Rule 5 - Look-out

Rule 5 - Look-out

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 condition so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

Questions & Answers

Q1. Describe rule 5 look-out?
A1. By keeping a good look-out using eyes, ears and by using all navigation aids including radios for listening out for navigation warnings, so you can appraise any situation ahead of you.

Q2. When and with what means must a proper look-out be maintain?
A2. Proper look-out – At all times, by sight, by hearing, by all available means appropriate.

Q3. What are the particular duties of Officer of the Watch (OOW) regarding the look-out?
A3. Duties of the officer of the watch

– Observe all vessels

– Ascertain the risk of collision

– Keep an eye on his own ship

Verify nautical instruments

Check the course (especially with auto pilot)

– Be particularly vigilant when:

Meeting a vessel end on

Overtaking another vessel

Q4. What are the particular duties of look-out man?
A4. Duties of the look-out man

– Report any light

– Report any vessel

– Report any floating object

– Report any sound signal (especially in restricted visibility)

– If necessary, use binocular

Q5. Summarize the main points to be observed regarding the keeping of a safe navigational watch.
A5. Keeping a safe navigational watch

Proper performance of duties

For safety of life and property

For prevention of pollution

Apply the STCW principles at all times

Ensure adequate watchkeeping arrangements

Observe the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide

Proceed at a safe speed at all times

Use engines if necessary

Appendix: MGN 315 (M)

Q6. What are the main points to be considered with regard to fitness of duty and fatigue?
A6. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 3.


Q7. How should the officer of the watch perform his navigational watch? What shall be considered in particular?
A7. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 4.


Q8. Which factors should be taken into account when composing a bridge watch?
A8. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 5.


Q9. How should officer of the watch handed over the watch?
A9. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 6.


Q10. Summarize the points the relieving officer should consider when taking over the watch.
A10. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 7.


Taking over the watch :

Verify vessel’s position

Confirm intended track, course and speed

Note any dangers to navigation

Be aware of tides, currents, weather, visibility, and eventual effects on course and speed

Note errors on gyro and magnetic compass

Note status of bridge equipment

Note settings of bridge/engine controls


Q11. Summarize the main elements to be considered with regards to the maintaining a proper look-out.
A11. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 8.



Q12. Which precautionary measures should the officer of the watch take in restricted visibility?
A12. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 10.



In restricted visibility

Comply with the Colregs with regard to:

Keeping a look-out

Sounding of fog signals

Safe speed

Engines ready for immediate manoeuvre

In addition:

Inform the Master

Ensure the look-out is posted at all times

Exhibit navigation lights

Operate and use the radar

Put engines on standby


Q13. When should you consider to proceed at a safe speed?
A13. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 11.



Q14. Which precautionary measures should you take when your vessel at anchor?

A14. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 12.



Vessel at anchor:

Determine and plot vessel’s position

Check if vessel is remaining at anchor

Have a proper look-out

Make inspection rounds periodically

Observe:

Meteorological conditions

Tidal conditions

State of sea

Notify Master and take measures if anchor drags


Q15. What are the duties of watchkeeper when navigating with pilot?
A15. Refer to MGN 315 (M) Paragraph 9.



Q16. In connection with look-out, what do you understand by "all available means appropriate"?
A16. All available means appropriate

Use a radar:

In clear visibility

In restricted visibility

In operation or on standby

In congested waters

A proper look-out is still compulsory

Must be properly adjusted

Careful choice of scale range

Good choice of mode display


Q17. Comment the use of VHF as a collision avoidance aid?
A17. Refer to MGN 324 (M + F) Paragraph 1 - 13.


Q18. What do you know about the use of Automatic Identification System (AIS)?
A18. Refer to MGN 324 (M + F) Paragraph 13 - 21.



Q19. What do you understand by "fully appraisal of the situation and of risk of collision"?
A19. As officer of the watch (OOW) you must constantly be aware of what is happening on your on vessel and what is going on outside your vessel around you.


This included:


1. On your own vessel.

You must constantly know your exact vessel position and be aware of all dangers to navigation you are going to encounter, such as banks, shallows, rocks, wrecks, buoys, etc.

It is a very bad practice when you sight a buoy to go and check on the chart which buoy that may be. When you take over the watch, you check your position on the chart and according to your speed, you determine the way you will run during the watch. You also study all dangers you may encounter. You then make a photostats copy in your mind of that portion of the chart which will allow you to anticipate what and when you will see and/or meet obstacles. You need to check and plot a new fix at a regular intervals.

You need to be well acquainted with the atmospheric and hydrographic elements during your watch.

You need to know direction and force of the wind and state of the sea at all times. The direction and speed of current.

At all times, check the depth of water available and check for shallows and banks. They can produce bank suction, squat or sheering which may influence steering capacity and reduce the speed.

If there is any risk of collision, check if the engines are ready for use and at night, check if your navigation light is burning. Also check is the radar is operational or at-least on stand by.

Make sure the assistance watch keeper is on the bridge so that you can immediately switch over from automatic to manual steering.


2. Outside the vessel around you.

When you see any potential treat or a definite risk of collision from other vessel, take the following precautionary measures:


i. Radar plotting for data acquisition - course and speed.
ii. Regular compass bearing.
iii. Check how the vessel behaving. Is the vessel is keeping a steady course or sheering.
iv. Sounding the appropriate sound signal or make light signal with aldis lamp.
v. Be aware of interaction between vessel if you are following a parallel course.