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 5-3 : Performing the deck watch

Purchase

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102	The officer in charge of the deck watch shall—

.1	make rounds to inspect the ship at appropriate intervals;

.2	pay particular attention to:

.2.1	the condition and securing of the gangway, anchor chain and moorings, especially at the turn of the tide and in berths with a large rise and fall, if necessary, taking measures to ensure that they are in normal working condition;

.2.2	the draught, under-keel clearance and the general state of the ship, to avoid dangerous listing or trim during cargo handling or ballasting;

.2.3	the weather and sea state;

.2.4	the observance of all Regulations concerning safety and fire protection;

.2.5	the water level in bilges and tanks;

.2.6	all persons on board and their location, especially those in remote or enclosed spaces; and

.2.7	the exhibition and sounding, where appropriate, of lights and signals;

.3	in bad weather, or on receiving a storm warning, take the necessary measures to protect the ship, persons on board and cargo;

.4	take every precaution to prevent pollution of the environment by the ship;

.5	in an emergency threatening the safety of the ship, raise the alarm, inform the master, take all possible measures to prevent any damage to the ship, its cargo and persons on board, and, if necessary, request assistance from the shore authorities or neighbouring ships;

.6	be aware of the ship’s stability condition so that, in the event of fire, the shore fire-fighting Authority may be advised of the approximate quantity of water that can be pumped on board without endangering the ship;

.7	offer assistance to ships or persons in distress;

.8	take necessary precautions to prevent accidents or damage when propellers are to be turned; and

.9	enter, in the appropriate log-book, all important events affecting the ship.