While on watch at sea you must maintain a proper lookout at all times. You are on a 200-foot cargo vessel with an unobstructed view astern from the steering position. The vessel is being hand-steered during daylight hours in good visibility and clear of any navigational hazards. Who may be the lookout?
• Rule 5 – Lookout of the Navigation Rules • Conditions where the officer of the watch may be the sole lookout • Differences between helmsman duties and lookout duties
• Under what specific conditions are you allowed to combine the lookout with another watchkeeping duty? • Does steering the vessel make it easier or harder to perform an effective lookout compared with conning the vessel? • In this situation (daylight, good visibility, clear of hazards, good view astern), which person can realistically give continuous attention to the horizon and surrounding area?
• Verify what Rule 5 says about a proper lookout by sight and hearing at all times. • Consider whether the helmsman’s primary focus should be on keeping the ordered heading or scanning 360° around the vessel. • Ask whether the officer on watch can safely take on lookout duties given the size of the vessel and the stated conditions.
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