MODULE 11.
Special Sea Duties¶
Aim:
Introduce and outline the special sea duty posts manned by crew while the ship is underway.
New crew are expected to further their skills while serving at these posts, supported by Officers, Watchleaders and other crew.
Overview:
The safety of the ship, and all who she carries, relies on seamanship of crew and the technical apparatus carried (radar, etc.). A very important component of ship safety is made up of the various special sea duties carried out by the crew.
Crew cards, handed to each of the crew by the watchleader, will list special duty/duties to be performed, time and duration. It is a crew responsibility to be at the required position on time or when called.
Prior to change of watch, individual crew should find their watch leader and report that they are going onto a special sea duty post. Also report when returning from special sea duty post.
While on duty, focus and concentration must be maintained, to the exclusion of chatting to fellow crew or passengers. Conversation should be limited to that relevant to their role.
If not fully familiar with a special duty, ask.
Contents:
- Forward lookout
- Captain’s runner
- Helmsman
- Lazy helmsman
- Stern lookout (Includes Man overboard lookout)
- Fire party
- Berthing party
- Sea boat
- Stretcher party
- Life raft preparation
- First Aid
- Damage control
- Spill
- Recover from aloft/rescue
Assessment:
Assessment by Officer of the watch or Watchleader will be carried while the various duties are being performed. When competency is displayed they will sign the appropriate entries in the crew member’s ‘Diary of Service and Experience Log’ book.
Outcomes:
All crew to become fully competent at all special duties.
Forward Lookout¶
The ship’s forward eyes.
This position is manned at all times while the ship is underway. Crew man this position in rotation. Details are shown on relevant crew cards with time and period of duty.
One member of the crew is assigned to take over this position for and during ALL EMERGENCY situations. This also includes drill exercises.
At night two crew man this position.
Lookout post is the anchor deck. This is a very exposed area so crew should wear suitable clothing and wear a harness which is attached to the ship at all times.
Remember;
- A lookout is to be maintained in All Directions, not just forward.
- Avoid “blind spots” created by jibboom, net, sails and rigging by moving about.
- A harness is to be worn at all times and clipped to the ship.
- Be aware of jib and fore topmast staysail bullet blocks.
- Prior to first trick (watch) of the voyage, lookout is to obtain a radio from the chart room and establish which channel to use. Carry out a radio check.
- Lookout is to radio the quarterdeck sighting of other vessels, navigation markers or buoys, breaking water, fishing buoys, any lights seen at night (e.g. navigation buoys, vessels, lighthouses) and anything unusual ahead of or approaching the ship’s course from any direction. Never assume the quarter deck may have seen what is observed.
- In harbour, be aware that you may be obstructing the forward view of the Quartermaster, who could be using a landmark ahead to guild the ship.
- During daylight hours use the ship’s forward bell to answer the bell strike on the quarter deck, vis each half hour.
Reports are given as:
Direction - given in “Points” off the port or starboard bow (directly forward to abeam equals 8 points). Refer Module 3, page 8 for “hand” method of estimating points.
Distance - using general terms such as “very close” (within 100m), “close” (within 1km), “far” (several kilometres), “very far” (on the horizon).
Description - nice and brief, e.g. “a large ship”, “a yacht”, “a small fishing boat”, “a commercial fishing boat”, “a yellow buoy”.
Destination - “it’s standing still”, “it’s heading towards us”, “it’s moving away from us”.
Deviation - any change in target’s speed or heading.
Example of typical report:
Call – “Quarterdeck this is Focs’l.”
Reply – “Focs’l this is quarterdeck.”
Report – “Four points off our starboard bow and close, a fishing boat stationary
Reply – “Quarterdeck romeo.”
When being relieved, lookout is to brief new lookout on what objects are currently visible and which have/have not been reported aft.
New lookout should then carry out a radio check with quarter deck- e.g.
Call – “Quarterdeck this is Focs’l radio check.”
Reply – “Focs’l this is quarterdeck - loud and clear.” or “breaking up.” or as the case may be.
Captain’s Runner¶
This position is manned at all times while the ship is underway.
One member of the crew is assigned to take over this position for and during ALL EMERGENCY situations. This also includes drill exercises.
Relief is provided by other crew, details are shown on relevant crew cards together with time period of duty.
Prior to first trick of the voyage, the runner obtains a hand held UHF radio from the chart room and establishes which channel is to be used.
Runner’s post is with the “officer of the watch” (OOW) who will be on the quarterdeck. The officer of the watch can be established by checking with any officers on the quarterdeck. The runner should introduce him or herself to the OOW.
The runner relays any messages from the forward lookout to the OOW. Often this is made easier by staying close with radio turned up reasonably loud.
The runner must stay with the OOW at all times so as to be available for any errands forward or below.
Ship’s bell is sounded by the Captain’s runner and repeated by forward lookout. Refer to Module 3 for the bell system for marking time.
