Chapter 02
The Bridge and Watchkeeping
Support a safe watch and report what matters before it becomes a problem.
What this chapter builds
By the end of it, you can
- Locate the bridge equipment and distinguish what it shows from what you may operate.
- Report an observation early with description, direction, estimated distance and change.
- Use region, buoyage direction and the complete mark description to avoid an unsupported channel call.
- Recognise an emerging encounter and report evidence without substituting a slogan for the full rules.
- Arrive fit for watch and transfer the current picture before being properly relieved.
Lessons
5 lessons open
- 2.1Onboard activity · about 5 minutesFirst walk around the bridgeRecognise the main bridge equipment, understand what each item contributes and know the limits of a junior deckhand's role. Video coming soonSee it: Know where it is. Ask before you touch it.
- 2.2Practical demonstration · about 5 minutesLook out properlyKeep an active lookout, make a useful report and follow the vessel's call criteria without waiting for a concern to become obvious. Video coming soonSee it: Scan, report, keep scanning
- 2.3Talking lesson with graphics · about 7 minutesRed, green, black and yellowUnderstand the purpose of lateral and cardinal marks, recognise the Region A and B reversal and check rather than rely on memory in unfamiliar waters. Video coming soonSee it: Red and green need two pieces of context
- 2.4Talking lesson with graphics · about 5 minutesCOLREGS: start seeing the situationRecognise basic meeting situations, report developing risk and understand why a junior lookout never turns a simplified rule into a navigation decision. Video coming soonSee it: Watch the bearing and the range
- 2.5Practical demonstration · about 5 minutesTurn up ready, hand over properlyPrepare for watch, follow vessel-specific standing orders and transfer the live navigation picture clearly to the next watchkeeper. Video coming soonSee it: Hand over the live picture