Calling the master
The OOW should notify the master, in accordance with standing orders or special instructions, when in any doubt as to what action to take in the interests of safety.
Guidance on specific circumstances for calling the master or other back-up support should be given in the shipboard operational procedures, supported by standing and bridge orders, as appropriate. The OOW will continue to be responsible for the watch, despite the presence of the master on the bridge, until informed specifically that the master has assumed that responsibility, and this is mutually understood. The fact that the master has taken command on the bridge should be recorded in the log book.
Navigation
It is important that the OOW executes the passage plan as prepared and monitors the progress of the ship relative to that plan.
Deviating from or leaving the passage plan
If the OOW has to make a temporary deviation from the passage plan for any reason, the OOW should return to the plan as soon as it is safe to do so.
If the OOW has to leave the passage plan - a reporting of ice may, for example, require an alteration of course - the OOW should prepare and proceed along a new temporary track clear of any danger. At the first opportunity, the OOW should advise the master of the actions taken. The plan will need to be formally amended and a briefing made to the other members of the bridge team.
Monitoring the progress of the ship
Good navigational practice demands that the OOW:
· understands the capabilities and limitations of the navigational aids and systems being used and continually monitors their performance;
· uses the echo sounder to monitor changes in water depth;
· uses dead reckoning techniques to check position fixes;
