Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)RegulationsMerchant Shipping (Training, Certification and Safe Manning) Regulations, 2021AnnexuresAnnexure 2 : Watchkeeping Arrangements and Principles for Ships other than Fishing VesselsPart 4-1 : Principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch9. Taking over the watch |
| 19 | The officer in charge of the navigational watch shall not hand over the watch to the relieving officer if there is reason to believe that the latter is not capable of carrying out the watchkeeping duties effectively, in which case the master shall be notified. |
| 20 | The relieving officer shall ensure that the members of the relieving watch are fully capable of performing their duties, particularly as regards their adjustment to night vision. Relieving officers shall not take over the watch until their vision is fully adjusted to the light conditions. |
| 21 | Prior to taking over the watch, relieving officers shall satisfy themselves as to the ship’s estimated or true position and confirm its intended track, course and speed, and UMS controls as appropriate and shall note any dangers to navigation expected to be during their watch. |
| 22 | Relieving officers shall personally satisfy themselves regarding the— |
| .1 | standing orders and other special instructions of the master relating to navigation of the ship; |
| .2 | position, course, speed and draught of the ship; |
| .3 | prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility and the effect of these factors upon course and speed; |
| .4 | procedures for the use of main engines to manoeuvre when the main engines are on bridge control; and |
| .5 | navigational situation, including, but not limited to— |
| .5.1 | the operational condition of all navigational and safety equipment being used or likely to be used during the watch; |
| .5.2 | the errors of gyro- and magnetic compasses; |
| .5.3 | the presence and movement of ships in sight or known to be in the vicinity; |
| .5.4 | the conditions and hazards likely to be encountered during the watch; and |
| .5.5 | the possible effects of heel, trim, water density and squat on underkeel clearance. |
| 23 | 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. |