THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE ONLY

MASTER’S STANDING ORDERS

Please remember that it is not only your right but also your obligation to contact the
Master at any time when a fault or a questionable situation occurs.  Knowing when to call
the Master is paramount and there should be sufficient time to allow him/her to properly
assess the situation.
All watchkeepers signing-on to the vessel shall sign in the deck log to confirm that they
have read and understood the Master’s Standing Orders. 

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS  VISIBILITY 

• The Officer of the Watch (OOW), as well as the lookout, should be fully • Call the Master if the visibility is reduced to less than 2 NM. When navi-

compliant with:  gating in or in the vicinity of areas with reduced visibility always adhere

» Bridge watch-keeping instructions  to COLREG’S Regulation 19 - Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility.

» Company alcohol and drug policies  Change steering mode from autopilot to manual as necessary.

» S TCW hours of rest

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» Dress code/uniform requirements NAVIGATION 

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• The relieving officer shall arrive on the bridge ten minutes before the • Obey the COLREGS at all times.

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beginning of the watch • Overtaking vessels should normally be on the stand-on vessel’s port

• for handover, and not take over the watch until s/he is satisfied that side.

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manoeuvres are complete, and vessel is in a safe position. • When navigating in coastal waters use the radar overlay function in

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• The OOW has full command of the watch until the Master expressly ta- the ECDIS and/or Chart Radar for quick positioning reference, together

kes over by speaking the words: “I have the con”. The OOW shall confirm with parallel indexing.

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the transfer of command by speaking the words: “You have the con.” • Maintain a high level of preparedness for navigational emergencies

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during pilotage and whilst navigating in dense traffic. 

CLOSEST POINT OF APPROACH (CPA)  • Always ensure that all watertight doors and hull openings are closed,

• When giving way to other ships the company defined minimum CPA’s and the watertight subdivision is intact.

shall be:  • Personal electronic devices shall not be used on the bridge. 

» In open sea 1,0 NM  • Make sure that you maintain good night vision during hours of dark-

» In confined waters, TSS, areas with heavy traffic etc. 0,5 NM  ness. Administration computers not required for safe navigation of the

Note - It may sometimes be impossible to maintain the CPA’s stipulated vessel shall not be used during hours of darkness.
above, therefore use your own judgement to navigate safely and call the

Master if in doubt.

Please sign below to confirm that you understood these orders, which will be supplemented by the Master’s

Night Orders each night when the vessel is at sea or at anchor.

<Vessel name> <Chief Officer’s Name>

<Chief Officer’s Signature and date YYYY-MM-DD>

<Date YYYY-MM-DD> <Second Officer’s Name>

<Second Officer’s Signature and date YYYY-MM-DD>

_______________________________ <Third Officer’s Name>

<Master’s Name> <Third Officer’s Signature and date YYYY-MM-DD>

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE ONLY