Question 1

As Chief Officer handing over the night watch in open water with other traffic around, what should you specifically brief the relieving OOW on?

Accepted Answer

Any vessel on a steady or closing bearing that could develop into a close-quarters situation, including your CPA/TCPA assessment and any action already considered The Verity/Polesie collision developed over a sustained period before the close-quarters situation became critical. A clear handover of traffic already being monitored — and what's already been considered — gives the relieving officer a head start rather than having them rebuild the picture from zero while risk is already building.

Question 2

You're preparing a passage plan for a coastal leg in a yacht drawing 3.2m. At one point the chart shows a least depth of 3.8m at chart datum. What MUST you check before finalising this leg?

Accepted Answer

The tidal height at the time of transit to confirm sufficient under-keel clearance Charted depths are referenced to chart datum (often LAT), so you must add the predicted tidal height for your transit time to get the actual depth, then compare to your draft plus a safety margin to confirm UKC.

Question 3

During your watch the ECDIS gives a "safety contour crossing" alarm. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Assess the situation against the planned route and charted depths, take action to maintain safe water, and inform the Master if there is any doubt A safety contour alarm indicates the vessel may be approaching water shallower than the set safety contour. It must be investigated against the route and charted information, with avoiding action taken and the Master informed as appropriate — never simply silenced.