Routine tests and checks
The OOW should undertake daily tests and checks on the bridge equipment, including the following:
· manual steering should be tested at least once a watch when the automatic pilot is in use ;
· gyro and magnetic compass errors should be checked once a watch, where possible, and after any major course alteration;
· compass repeaters should be synchronised. including repeaters mounted off the bridge, such as in the engine control room and at the emergency steering position .
Checks on electronic equipment
Checks on electronic equipment should both confirm that the piece of equipment is functioning properly and that it is successfully communicating to any bridge system to which it is connected.
Built-in test facilities provide a useful health check on the functional state of the piece of equipment and should be used frequently.
Electronic equipment systems should be checked to ensure that configuration settings - important for correct interfacing between pieces of equipment - have not changed.
To ensure adequate performance information from electronic equipment should always be compared and verified against information from different independent sources.
Checking orders
Good practice also requires the OOW to check that orders are being correctly followed. Rudder angle and engine rpm indicators, for example, provide the OOW with an immediate check on whether helm and engine movement orders are being followed.
Changing over the watch
The OOW should not hand over the watch if there is any reason to believe that the relieving officer is unfit , or is temporarily unable to, carry out his duties effectively. If in any doubt, the OOW should call the master.
Illness or the effect of drink, drugs or fatigue could be reasons why the relieving officer is unfit for duty.
Before taking over the watch, the relieving officer must be satisfied as to the ship's position and confirm its intended track, course and speed, and engine controls as appropriate, as well as noting any dangers to navigation expected to be encountered during his watch.