When being relieved, the new runner should report to the existing runner, take over the radio and introduce themselves to the OOW.
New runner should then carry out a radio check with the focs’l; e.g.
Call – “Focs’l this is Quarterdeck. Can you give me a radio check.”
Reply - “Quarterdeck this is Focs’l. Loud and clear.” or “breaking up.” or as the case may be.
Helmsman (or Quartermaster)¶
A crew member is assigned to be the Helmsman (Quartermaster, Mud-pilot) for a voyage.
Quartermaster (mud pilot) takes the wheel when leaving and returning to port and ALL EMERGENCY situations. This also includes drill exercises.
Relief is provided by other crew, details are shown on relevant crew cards together with time and period of duty. Refer later to the formal handover procedure.
Helmsman’s post is at weather side of wheel, un-harnessed. Helmsman is responsible for steering the ship to a compass course, full and bye, visible landmark heading (usually in harbour) or turns of the wheel, as directed by the OOW.
Helmsman is to understand how the ship’s bow relates to the wheel, which is instinctive, so as to steer a straight course or head to an object (i.e. bring her bow to port, turn the top of the wheel to port).
Helmsman is to understand how the ship’s bow relates to the compass lubber line, so as to keep the ship on a compass course (i.e. if lubber line drifts to left of correct compass course, it and the bow can be bought back to the right by turning the top of the wheel to starboard). Remember the compass card is stationary and the ship movers around it.
Helmsman is to immediately and loudly repeat any order given by the OOW so that the OOW knows the helmsman has heard him correctly. When the order has been completed (executed) again report as in the following example.
00W order – “Three turns to port.”
Helmsman immediately repeats order – “Three turns to port, Sir.”
When turns completed, report – “Three turns to port on Sir.”
Or,
OOW order – “Come to port and steer two seven zero.”
Helmsman - “Steer two seven zero, Sir.”
When complete, and the ship is steady on the new heading report - “Ship’s head steady two seven zero Sir.”
Note; Numbers such as 270 are spoken as “two, seven, zero” NOT as “two hundred and seventy”.
Prior to first trick of a voyage, Quartermaster for the voyage;
- removes locking chains and stows
- inspects steering gear for obvious faults
- oils the thread, bearings and sliding nuts
- checks nut pins are in place
- turn the wheel through full 16 turns, both ways
- check rudder moves with wheel
- checks helm indicator for damage
- check compass.
Procedure For Relieving At The Wheel¶
The process of change of helmsman is an important and formal part of the ship’s routine, which should be meticulously learnt and performed.
The Helmsman is to report at least five minutes before the nominated time of his taking over the wheel so that he can adjust to the light, the weather conditions and sea state, the course steered and the steering conditions.
He should first approach the OOW., introduce himself and seek permission to take over the wheel in the following terms:
“Officer of the Watch Sir - this is… - permission to take the wheel?”
The Officer of the Watch, taking into account such factors as,
known ability of crew member
the possibility of an impending alteration of course
the proximity of other ships and the time required for new helmsman to settle into the steering role, will either approve the request by saying, “Yes please.”
Or, if a delay is considered, he will say –
“Please stand by.”
On receiving approval to take over the wheel the relieving Helmsman will introduce himself to the current helmsman, saying –
“……………………… to relieve the wheel.”
The current Helmsman will then inform the relieving Helmsman of the course to be steered, whether or not the ship is carrying any wheel and how ship is handling. For example:
- “Course zero four five, carrying one turn of port wheel.”
b) “Steering full and by on the main upper topsail luff, carrying about two turns of starboard wheel.”
The relief Helmsman will repeat this report and the current Helmsman is responsible for ensuring that relief Helmsman has heard and understood the report.
The current Helmsman will then steady the ship on her course and hand over to the relieving Helmsman saying.
“Have YOU got the wheel?”
The relieving Helmsman should then reply-
“Yes I have the wheel.”
The relieved Helmsman should then report to the OOW saying –
“………………… – relieved at the wheel by …………….., course zero four five, carrying one turn of port wheel, Sir.”
The OOW will acknowledge this report by saying –
“Thank you …………………. - carry on.”
The observance of the formality of the procedure is more important in James
Craig than in a normal merchant ship where the names and professional capabilities of the crew are well known to the master and officers of the watch.
Lazy Helmsman¶
This post is not regularly filled unless weather or other factors are making steering difficult.
Lazy helmsman’s post is at helm, opposite the helmsman. He/she is there to assist when requested by helmsman and in case of emergency. Common requests may include confirming orders from OOW providing compass headings or tiller indicator readings, assisting in strong blows.
In the case of man overboard, lazy helm immediately throws the nearest life ring and other safety gear if it has not already been deployed. He then maintains eye contact with man overboard and points to his direction.
When relieved there is no need to report to O.O.W.
