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Gard Guidance Masters

2.14.1 GENERAL

Watchkeeping, either underway, at anchorage or in port is a fundamental duty in the operation of a vessel, for the safety of life and property and the protection of the marine environment. Watchkeeping is not only governed by the Code and Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW 95), but should form an essential part of the vessel’s SMS under the ISM Code. Whilst the Master is in command of the vessel, the Officers of the Watch (OOW) are at all times responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel and compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Collision Regulations).