Personnel of the Bridge Watch

On every vessel, the bridge team is responsible for safe navigation while following the passage plan. The composition of the team can vary between nations, companies and even ships within the same company. This can range from a solo watchkeeping officer that completes all of the duties of navigation alone up to a system of multiple officers of the watch, lookouts, helmsperson, pilot and Master. 

In general, principles of safe navigation are used to establish the required levels of team personnel that make up the watch. At all times the vessel needs to be handled safely and it is up to the Master to determine the number of personnel that is required to do this. The officer of the watch should be made aware though that this will be a minimum level of personnel and that more will be available should they require assistance.

Members of the Navigational Watch

A bridge team onboard could consist of the following members; Master, OOW, pilot, helmsman, lookout(s) & potentially an additional officer.

If there is an additional officer, they will provide support to the Master and OOW through radar-based information control or by updating information on the chart. This officer would also be of assistance with internal and external communications.

Watch Composition

The need to maintain a proper lookout should determine the basic composition of the navigational watch. There are a number of circumstances and conditions that could influence at any time the actual watchkeeping arrangements and bridge manning levels. The bridge team organisation should be such that the officer of the watch can manage all the resources that are available. Effective bridge resource & team management should be encouraged and not limited by the personnel. This is so the risk of an error on the part of one person could result in a dangerous situation is mitigated.

When determining the adequacy of the navigational watch to ensure proper lookout and execution of other routine bridge-related duties, the Master should take the following factors into account:

When deciding the composition of the watch on the bridge, which may include appropriately qualified ratings’ the following factors must be taken into account.

• The bridge must not be left unattended at any time.
• Daylight/darkness, visibility and weather conditions.
• Need for the OOW to carry out additional duties in proximity to navigational hazards.
• Use and operational condition of navigational aids such as radar or electronic position-indicating devices and any other equipment affecting the safe navigation of the ship.
• Availability of operational autopilot.
• Need to perform radio duties.
• Unattended machinery space (UMS) controls, alarms and indicators provided on the bridge, procedures for their use and limitations.
• Any unusual demands on the navigational watch that may arise as a result of special operational circumstances.

The OOW must ensure that the seafarer assigned the watch-keeping duties:

In certain circumstances, a helmsman will have to be employed as an addition to the lookout (the helmsman is not a lookout). It is the responsibility of the Officer of Watch to ensure that the vessel is being steered safely and efficiently. The OOW also needs to ensure that the helm orders are clearly understood and complied with as required.

In compulsory Pilotage waters, the Pilot becomes an important member of the bridge team. A preliminary plan should be prepared to cover Pilotage waters and the roles of the bridge team personnel. 

Hence the pilot is employed in an advisory capacity. There are areas in the world (e.g. Panama Canal), Dry Dock and Canada (Escoumins Pilot) where the Pilotage authority accepts full responsibility for the vessel where the pilot’s decisions damage the vessel, her cargo or other property.

Calling the Master

The OOW should notify the Master, in accordance with standing orders or special instructions, when in any doubt as to what action to take in the interests of safety. Guidance on specific circumstances for calling the Master or other backup support should be given in the shipboard operational procedures, supported by standing and bridge orders, as appropriate. The Bridge Procedures Guide also contains a checklist containing instances when the Master should be called. 

The Master should be notified under the following circumstances:

• If movement of other ships or traffic condition is causing concern.
• If difficulties are experienced in maintaining the course.
• If restricted visibility is encountered or expected.
• When making landfall.
• When a distress signal or unusual warning is received.
• On failure to sight land, a navigational mark or obtain soundings by the expected time.
• If, unexpectedly, land or a navigational mark is sighted or a change in soundings occurs.
• On a breakdown of the engine(s), propulsion machinery remote control, steering gear, or any essential navigational equipment, alarm or indicator.
• If radio equipment malfunctions.
• In heavy weather, if in doubt about the possibility of weather damage.
• If the ship meets any hazard to navigation, such as ice or derelict.
• In any other emergency or in any doubt.