BRIDGE MANUAL SHIP PROCEDURE

Card No Bridge-040 Version 02 2013-03-29 Page 1 of 2

Taking over the Watch



I. Purpose of the document

The following Taking Over the Watch procedure is a standardized mandatory company rule meant to support
OOW and Masters for safe and secure watch hand over.

II. Scope

Such a procedure will prevent navigation incidents; protect our ships, our crews and captains, and our long term
company global economic interests. It is in line with good maritime uses and practices.

III. Definitions and abbreviations

OOW: Officer On Watch

IV. Contents of the procedure


1. Aptitude to take over the watch

The Officer in charge of the watch shall not hand over the watch to the relieving Officer if there is a reason to
believe that the latter is not able of carrying out the watchkeeping duties effectively (STCW 95), in which case the
Master shall be notified immediately.

2. Taking over the watch

Taking over the watch is a transfer of responsibility between two officers.
A proper briefing shall take place to address all the items described in the check list ref XXX/ and addressing
elements listed down below:

Navigation :( Position, course, speed, drift, NTM, chart work)

Traffic monitoring: (Radar, ships lights, COLREG situations, VTS)

Ship handling: (Engine settings, steering gear, stability)

Environment: (Weather, visibility, tide, currents)

Miscellaneous: (Unavailabilities, Security, exercices, personnel on deck)


The Officer in charge who is being relieved must not leave the bridge until he is sure that his successor is
completely informed and that he has effectively taken the ship well in hand
The relieving Officer shall clearly notify the Officer in charge when he takes over the watch by announcing it
clearly so the entire watch team knows it:

I take over the watch

2. Manoeuvring in progress / deferral of relieve

If, at any time the officer in charge of the navigational watch is to be relieved when a manoeuvre or other action to
avoid any hazard is taking place, the relief of that officer shall be deferred until such action has been completed
and the situation is safe.

3. Taking over the watch Check-list



BRIDGE MANUAL SHIP PROCEDURE
Card No Bridge-040 Version 02 2013-03-29 Page 2 of 2
Taking over the Watch


The relieving officer must be present at bridge at least 15 minutes before taking watch.
When taking over the watch, the relieved and relieving officers must refer to the BRIDGE-045 Taking over the
watch check-list.
Both relieved and relieving officers are in charge to fill the taking over the watch check list.
The relieving officer fills the column Yes,No and NA according the relieved officers verbal report.
The relevant information must be written in the comments column.
On completion the list is signed by both officers and checked and signed by the master the first time he comes on
the bridge.
The check lists are collected and archived on-board for a period of 5 years.


4. Disputes between Officers on Watch upon relieving each other


The relieving officer may refuse to take over the watch in case he believes he is missing information or he has
doubts on the ships situation as presented on the Check List. The master must be immediately informed.



V. Appendices

-No


VI. References

-BRIDGE-045: Taking over the watch check-list.


VII. Modifications of the document

Description of the
Modification
Date NVersion
Modification on
Chapter IV.2/IV.3
Implementation of
Chapter
I/II/III/V/VI/VII/VIII
2013-03-29 2


VIII. Validation and Approval


Versions
of the
document
Redactor
name and
function
Date and
Signature
Validation
Name and
function
Date and
Signature
Approval
Name and
Function
Date and
Signature
2
Jacques
Subra
Nautical
Studies

2013-03-29

Eric Sabrazs
Marine
Standards
Manager


2013-03-29
Franck
Magarian
Executive
Vice
President
CMA Ships