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Commercial Fisheries News
Volume 36 Number 12
August 2009
SAFE BOAT
Watchkeeping: Know your responsibilities
Unfortunately, most fishing vessel accidents are caused by human error. These mistakes are the results of a number of factors, including lack of training, poor attitude, lack of attention, and negligence.
As a crewmember, you have no more critical duty than standing a steaming watch or, as a skipper, working your gear. The fisherman on watch is responsible for the lives of everyone on board and the safety of the vessel.
Staying awake and being alert to what’s going on both aboard and around the vessel are the most basic requirements.
Additionally, a solid understanding of basic watchkeeping rules, seamanship skills, and rules of the road is vital. And local conditions may require you to have more in-depth skills.
The following are checklists of things that every watchstander should know. Captains should review the lists with crewmen to make sure that each individual who will stand watch really knows these basics.
Vessel details
o Know length, beam, and draft.
o Know the vessel’s turning diameter, stopping distance, and handling characteristics.
o Know how to turn the vessel in the shortest time.
o Know how to turn the vessel in the least amount of space.
o Know how the vessel handles in reverse.
o Know the location and function of gauges and corrective action if they indicate a problem.
o Recognize alarms and know how to take corrective action.
o Know location and how to activate general alarm if available.
o Know how to operate internal communications such as hailers and intercom.
o Know how to operate the autopilot and convert from automatic to manual steering.
o Know how to recognize unseaworthy conditions such as loss of watertight integrity, free surfacing, excessive list, excessive ice buildup, deteriorating weather conditions, bar crossing, etc.
Navigation
o Understand the rules of the road.
o Know how to make visual and electronic fixes and maintain a dead reckoning plot.
o Know how to operate the radar, loran, GPS, fathometer, pilot, radios, and navigational lights.
o Know how to determine when the risk of collision exists.
o Know location and operation of Bridge Watch Alarm System if available.
o Know how to read and interpret the information on a chart.
o Know the location of the magnetic deviation card and how to apply error correction.
o Understand changes and characteristics of various weather conditions.
Fishing operations
o Know what to do if the gear becomes snagged on the bottom or another obstruction.
o Know how to avoid running over fishing gear.
o Understand effects of wind and tide during fishing operations.
o Know how to communicate with the crew on matters of deck safety, oncoming heavy seas, and other possible hazards.
Emergency procedures
o Know how to sound the general alarm and what to do in emergencies such as fire, flooding, man overboard, collision, grounding, abandon ship, etc.
o Know the location and procedures for donning immersion suits and PFDs.
o Know the location of the life raft and launch procedures.
o Know the location and use of flares and activation of EPIRB.
o Know the location of survival and medical kits.
o Know the location and how to use portable fire extinguishers.
o Know the location and how to use emergency or backup lighting, flashlights, and backup battery.
o Know the location and how to use life rings and life slings for man-overboard retrieval.
o Know radio procedures and postings.
o Know how to make a mayday call.
Watch prep
As you prepare to take over the watch, make sure you:
o Are well rested and fully awake.
o Have established your night vision if it’s a night watch.
o Know the position of the vessel on the chart.
o Know the vessel’s course and speed.
o Know the identity of any navigational marks in sight or expected.
o Know the depth of the water.
o Familiarize yourself with the navigational equipment in use.
o Know what weather is expected.
o Know the direction and speed of the wind.
o Know of any expected navigational hazards.
o Know the location and movement of the vessels in your area.
o Check that your navigational lights are all functioning.
o Understand any special orders that apply to your watch.
Watch checks
During the watch, make sure to:
o Periodically check the engine controls and gauges.
o Monitor the engine room and pump-out bilges during and at the end of each watch.
o Scan the deck regularly for loose gear.
o Check that the autopilot is on course and make appropriate changes if necessary.
o Check the steering system in the manual position.
o Make sure all navigational lights and equipment are functioning properly.
Most importantly, if you can’t stay awake or are in doubt, call the captain. When you stand watch, you are his eyes and ears. It’s your job to keep him informed.
It’s been said that the secret of safety at sea is keeping out of trouble rather than getting out once you are in trouble.
In the next article we will review the common causes of accidents associated with poor watchkeeping.
Fred Mattera
NESTCo
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