Watchkeeping
The Skipper of every fishing vessel is required to ensure that watchkeeping arrangements are adequate for maintaining a safe navigational watch.
- The composition of the watch must be appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions and should take into account the need for maintaining a proper look-out. At no time should the wheelhouse be left unattended.
- The efficiency of watchkeeping personnel must not be impaired by fatigue. Organise duties so that the first watch at the commencement of a voyage and the subsequent relieving watches are sufficiently rested and otherwise fit for duty.
- The officer in charge of the watch should have full knowledge of the location and operation of all safety and navigational equipment on board the vessel and should be aware and take account of the operating limitations of such equipment. The officer in charge of the watch should notify the Skipper when in any doubt as to what action to take in the interest of safety.
- The look-out must be able to give full attention to the keeping of a proper look-out and no other duties should be undertaken or assigned which could interfere with that task. In cases where the officer in charge of the watch is the sole look-out, carefully assess the situation to make sure that it is safe to do so.
Night vision rules
- Give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust tothe dark before reporting for watch.
- At night use only dim red lights in the wheelhouse.
- Scan the horizon slowly and regularly.
- Use clean binoculars.
- Keep in good physical condition: fatigue, alcohol, drugs and tobacco lessen dark adaptation.
- Extinguish high intensity lights at least two miles away from an approaching vessel. Call other vessels on the Radio if they fail to extinguish all but their running lights in an approaching situation.
