Regulations > Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification and Safe Manning) Regulations, 2021 > Annexures > Annexure 2 : Watchkeeping Arrangements and Principles for Ships other than Fishing Vessels

98	Prior to taking over the deck watch, the relieving officer shall be informed by the officer in charge of the deck watch as to the following:

The depth of the water at the berth, the ship’s draught, the level and time of high and low waters; the securing of the moorings, the arrangement of anchors and the scope of the anchor chain, and other mooring features important to the safety of the ship; the state of main engines and their availability for emergency use;

.2	all work to be performed on board the ship; the nature, amount and disposition of cargo loaded or remaining, and any residue on board after unloading the ship;

.3	the level of water in bilges and ballast tanks;

.4	the signals or lights being exhibited or sounded;

.5	the number of crew members required to be on board and the presence of any other persons on board;

.6	the state of fire-fighting appliances;

.7	any special port Regulations;

.8	the master’s standing and special orders;

.9	the lines of communication available between the ship and shore personnel, including port authorities, in the event of an emergency arising or assistance being required;

.10	any other circumstances of importance to the safety of the ship, its crew, cargo or protection of the environment from pollution; and

.11	the procedures for notifying the appropriate Authority of any environmental pollution resulting from ship activities.

99	Relieving officers, before assuming charge of the deck watch, shall verify that—

.1	the securing of moorings and anchor chain is adequate;

.2	the appropriate signals or lights are properly exhibited or sounded;

.3	safety measures and fire-protection Regulations are being maintained;

.4	they are aware of the nature of any hazardous or dangerous cargo being loaded or discharged and the appropriate action to be taken in the event of any spillage or fire; and

.5	no external conditions or circumstances imperil the ship and that it does not imperil others.

Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)

Regulations

Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification and Safe Manning) Regulations, 2021

Annexures

Annexure 2 : Watchkeeping Arrangements and Principles for Ships other than Fishing Vessels

Part 5-1 : Taking over the deck watch