

• The situation has been carefully assessed and it has been established without doubt that it is safe to do so.
• Full account has been taken of all relevant factors including but not limited to:
• OOW has had sufficient rest prior to starting the watch.
• State of weather.
• Visibility.
• Traffic density.
• Proximity of dangers to navigation; and.
• The attention necessary when navigating in or near traffic separation schemes.
• Assistance is immediately available to be summoned to the bridge when any change in the situation requires.

Ensure lookouts:

• Are posted where they can perform best under existing circumstances.
• Have no other duties.

Note:

Lookout duties are separate to those of the helmsman.

• Know how to report for duty (alert, properly clothed).
• Are properly instructed in what to observe, report, and how to report.
• Are relieved or rotated on station as necessary. See Section 6 for lookout requirements.

Watch Keeping Matrix (not for offshore vessels):

Time	00	02	04	06	08	10	12	16	18	20	22	24
Watch off 1
Watch off 2
Watch off 3
Lookout 1
Lookout 2
Lookout 3

Watch Keeping Matrix (Offshore Vessels 6 – 6 System)

Time	00	02	04	06	08	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24
Watch Off 1
Watch Off 2
Lookout 1
Lookout 2

Watch Keeping Matrix (Offshore Vessels 12 – 12 System)

Time	00	02	04	06	08	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24
Watch Off 1
Watch Off 2
Lookout 1
Lookout 2

Changing Over the Watch

Out-going officer shall ensure:

• Controlled conditions.
• Change over the watch is always under controlled conditions.
• No Manoeuvre in progress. If a manoeuvre or other action to avoid a hazard is in progress, defer hand over until completion of action.
• Fitness of relieving officer - Do not hand over the watch if there is any reason to believe that the relieving officer:
• Is suffering from any disability (including illness, drink, drugs).
• Would be unable to carry out his duties effectively.
• Has not complied with minimum rest period requirements resulting in fatigue.

CAUTION:

If in doubt, consult the Master.

• Fire Rounds - After handing over the watch, carry out rounds to check for fire, flooding or any other unusual circumstances.

Relieving officer shall ensure:

• Work & rest period compliance - Comply with minimum work hours and rest period requirements.
• Vision is adjusted - Fully adjust vision to the prevailing light conditions.
• Use and condition of equipment - Personally, be satisfied on the use and condition of Bridge navigating equipment.
• Fitness of watch members - Members of watch are fully capable of performing their duties. They have adjusted to night vision after dark.
• 7.6 Periodic checks of navigational equipment -
  • Helmsman or the automatic pilot – Check steering the correct course.
  • Standard magnetic compass – Establish error at least: Once a watch, After any major alteration of course.
  • Standard magnetic and gyro compasses – Compare frequently and synchronise repeaters.
  • Automatic pilot – Test in the manual position at least once a watch.
  • Navigation and signal lights – Check correct function.
  • Other navigational equipment – Check correct function.
• 7.7 Use of engines / thrusters - Use the vessel’s engines / propulsion systems as needed for assistance in manoeuvring.
• 7.8 Engine standby condition - Ensure that the main engine is in standby condition whenever the vessel is navigating in:

Note:

For vessels with Bridge control of propulsion systems, ensure control(s) is operational on the Bridge.

• Restricted waters as identified point 4 bridge watch conditions.
• Adverse weather conditions.
• High density traffic areas.
• Port approach or under any other circumstances deemed necessary.

At the time of giving one hour’s notice to the engine room, consider giving notice for following requirements as well:

• Doubling up of steering gear systems.
• Additional alternators.
• Hydraulic machinery and or steam driven machinery.

Ensure that the main engine is in standby condition in the below geographical areas:

• Singapore Straits and One Fathom Bank (Refer to FOM3.7).
• Sections of the English Channel, especially in the Dover Straits.
• The Bosporus and Dardanelles.
• Baltic Sea areas at Master’s discretion.
• The Magellan Straits.
• Straits of Gibraltar.

Note:

Any other waterways or in any other circumstances as per Master’s discretion Note:
Make appropriate entries in both the bridge and engine room logbook regarding the notice period and standby condition requirements.
It may not always be possible to give the one hour’s notice as described above.
However, when the vessel is in UMS mode and where circumstances permit, allow time for the duty Engineer Officer to man the engine room before using the engine.


• 7.9 Use of Helmsman and Autopilot when arriving congested waters -
  • Station the helmsman and change over to manual steering in good time.

  WARNING:

  With a vessel under automatic steering, it is dangerous to allow a situation where the officer of the watch is without assistance and must break the continuity of the lookout to take emergency action.

  • Be aware of the direct access to the steering gear using a manual override at the conning position.
  • Ensure all officers are familiar with the proper method of change over.

Note:

Changeover from automatic to manual steering and vice versa shall be made by:
- The officer of the watch or
- Under his supervision


CAUTION:

Auto-pilot may malfunction. Carefully monitor its performance particularly during change over between systems.

• 7.10 Helicopter Operations - Familiarise with the ICS guide to helicopter/ship operations.

Note:

Applicable to Masters and officers of the watch of vessels likely to be engaged in the transfer of personnel or stores by helicopter.

• 7.11 System Controls – Monitoring and Operation - Monitor other systems and their controls which are located on the bridge. These include:
• Fire detection.
• Watertight integrity.
• Machinery condition.
• Radio communications.
• GMDSS equipment located at the bridge.
• Ballast control.
• Cargo humidity.
• Reefer condition.
• Gas pressure and detection.
• Other specialised requirements.

CAUTION:

During critical phases, ensure that there is enough manpower available to operate all system controls.

• 7.12 Compass Error - Determine compass error (conditions permitting):
• At least once each watch at sea and at anchor.
• For each course steered.

