Look-out to Avoid Collision

The MAIB has reported on a collision between the cargo vessel Daroja, and the bunker vessel Erin Wood, off the coast of Scotland. Although there were many different factors contributing to the incident the main cause was poor look-out by single handed watch keepers.

When a watch keeping officer is distracted by other tasks, the risks of collision increases. When a single handed watch keeper become distracted by other tasks the risks increase even more.

North’s analysis of collisions shows that poor look-out is a very common factor in incidents.

North’s LP guide ‘Collisions How to Avoid Them’ contains advice on keeping a look-out. If you are on a North entered vessel you may have a copy you can read when not on watch. Amongst other things it states that the two most vital elements of Rule 5 Look-out are:

• You must pay attention to everything – not just looking ahead out of the bridge windows but looking all around the vessel, using all your senses and all personnel and equipment available to you. There must always be someone looking out. If weather or the situation around you causes concern, then more look outs may be needed and you must call them without hesitation.

• You must use all of that information continuously to assess the situation your vessel is in and the risk of collision.

Single Handed Watch keeping – Good Practice

The use of a single handed watch keeper on the bridge is common practice. This should only be done in daylight hours. However, it may increase the risk of collision and this means that a risk assessment should take place on every occasion. The Master needs to consider several factors when deciding on single handed watch keeping. The process should be formalised in the company SMS and in Master’s standing orders.

Both the Bridge procedures guide and  STCW contain guidance on this and some of the factors to be taken into consideration are:

Standing A Watch Alone – Don’t Get Distracted

Getting distracted by other work when you are standing a watch increases the risk of collision. Getting distracted when watch keeping alone increases the risk further. Don’t get distracted.

• Follow Rule 5 of the IRPCS,
• Ensure all  navigational aids such as ECDIS and radars are set up correctly, and used properly.
• Understand the limitations of such equipment.
• Move around the bridge frequently to ensure as far as possible a 360 degrees look-out is maintained.
• All vessels should be continuously assessed for risk of collision.
• Ensure the Bridge Navigation Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) is activated

Maintain contact with a backup person, that person should be ready for immediate deployment on the bridge.

Colregs Rule 05 – Look-Out

MAIB Report