It’s imperative that every Watchkeeping Officer has a sound knowledge of the correct actions to take when entering restricted visibility. The BPG (Bridge Procedures Guide) contains a helpful supporting checklist which is available to download below. The immediate actions are as follows:
- Inform the Master. This is also a statutory legal requirement under STCW – Chapter VIII. See the separate article when to call the master for more information on this.
- Inform the Engine Room and put the engines on standby.
- Reduce the speed to a safe speed taking into account all the factors as per COLREGS Rule 6 – Safe Speed.
- Commence sounding the appropriate fog signal.
- Switch on the vessels navigation lights.
- Post additional lookouts. Good practice dictates placing an additional lookout as far forward as possible i.e. on the bow of the vessel.
- Place a helmsman on standby. Most masters will also instruct that the helm should be taken in hand.
- Close the watertight doors if fitted.
- Commence a radar watch, ensuring the radars are properly set up and that all vessels are plotted using ARPA if fitted.
- If navigating in shallow waters then closely monitor the echo sounder depths.
- Comply with the COLREGS Rule 19 – Restricted Visibility at all times.
- Commence listening watch on VHF channels 13/16.
- Make sure that the vessel is ready at all times to reduce speed, stop or turn away from any danger.
- If the vessels position is in doubt then consider anchoring. This would be a decision for the Master to make but as a Watch Keeping Officer it is one of the circumstances that you must call them.
- Planning should be made by the Master for the provision of additional bridge team personnel if required.
BPG – Navigation in Restricted Visibility – Checklist