Note:

Record in the compass record book and deck logbook.
If more than 1 master gyros are fitted, then mention identity of master gyro in use e.g. master gyro # 1, or # 2.

• In restricted or pilotage waters – Use transit bearings and ranges.
• Hourly – Compare gyro and magnetic compasses.
• Frequently Compare – Master gyro and all repeaters, and other equipment.

CAUTION:

Investigate significant discrepancies,
- Correct if possible, and
- Log in the deck logbook

Note:

A current deviation table shall be maintained and made available to the deck watch officer.

• 7.13 Determining the Vessel’s Position -
  • Use all navigational equipment, as necessary, to determine the vessel's position.
  • Understand advantages and limitations of each aid.
  • To obtain confirmed fix, compare each fix to another obtained by alternate means.

  CAUTION:

  Do not use GPS as a sole means of navigation.

  • Use three position lines for all terrestrial fixes.

  CAUTION:

  A single bearing and range is open to error.

  • Plot all fixes on the navigation chart in use/ECDIS.
  • Do not use a buoy or any such mark as it is liable to shift.
  • Do not use a fixed point as a range unless no alternative exists.
  • Select radar bearings taken to points of land carefully.

  Note:

  Prefer isolated rocks, beacons, etc., which are clearly defined and shown on navigation charts and not subject to shifting with winds and currents.

  • Make positive identification of navigation lights (lighthouses, buoys, beacons, etc.).

  Note:

  Make deck logbook entries for time, distance off, and vessel speed when abeam of navigational lights, aids, and prominent points ashore as applicable.

  • Keep fixes on charts until the passage is completed.
  • Take soundings using the echo sounder when:
  • Making a landfall.
  • When the vessel is in unfamiliar, restricted, or shoal waters, or.
  • At any other time when soundings may assist in establishing the vessel's position.

CAUTION:

Whenever dangers to navigation exist in restricted waters or in coastal areas, ensure frequent checks of the vessel's position by alternative methods.
This is to eliminate risk of grounding or stranding because of human or mechanical error.

• 7.14 Navigation in Coastal Waters -
  • Ensure charts used are the most suitable for the planned passage.
  • Positively identify all relevant navigation marks.
  • Take position fixes at regular intervals.

  Note:

  The frequency will depend upon factors such as distance from nearest hazard, speed of ship, set experienced etc.

  • Use radar for parallel indexing:
  • When navigational marks are not clearly visible, or.
  • In restricted waters where continuous monitoring of the ship's position is desirable.

8.DUTIES OF THE OFFICER OF THE WATCH – SHIP AT ANCHOR

• Maintain a continuous anchor watch on the bridge.
• Exhibit appropriate lights, shapes and sound signals.
• Ensure an efficient lookout is maintained.
• Ensure readiness of the main engines & other machinery per Master's instructions.
• Determine & plot ship's position on the appropriate chart as soon as practicable.
• Check ship’s position at frequent intervals by taking bearings of:
• Fixed navigational marks and, or.
• Marks monitored by automatic radar plotting aids or.
• Readily identifiable shore objects.
• Monitor all vessels anchored in close vicinity.
• Observe weather, tidal and sea conditions.
• Ensure an inspection of the vessel is made periodically.
• Maintain anti-piracy precautions as applicable (see master’s standing orders).

9.REQUIREMENTS FOR OTHER OFFICERS

See CMM Job descriptions for full duties of the various navigating officers.

Newly joining officers:

• Are to report to the Master and, with the officer being relieved, inspect all items for which he is responsible.

All deck officers and Helmsmen must be thoroughly familiar with the sound and operation of all relevant alarms. This includes alarm for helm being turned while in automatic steering mode.

Fire Patrols and Alarm Testing

The officer of the watch shall:

• Arrange for fire patrols to visit every part of the ship regularly.
• Not leave the bridge until properly relieved, so that the watchkeeping requirement as per SOLAS & STCW is not contravened.
• After being relieved conduct fire patrols at 2000, 0000 and 0400 hours, both at sea or in port.

Note:

- On offshore vessels this is normally done by the ABs on duty.
- Record fire patrol rounds in the deck logbook.

• Arrange for the vessel fire alarm to be tested at regular intervals.
• Rounds shall include a physical check to ensure that all loose equipment is secured, interior and exterior doors closed and there exists no immediate fire or security risks to the vessel.
• A list for places to be checked to be prepared and posted on bridge, this list to be reviewed at regular intervals. At least the following places shall be included in “inspection rounds plan”:
• Places in the accommodation having a high likelihood of fire outbreaks (galleys, laundry and drying rooms etc.).
• Places in the accommodation where fresh water and drinking water are used.
• Any other necessary places as established by shipboard management.

10.NIGHT ORDERS

The Master shall, write orders to supplement his standing orders in the Master night order book:

• Every night before turning in and.
• At any other time he considers it necessary.
• When the vessel is underway or at anchor.
• If there is nothing of significance to record, then make the entry, “Observe Standing Orders”.
• Date, time and sign all entries.

The officer of the watch shall read and sign the night orders to show his understanding of them prior taking over the watch.

11.DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

COLREGS

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

STCW

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers, STCW Convention

CPA

Closest Point of Approach

TCPA

Time of Closest Point of Approach

12.REFERENCED FORMS AND CHECKLISTS

• Poster 024 - Steaming Watch Conditions and Tasks.
• Poster 025 - Watch Keeping Matrix.

13.APPENDICES

• FOM 3.7 Additional watch – Singapore Straits.
• NAV 08 Port arrival preparations.
• FOM 3.8 Masters standing orders.
• NAV 13 Bridge daily tests and checks.
• NAV 11 Changing over watch.
• NAV 12 Helicopter safety checklist.