Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist

This bridge watchkeeping and STCW compliance checklist ensures compliance with STCW Convention Chapter II/1 (Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch), COLREGS Rule 5 (Lookout), IMO Resolution A.1047(27) (Principles of Safe Manning), and company Bridge Procedures Manual requirements. Designed for OOWs and Masters to maintain safe navigational watches.

  • Industry: Maritime
  • Frequency: Per Watch
  • Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Role: Officer of the Watch (OOW)
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: STCW Convention Chapter II/1 OOW Navigational Watch, COLREGS Rule 5 Lookout Requirements, IMO Resolution A.1047(27) Principles of Safe Manning, SOLAS Chapter V Safety of Navigation, Company Bridge Procedures Manual

Watch Handover

OOW handover checklist.

  • Vessel position confirmed on chart/ECDIS?
  • Course, speed, and next waypoint confirmed from outgoing OOW?
  • All radar contacts and CPA/TCPA assessed?
  • Outstanding defects affecting navigation reviewed during handover?
  • Master's standing orders and night orders reviewed?

Lookout and Monitoring

COLREGS lookout requirements.

  • Proper lookout maintained by sight, hearing, and all available means?
  • Radar being systematically monitored?
  • AIS targets cross-checked with radar contacts?
  • VHF Channel 16 continuously monitored?
  • Sound signals monitored in restricted visibility?

Collision Avoidance

COLREGS compliance.

  • Safe speed maintained per COLREGS Rule 6?
  • CPA/TCPA calculated for all close-approach vessels?
  • Correct action taken for crossing, overtaking, head-on situations?
  • Master called per standing orders when required?
  • Traffic Separation Scheme followed correctly (if applicable)?

Navigational Safety

Hazard and UKC monitoring.

  • Under-keel clearance acceptable for current depth and passage?
  • All charted hazards on passage plan correctly plotted?
  • Position fix obtained and plotted within required frequency?
  • VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) operational?
  • Bridge team adequately resourced for prevailing conditions?

Logbook and Records

Watch record-keeping.

  • Deck logbook entries made hourly with position, course, speed, weather?
  • All significant events logged (course changes, vessels, incidents)?
  • All engine movements logged (port approaches)?
  • Watch handover notes prepared for incoming OOW?
  • Watch Notes

End of Watch

Watch close-out.

  • Formal handover completed to relieving OOW?
  • Master updated on significant events during watch?
  • Deck logbook page signed by OOW?
  • Any navigation equipment defects reported to Chief Officer/Master?
  • End of Watch Notes

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Why Use This Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist?

This bridge watchkeeping and stcw compliance checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for officer of the watch (oow) professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per watch.

Ensures compliance with STCW Convention Chapter II/1 OOW Navigational Watch, COLREGS Rule 5 Lookout Requirements, IMO Resolution A.1047(27) Principles of Safe Manning, SOLAS Chapter V Safety of Navigation, Company Bridge Procedures Manual. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist?

A Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by officer of the watch (oow) to ensure consistent maritime operations. It contains 35 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE bridge watchkeeping STCW compliance checklist PDF. STCW II/1 OOW competency, COLREGS Rule 5 lookout, voyage data recorder VDR, anti-collision regulations compliance. 30+ watchkeeping checks. Download FREE template now.

How often should I use this maritime checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed per watch. Regular use ensures compliance with STCW Convention Chapter II/1 OOW Navigational Watch and COLREGS Rule 5 Lookout Requirements and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 35 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure compliance with STCW Convention Chapter II/1 OOW Navigational Watch, COLREGS Rule 5 Lookout Requirements, IMO Resolution A.1047(27) Principles of Safe Manning, SOLAS Chapter V Safety of Navigation, Company Bridge Procedures Manual. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this maritime inspection checklist?

Begin by completing the header fields for Vessel Name, Watch Date/Time (UTC), Officer of the Watch Name / Cert #, Vessel Position (Lat/Lon), and Visibility Conditions. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

What are the key sections in this maritime checklist?

This maritime checklist is organized into 6 key sections: Watch Handover, Lookout and Monitoring, Collision Avoidance, Navigational Safety, Logbook and Records, End of Watch. Each section contains specific inspection points that officer of the watch (oow) must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during maritime inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 15-20 minutes to complete.

Who should use this Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist?

This checklist is primarily designed for officer of the watch (oow) working in maritime operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that maritime standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.

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