STCW Watchkeeping Duties 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under STCW, the officer of the watch must ensure that an efficient lookout is maintained at all times. In restricted visibility, which additional measure is specifically required?
- Displaying extra navigation lights
- Proceeding at a safe speed (Correct answer)
- Anchoring the vessel
- Switching to manual steering only
Correct answer: Proceeding at a safe speed
COLREGS Rule 19, reinforced by STCW, requires vessels in restricted visibility to proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing conditions.
Question 2: An OOW detects a radar target at 6 miles on a constant bearing. What does this most likely indicate?
- The target is overtaking your vessel
- The target is in a crossing situation with risk of collision (Correct answer)
- The target is moving away
- The target is anchored
Correct answer: The target is in a crossing situation with risk of collision
A radar target maintaining a constant bearing and decreasing range indicates risk of collision under COLREGS Rule 7.
Question 3: What does STCW require regarding the handover of a navigational watch?
- The relieving officer must have been off-watch for at least 4 hours
- The relieving officer must be fully briefed on the vessel's situation before taking over (Correct answer)
- The handover must occur at a fixed time regardless of circumstances
- The master must be present during every watch handover
Correct answer: The relieving officer must be fully briefed on the vessel's situation before taking over
STCW requires that the relieving OOW be fully informed of the vessel's situation, navigation status, and any relevant orders before assuming the watch.
Question 4: Which STCW requirement applies to a vessel in port during cargo operations at night?
- A licensed OOW must be on the bridge at all times
- A responsible officer must be on duty and available (Correct answer)
- All deck officers must remain on board
- The master must personally supervise all night operations
Correct answer: A responsible officer must be on duty and available
STCW requires that a responsible officer be on duty and readily available during cargo operations, even when the vessel is in port.
Question 5: When approaching a congested anchorage area, what is the OOW's priority regarding the echo sounder?
- Switch it off to reduce electrical load
- Monitor it continuously and compare readings with the chart (Correct answer)
- Only check it when anchoring
- Use it only as a backup to GPS
Correct answer: Monitor it continuously and compare readings with the chart
In shallow or congested waters, the OOW must continuously monitor the echo sounder and cross-check depth readings with charted depths.
Question 6: According to STCW, what action must the OOW take if they suspect the helmsman is not steering accurately?
- Wait until the end of the watch to address it
- Check the compass and correct the helmsman immediately (Correct answer)
- Relieve the helmsman and take the wheel personally
- File a formal complaint with the master
Correct answer: Check the compass and correct the helmsman immediately
The OOW must promptly check the compass reading and correct the helmsman if steering is inaccurate, as maintaining course is fundamental to safe navigation.
Question 7: Under STCW, what is the significance of the term 'proper lookout' as applied to watchkeeping?
- A lookout posted only in fog conditions
- Maintaining all available means of sight, hearing, and other senses to assess collision risk (Correct answer)
- A certified officer stationed exclusively at the bow
- A lookout required only during hours of darkness
Correct answer: Maintaining all available means of sight, hearing, and other senses to assess collision risk
A 'proper lookout' under STCW and COLREGS means using all available means including sight, hearing, radar, and AIS to maintain full situational awareness at all times.
STCW Watchkeeping Duties 3
Under STCW, the officer of the watch must ensure that an efficient lookout is maintained at all times.
In restricted visibility, which additional measure is specifically required?