Principles applying to all watchkeeping
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40

Principles applying to all watchkeeping

General

90 On any ship safely moored or safely at anchor under normal circumstances in port, the master shall arrange for an appropriate and effective watch to be maintained for the purpose of safety. Special requirements may be necessary for special types of ships’ propulsion systems or ancillary equipment and for ships carrying hazardous, dangerous, toxic or highly flammable materials or other special types of cargo.

Watch arrangements

91 Arrangements for keeping a deck watch when the ship is in port shall at all times be adequate to:

  • .1 ensure the safety of life, of the ship, the port and the environment, and the safe operation of all machinery related to cargo operation;

  • .2 observe international, national and local rules; and

  • .3 maintain order and the normal routine of the ship.

  92 The master shall decide the composition and duration of the deck watch depending on the conditions of mooring, type of the ship and character of duties.

  93 If the master considers it necessary, a qualified officer shall be in charge of the deck watch.

  94 The necessary equipment shall be so arranged as to provide for efficient watchkeeping.

  95 The chief engineer officer, in consultation with the master, shall ensure that engineering watchkeeping arrangements are adequate to maintain a safe engineering watch while in port. When deciding the composition of the engineering watch, which may include appropriate engine-room ratings, the following points are among those to be taken into account:

  • .1 on all ships of 3,000 kW propulsion power and over there shall always be an officer in charge of the engineering watch;

  • .2 on ships of less than 3,000 kW propulsion power there may be, at the master’s discretion and in consultation with the chief engineer officer, no officer in charge of the engineering watch; and

  • .3 officers, while in charge of an engineering watch, shall not be assigned or undertake any task or duty which would interfere with their supervisory duty in respect of the ship’s machinery system.

Taking over the watch

96 Officers in charge of the deck or engineering watch shall not hand over the watch to their relieving officer if they have any reason to believe that the latter is obviously not capable of carrying out watchkeeping duties effectively, in which case the master or chief engineer shall be notified accordingly. Relieving officers of the deck or engineering watch shall ensure that all members of their watch are apparently fully capable of performing their duties effectively.

  97 If, at the moment of handing over the deck or engineering watch, an important operation is being performed, it shall be concluded by the officer being relieved, except when ordered otherwise by the master or chief engineer officer.

Parent topic: Part 5 – Watchkeeping in Port
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