STCW Watchkeeping Duties 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under STCW, what is the minimum rest period a watchkeeper must have before assuming a navigational watch?
- 6 hours (Correct answer)
- 10 hours
- 8 hours
- 12 hours
Correct answer: 6 hours
STCW requires at least 6 hours of rest immediately before assuming a navigational watch.
Question 2: When a vessel is navigating in or near a traffic separation scheme, which COLREGS rule primarily governs watchkeeper behavior?
- Rule 9
- Rule 10 (Correct answer)
- Rule 13
- Rule 17
Correct answer: Rule 10
COLREGS Rule 10 specifically governs conduct in traffic separation schemes, requiring vessels to follow the appropriate traffic lane.
Question 3: A watchkeeping officer notices that the vessel's compass heading deviates 5 degrees from the ordered course. What is the FIRST action to take?
- Notify the master immediately
- Apply helm to return to the ordered course (Correct answer)
- Check the autopilot settings
- Log the deviation in the bell book
Correct answer: Apply helm to return to the ordered course
The immediate priority is to correct the course deviation by applying appropriate helm before taking further action.
Question 4: According to STCW, which document must the officer of the watch consult before altering course in a restricted visibility area?
- The ship's standing orders
- The voyage plan (Correct answer)
- The nautical almanac
- The tide tables
Correct answer: The voyage plan
The voyage plan contains the planned track, waypoints, and contingency routes that must be followed or referenced when altering course.
Question 5: Under STCW, who bears ultimate responsibility for the safety of navigation during a watch?
- The helmsman
- The lookout
- The officer of the watch (Correct answer)
- The pilot on board
Correct answer: The officer of the watch
The officer of the watch is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel during their watch, regardless of other personnel present.
Question 6: When should an OOW call the master according to STCW guidelines?
- Only when a collision is imminent
- Whenever visibility drops below 1 nautical mile
- When in any doubt about safety or if the situation requires it (Correct answer)
- Only during hours of darkness
Correct answer: When in any doubt about safety or if the situation requires it
STCW mandates that the OOW shall not hesitate to call the master when in any doubt about the safety of the vessel.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a compass error check during a navigational watch?
- To calibrate the autopilot system
- To verify the accuracy of the magnetic and gyro compasses (Correct answer)
- To determine the vessel's position
- To calculate leeway
Correct answer: To verify the accuracy of the magnetic and gyro compasses
Regular compass error checks ensure that both the magnetic and gyro compasses are reading accurately, which is essential for safe navigation.
STCW Watchkeeping Duties 2
Under STCW, what is the minimum rest period a watchkeeper must have before assuming a navigational watch?