You are on watch while your vessel is entering port with a pilot conning. The pilot gave a steering command to the helmsman who failed to acknowledge it by repeating the order. You have now enunciated the pilot's order to the helmsman and there is still no response. If the helmsman continues on the original course, you should immediately __________.
• Bridge team responsibility when a pilot is embarked – who is ultimately responsible for the safety of the vessel • Helm order acknowledgment procedure – why orders must be repeated back and confirmed by the helmsman • Immediate action vs. delay in confined waters – when time‑critical maneuvers are required entering port
• Think about what must happen if a steering order is NOT acknowledged or carried out, especially in a tight, high‑risk area like entering port. • Consider whether it is safer to wait for more discussion, or to take direct action to ensure the vessel actually responds to the intended maneuver. • Ask yourself: does the presence of a pilot remove your responsibility to act if something on the bridge team breaks down?
• Verify who remains legally responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel even when a pilot is conning. • Check standard bridge resource management (BRM) principles about unexecuted or unacknowledged helm orders in close‑quarters situations. • Consider whether any choice allows the vessel to continue on an unsafe or unintended course while people are talking instead of acting.
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