Deck General · Watchkeeping — Lookout Duties

Under the Navigation Rules and STCW, a person posted solely as lookout at night should:

Explanation

At night (and in reduced visibility), the lookout's sole duty is to detect risk by sight and hearing; combining helm and lookout is generally only acceptable by day in clear conditions on small vessels with unobstructed view. Proper lookout is a continuous Rule 5 requirement.

Authority: Navigation Rules Rule 5; STCW A-VIII/2

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