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Port watch check item for cargo ships- deck officers guideline

Ships cargo handling at port and watchkeeping procedures involve many complexities and careful consideration will need to be made for all aspects of loading and unloading. Following are the basic check item that should be taken into account by deck officer while performing port watch. Cargo watchkeepers should also bear in mind the procedures discussed here are only indicative, not exhaustive in nature and one must always be guided by practices of good seamanship


Instruction from the Master or Chief Officer

Condition of mooring lines

Onboard work under way

Signals, lights, and shapes now in use

Visitor’s identity, number, and business

Fire Patrol maintained?

Is movement of other vessels around own vessel being monitored?

Is any oil floating on sea around the vessel?

"Is any mooring line too slack or tight or broken or cut? Surge / Movement of vessel while alongside wharf?"

Are regulation signals, lights, and shapes being displayed?

Is height of accommodation ladder proper?

Is safety net fitted properly?

Is lighting sufficient?

Are all scuppers plugged and is deck checked for any oil leakage?

• Are walkways and decks clear of oil/grease?

Confirming matters to be turned over to successor?

Necessary items in Logbook entered?

Are unpredicted changes in environment being monitored by all available means, to avoid vessel breaking out from berth (weather forecast, tidal range, current etc)?

Instruction for calling Master or Chief Officer


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