Stern Lookout (includes Man Overboard Lookout)¶
The ship’s eyes aft.
Also refer to Module 8.
This position is manned at all times while the ship is underway.
One member of the crew is assigned to take over this position for ALL EMERGENCY situations. This also includes drill exercises.
Relief is provided by other crew, details are shown on relevant crew cards together with time and period of duty.
Prior to first trick of the voyage, the equipment on the port side (Dan buoy, life ring, smoke buoy and connecting lanyards) is to be checked. Also check the equipment on the starboard side.
Man overboard lookout post is aft on the quarterdeck. Lookout wears a safety harness and should stand next to the safety equipment (Dan Buoy, life ring and smoke buoy).
When taking over the position, check that all gear is present and clear for use.
Like the Forward Lookout, the MOB Lookout is the ship’s eye, at the stern. Lookout is to scan in ALL DIRECTIONS overboard as well as monitor ship board activities on deck and aloft. Report to the OOW any unusual situations or potentially dangerous activities observed.
In the case of a man overboard situation occurring, the lookout immediately launches the safety equipment, establishes eye contact with the person in the water and points in his direction. When relieved, lookout smartly climbs 2/3 to 3/4 of the way up the mizzen weather shrouds. Lookout then re-establishes eye contact with the man overboard and points in his direction. He can call out directions to crew on deck, but is not to take his eyes off the man in the water.
Lookout maintains this role through the entire recovery procedure - while sea boat is launched, while man overboard is recovered and while rescue boat is returning. He stands easy and comes down to deck only when rescue boat is back and secure in its cradle.
When being relieved, there is no need to report to OOW.
Fire Party¶
Primary role.
The Fire Party is made up of a leader and 5 crew. Duties of each party member are shown on the relevant crew cards.
An officer always has control of the party and its actions.
Refer to Module 10 for detail.
Members of the party make regular patrol of the ship to monitor and look for potential hazards.
At the beginning of each voyage fire party is briefed by the leader to ensure each member is aware of their role.
Members of this party DO NOT CLIMB.
Second role of fire party is to lead the Ship Security Patrols.
The patrols, made up of 2 crew, carries out an inspection of all areas of the ship once an hour while the ship is underway.
Duties;
- Check the Patrol Log in the chartroom for notes made by the previous
patrol.
- Carry a torch and radio. The radio is so that any problems or
potentially dangerous situations can be advise immediately to the OOW.
- When inspecting any confined spaces, such as the lower hold, consider
the condition before entry. One member with the radio stays at the entrance as sentry, the other proceeds with the inspection. If there is a problem the crew at the entrance is to advise OOW immediately and NOT enter the space until assistance arrives.
- On completion of the patrol, record the entry in the Log and advise
the OOW.
Shore/berthing Party¶
Berthing party is responsible for handling the ship’s lines on shore for departure and on arrival.
Party is made up of a leader plus 3 crew.
While performing their duties all members of the party are to wear self inflating life jackets.
Refer to Module 8 & 9 for details.
Duties include unlocking berthing lines on wharf, inverting gangway wheels, ensure power cable has been cleared and clearing any members of the public that may be at risk from heaving lines etc.
They also clear, stow and install the gangway.
Party is ferried to and from the ship by attending tug.
Sea Boat¶
The sea boat is manned by a crew of 2, Coxswain and crew.
Routine and Emergency launch of the sea boat is carried out by a team of 8 under the leadership of a watch leader. Overall control is in the hands of an officer.
Refer to Module 8 for details of launch and recovery procedure.
Refer to Module 12 for details of Small Boat Handling.
Members of this team DO NOT CLIMB.
Stretcher Party¶
The party is made up of the 4 members of the Shore/Berthing Party.
To assist the Doctor and stewards during an emergency, there may be a call for stretcher party.
Shore/Berthing party leader is to check all the equipment prior to departure and brief his crew.
Life Raft Preparation¶
Each raft party is made up of a leader and 3 crew.
Leader checks the raft and rig. Report any damage or irregularity.
If necessary, in emergency situation, rig life raft for launch.
First Aid¶
This position is not listed on the crew cards.
A Doctor is usually carried and handles First Aid situations, with, in need the assistance of the stretcher party.
All crew are required to have current Senior First Aid certification and should be familiar with the location of all first aid kits on board.
Crew members should be able to render first aid assistance to fellow crew or passengers in need.
Damage Control¶
This party is made up of members of the Fire Party.
Should the ship suffer damage or gear failure, this party will initially assemble to secure the situation.
Location of tools etc. and materials are to be noted in case they are needed.
Spill¶
This party is made up of members of the Fire Party.
This party will assemble and deploy spill control equipment to contain any form of spill.
Refer to Module 16 - Spill.
Recovery From Aloft¶
This is a special party made up of Topmen, who, in need with the aid of special gear, render assistance to crew in difficulty aloft.
Refer to Module 18 – Recovery from aloft.