Officer on Watch, or OOW, refers to the officer in charge of the ship’s operation on the bridge. This critical role ensures safe navigation. It is also assigned to an adequately qualified deck officer who is fit for the job and involves different duties.
This article delves into the vital role of the OOW.
Officers on Watch: What Do They Do?
The primary responsibility of the Officer on Watch is to guarantee that the vessel, passengers, crew, and cargo onboard, if any, remain safe.
As the name suggests, the OOW must always be aware of other ships and potential navigational hazards and obstacles throughout the journey.
The OOW will also monitor the vessel’s position and speed while making changes to guarantee safe passage.
The officer also oversees other tasks and duties, including communicating with other ships, keeping records and logs, and monitoring weather conditions.
The OOW’s job also includes supervising the activities of the entire bridge team. The officer also manages the vessel’s communication and navigation equipment, engines, and other systems involved in the ship’s operation.
The Officer on Watch is also expected to be familiar with the proper use of the Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) and the Electronic Chart and Display System (ECDIS). They should also know the ship’s turning cycles, speed, and other critical ship handling characteristics.
They must also ensure that the watch is handed over according to the standards and procedures and inform the master if necessary.
The OOW is not allowed to leave the bridge unattended while on duty.
Primary Duties of the OOW
Listed below are some of the primary duties of the Officer on Watch. But keep in mind that this list is incomplete because there might still be additional duties that depend on the country, the vessel itself, and other requirements.
- Identify Gyro Errors
If anything is vital throughout bridge watch, it’s the gyro. It is used for planning, executing, monitoring the courses, and making necessary changes.
Every type of gyro may require a different method of input. This means that the Officer on Watch should be extra careful and avoid committing any errors.
- Review Log Entries
The OOW must also read and review log entries left behind by the outgoing Officer on Watch and check with the outgoing OOW if anything needs further explanation. It is critical to check and recheck to mitigate any possible errors.
- Check the Position
The OOW must also check the specific position the outgoing Officer on Watch has plotted. They also have to check the information shown on the chart. Doing so will help maintain accuracy and cut down on errors.
- Go Over the Echo Sounder’s Soundings
A sea depth record is required because it reasonably affects the ship’s safe navigation. The Officer on Watch also needs to check if the echo sounder has made any errors to ensure they will only obtain accurate readings and nothing less.
It is essential to avoid over- or under-reading the water’s depth, as this may result in serious consequences. Echo soundings are particularly vital when traversing shallow waters.
- Compare Compasses
Comparing compasses must be conducted to get a precise window where any compass errors may impact the steered course until everything is satisfactory.
The OOW must also know the extent of the effect of such error on the course being plotted or if it will be followed.
The OOW must also place the repeaters aside to ensure they remain aligned with the master gyro. Calculating the compass error will only be possible with a precise reading.
- Draft
The ship’s draft must be shown on the bridge, with updates if any changes are made. This should also be ready for the OOW to refer to during the watch.
- Ensure Alertness of Helmsman and Lookout
The helmsman and the lookout are expected to be constantly on their feet. Many circ*mstances, conditions, or occurrences may result in hazardous situations, like a risk of collision.
- General Ship Checks
The OOW also inspects the vessel to ensure no breaches, problems, or other concerns that require their attention. The OOW must perform this thorough inspection as soon as their duty starts.
- GMDSS
The GMDSS watch is highly critical. This should be maintained at the predetermined frequencies and based on the regulations.
This means that gathering, reading, and comprehending messages to identify their possible effect on the vessel is another primary responsibility of the Officer on Watch.
- Handover with the Outgoing Officer on Watch
The current OOW must also inform the outgoing Officer on Watch about notable changes. These may include communications with other ships, messages that should be noted, weather warnings, and unusual activity.
If the chief officer or the master left any instructions, it is also crucial for the Officer on Watch to be adequately informed.
Required Training and Qualifications for an OOW
To work as an officer on watch, it is important to have undergone specialist training and several compulsory qualifications, which will be further discussed in detail below.
Even though there are several variations depending on the country, not to mention that the requirements may also differ based on the specific type of vessel in question, the general requirements for an Officer on Watch include the following:
- Health and Fitness
An aspiring OOW must pass a medical examination, such as an ML5 or an ENG 1 medical, to help ensure they are physically and mentally fit to take a job onboard a ship.
- OOW Training
OOW training programs cover ship handling, communications, and navigation. Maritime training academies provide these programs; sometimes, the employer also provides them.
- STCW Certificates
Those who want to work as Officers on Watch must also compete in the so-called STWC training, or the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Training. The training includes personal survival skills, basic safety training, firefighting, and medical first aid.
- Time at Sea
Another critical requirement for an Officer on Watch is time at sea. Those interested in the job must complete at least 12 months at sea, six of which must be spent watchkeeping. The duration may differ depending on the vessel and the country.
- Other Skills
There are instances when aspiring OOWs are also required or expected to have other requirements or skills, including proficiencies in specific languages. There may also be age limits. Again, these requirements may differ from country to country based on the vessel where the OOW will work.
Top Reasons to Become an OOW
An officer on Watch has many responsibilities, so this job is unsuitable for everyone. It is also a varied and demanding role that requires a lot of responsibility.
It’s revealed that the expected yearly salary of an Officer on Watch is approximately $68,000. But those aboard a superyacht under private ownership usually earn more, mainly if they work at sea for more than 183 days a year. They may also be qualified for the earnings deduction for seafarers.
In cases like this, the benefits are so much more significant, and salaries are much higher. With the help of a tax days calculator for seafarers, it will be easier to see why this kind of role aboard a yacht can be a desirable and lucrative career option.
Wrapping It Up
There is no denying that the duties of the Officer on Watch are of great importance.
Since the OOW is in charge of the vessel’s safe navigation, they are expected to have proper training and be armed with the right qualifications, knowledge, and familiarity with the different maritime safety and navigation areas.
An Officer on Watch must always be competent, trustworthy, and vigilant to ensure he carries out his critical duties efficiently. While many other officers and crew members are on board, the OOW has many responsibilities and roles. Thus, only the best and most qualified must be assigned this role.
