Watchkeeping
Navigational watchkeeping requires fit personnel, an effective lookout, clear handover and continuous monitoring. Pre-departure steering-gear tests are a separate check, with a waiver only when granted by the Administration.
Operational Explanation
SOLAS V/26 requires steering-gear checks and tests within 12 hours before departure. For ships regularly engaged on short voyages the Administration may waive the pre-departure check only if checks and tests are carried out at least weekly. Passage length alone does not create the waiver.
Regulatory Reference
SOLAS V/26.1–2: steering checks and tests within 12 hours before departure; V/26.5: possible waiver for regular short voyages with at least weekly tests. V/26.4 separately requires emergency steering drills at least every three months; V/26.6 addresses records. Watchkeeping follows STCW VIII and A-VIII/1–2, rest requirements, flag rules and SMS.
STCW A-VIII/2: before taking over check position, course, speed, traffic, weather, equipment and master’s orders. Do not hand over to an evidently unfit relief; inform the master. During a manoeuvre to avoid danger, defer handover until completed unless otherwise directed by the master. MCA: safe navigational watch.
Maintain lookout by sight, hearing and available means; automatic equipment does not replace it. Call the master promptly in prescribed circumstances and whenever in doubt while continuing necessary safety action. The presence of the master or pilot does not itself transfer the OOW’s responsibility: any takeover must be clearly understood. MCA: watchkeeping responsibilities.
Scope of Application
Every departure subject to SOLAS V/26. Apply the ordinary branch unless the ship holds documented evidence of the Administration's waiver for its regular short-voyage service.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Check the statutory arrangement, SMS and existence of a formal waiver.
- Without a waiver complete steering-gear checks and tests within 12 hours before departure.
- With a waiver comply with its scope and conditions and test at least weekly.
- Record result, defects and corrective action in the ship's prescribed record.
- Do not change STCW/MLC checks on watch composition and fitness.
Practical Example
A ship makes a short daily passage: the team does not presume exemption and uses the pre-departure test until its statutory arrangement documents the weekly waiver.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Treating 12 hours as the only possible arrangement or, conversely, inferring the waiver automatically from a short distance.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Treating 12 hours as the only possible arrangement or, conversely, inferring the waiver automatically from a short distance. | Incorrect operational decision or regulatory status | Use the primary reference and ship-specific procedure |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Separate the general rule from the formal waiver.
- Do not use estimated duration as proof of a short-voyage waiver.
- Keep records under the SMS and statutory requirements.
Preparation checklist
- Test within 12 hours or documented waiver
- Waiver limited to regular short voyages
- At least weekly checks if waived
- Records and defects managed
- Handover, fitness, rest, lookout and master-call requirements checked
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint 67189c72bcd6