Deck watch keeping Reviewer

DECK WATCHKEEPING
Watchkeeping or watchstanding is the assignment of sailors to
specific roles on a ship to operate it continuously. On a typical
seafaring vessel, be it naval or merchant, personnel "keep
watch" in various locations and duties across the ship, such as
the bridge and engine room.
Look-out
is a deck crewmember who is assigned/stationed on the
forecastle deck or on the bridge His primary duty is to report to
the officer of the watch or the conning officer of whatever
sightings which include
Reports are not only limited to sightings but also include
hearing of sound signals by other vessels, navigational aid, etc.
Lookouts are the eyes and ears of the ship.
Collision Regulation Rule No. 5
Rule 5 requires that "every vessel shall at all times maintain a
proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available
means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and
conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of
the risk of collision.
 Understanding Steering Gear in Ships
We are all familiar with the use of a rudder which helps in turning
a ship as and when required. Rudders are the principal system
for the entire motion and control of the ships. But we mustn’t
forget that the entire rudder action is dependent on another
pivotal system called the Steering Gear.
Steering Gear integrated with the rudder system defines
the complete turning mechanism mandatory for each and every
ship irrespective of size, type and operation
As per standard requirements, the steering gear should be
capable of steering the ship from 35 degrees port to 30 degrees
starboard and vice-versa with the vessel plying forwards at a
steady head-on speed for maximum continuous rated shaft rpm.
and summer load waterline within a time frame of a maximum
of 28 seconds
With one of the power units inoperative, the rudder shall be
capable of turning 15 degrees port to 15 degrees starboard (and
vice-versa) within a time frame of 1 minute with the vessel
moving at half its rated maximum speed of 7 knots (whichever is
greater) at summer load line
Emergency Power Supply: The steering gear system is to be
provided with an additional power unit (hydraulic pump etc.)
connected to the emergency power supply from the Emergency
Generator, which shall be capable of turning the rudder from 15
degrees from one side to another side within 60 seconds with
the vessel moving at a maximum service speed or 7 knots,
whichever is greater
A ship's emergency generator is a backup power source that
supplies electricity to essential systems in the event of a power
outage.
The main control of the steering operations is given from the
helm of any ship, similar to an automobile where the entire
control of the vehicle’s “steer-ability” rests on the steering wheel
of the driver. The ‘control force’ for turning is triggered off from
the wheel at the helm, which reaches the steering gear system.
How to Change from Manual to Auto
Regulation regarding the use of the automatic pilotSOLAS Ch-V
Safety of Navigation - Regulation 19
Use of the automatic pilot
(a) In areas of high traffic density, in conditions of restricted
visibility and in all other hazardous navigational situations where
the automatic pilot is used, it shall be possible to establish
human control of the ship's steering immediately.
(b) In circumstances as above, it shall be possible for the
officer of the watch to have available without delay the services
of a qualified helmsman who shall be ready at all times to take
over steering control.
(c) The change-over from automatic to manual steering and vice
versa shall be made by or under the supervision of a responsible
officer.
(d) The manual steering shall be tested after prolonged use of
the automatic pilot, and before entering areas where navigation
demands special caution.
Standard Helm Command to the Helmsman
Hard starboard/port
the order which requires the helmsman to put the rudder
on maximum rudder angle (usually at 35°)
Starboard/port5°,10°,20°, etc.
to put the rudder angle on the degrees as ordered.
Steer course, 000°, etc.
to steer on the ordered course.
Steady on course, 000°, etc.
usually given while swinging, to indicate course on
which the ship is to be steadied up or maintained.
Ease to 10° etc.
to reduce the rudder angle. This may be given as ease
to her to10° or 15.
Rudder midship
to put the rudder on the zero mark, no rudder angle.
Steady as she goes
to steady her upon the course she is heading when the
order is given.
Nothing left (Nothing to Port)
steady on ordered course but do not let the Ship come
(swing) to port.
Nothing right (Nothing to Starboard
steady on ordered course but do not let the ship come
(swing) to starboard.
What is your heading?
to be responded by giving the course presently heading.
Steady on the Mark
steady the course in accordance with the mark given
by the Pilot/Master (Very seldom used, usually only during
navigating in Panama Canal)
Steady 082 (course given) / Steer 082 (course given)
Steady on the course given by the conning
officer/Pilot/Master as the case may be.
What's your course?
Heading 082 (actual course at present or while
steering)
If Steering gear is not controlling the vessel for example in case
your rudder is hard over to starboard but the swing of the vessel
is going to port proper reporting is.
No Steering sir
Finish with the wheel order
helmsman no longer needed
Steering a vessel is a critical aspect of navigation, and different
modes or techniques are used depending on the weather, sea
state, traffic density, and maneuvering requirements. Here are
the main modes of steering and how they relate to different
conditions
1. Manual Steering (Hand Steering)
The helmsman directly controls the rudder through a
wheel or tiller. This mode is usually used when more precision is
required, or when automatic systems are unavailable or
unsuitable.

When to use Manual Steering

a. In heavy weather or rough seas: Manual steering may
offer better control and response, especially in waves or wind
conditions that may cause the vessel to deviate from its course.
b. When navigating narrow or congested areas (e.g., harbors or
channels) Manual steering allows for quick and precise
adjustments to avoid collisions with other vessels or obstacles.
 c. During specific maneuvers Turning in tight spaces, docking,
or avoiding immediate danger may require manual control for
finer adjustments.
Automatic Steering (Autopilot)
This system uses electronic controls to steer the vessel
along a pre-set course, maintaining the heading or track without
manual intervention. Modern autopilots often use sensors to
adjust to wind and sea conditions automatically.
When to Use
a. In calm weather or steady sea conditions. Autopilot is
ideal for long passages or when conditions are predictable, such
as in clear, moderate seas, or when the vessel is on an
established course over long distances.
b. In good visibility: Autopilot can work effectively when there is
little risk of sudden course changes due to weather, traffic, or
other navigational hazards.
c. During periods of reduced crew activity: Autopilot
reduces the need for continuous manual intervention, which is
useful on long voyages, allowing the crew to rest or focus on
other tasks.
Usage of Automatic Steering
Set the Desired Course
Autopilots usually allow you to set either a heading
(degree) or a track (route with waypoints).
Adjust rudder limits In heavy seas, the rudder may need to be
limited to avoid overstressing the steering gear. You can adjust
this on some systems to prevent excessive movement.
An off-course alarm is a safety feature that sounds when a
ship deviates from its intended course by a predetermined
amount.
How it works
• The user sets the alarm to a specific number of degrees
• When the ship's actual course differs from the set
course by more than the alarm's set value, the alarm
sounds
• The alarm can be audible and visible
Usage
The off-course alarm is a vital safety feature that helps
ensure the ship stays on course.
It automatically checks the autopilot and gyro.
Each steering mode has specific advantages depending on the
environment and operational needs. In open, calm seas,
autopilot or course-steering modes are ideal for fuel efficiency
and crew convenience. In rough weather or high-traffic
conditions, manual steering or dynamic systems provide greater
control and responsiveness.