Below listed important points to go ensure while handing over the watch:
- The relieving officer is fully capable and fit for doing his duties. It is important to be sure that the relieving officer is fully capable of doing his duties. He should not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Person suffering from lack of sleep should also be not handed over.
- Standing orders and other special instructions of the master relating to navigation of the ship. Master’s night orders and standing orders should be told to the reliever and all doubts should be cleared to him to his satisfaction level. If we are not able to clear his doubts request should be made to the master for the same.
- Position, course, speed and draught of the ship. Especially in coaster waters we should inform our reliever about the Course over Ground, Speed, Position and Draught of the vessel so as he knows the limitations of the vessel in that condition.
- Prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather and visibility and the effect of these factors upon course and speed. Approximate direction of the currents, weather and visibility conditions should be informed to the reliever so as he knows the speed through water, speed over ground, the set and direction of the current, expected weather which he may encounter during his watch and to decide whether he wants an extra look out or to turn on both the RADARS depending upon the visibility level.
- Procedures for the use of main engines to manoeuvre when the main engines are on bridge control, and the status of the watch keeping arrangements in the engine room. If the Telegraph control is given to bridge then procedures for adjusting the RPM of the ship. If the ship’s speed has to be changed from Navigation full ahead to manoeuvring speed then the time period required to give notice to the engine room. If the engine room is manned then the reliever to be informed about the name and rank of the engineer/s in the engine room.
- The ship security status. If ship is passing from high-risk piracy areas then the security status should be informed to the reliever like number of people taking security rounds on deck, rigging of fire hoses and security lights or any other thing related to the security of the vessel. Security lights for forecastle switched on after receiving piracy warning (Malacca Strait)
- Sufficient time has been allowed for night vision to be established and that such vision is maintained. Sufficient time should be given to the reliever to adjust his eye sights, especially during night watches so as he is able to see everything clearly from the bridge during the night period.
- Navigational situation, including but not limited to:
- a. The operational condition of all navigational and safety equipment being used or likely to be used during the watch.
- b. The errors of gyro and magnetic compasses.
- c. The presence and movements of ships in sight or known to be in the vicinity.
- d. The conditions and hazards likely to be encountered during the watch.
- e. The possible effects of heel, trim, water density and squat on under keel clearance.
- f. Any special deck work in progress.
When not to hand over the watch:
- When reliever is not fully fit to do duty.
- When a manoeuvre is in progress until it is completed.
