Enhancing Bridge Safety - The Vigilance Required for Single-Person Bridge Watchkeeping
- Andrew Parker
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
In today’s maritime world, while significant emphasis is placed on bridge team training, many vessels still sail the oceans with just a single officer manning the bridge. This single-person bridge watchkeeping demands highly skilled and dedicated individuals who must manage a range of responsibilities all on their own.
Although this practice can lead to efficiency gains and cost savings, it also introduces unique challenges that require careful management through rigorous training, adherence to strict safety protocols, and implementation of stringent rest policies. Key in this role is the constant vigilance and maintenance of situational awareness.
Core Responsibilities of a Bridge Watchkeeper
A bridge watchkeeper’s three primary obligations are:
Safety of life.
Safety of property.
Protection of the marine environment.
Ensuring fitness for duty is vital; a fatigued officer poses a danger to both them and their fellow crew members. Although legislation specifies minimum rest periods for seafarers, it doesn’t legislate sleep quality or duration, which means it doesn’t fully guarantee that an officer is adequately rested for their watch. Thus, the onus falls on individuals to manage their rest responsibly during off-duty hours.
The paramount duty of a watchkeeping officer is to monitor the vessel’s progress according to the agreed passage plan and to avert collisions by rigorously applying the international collision regulations designed to prevent them. In addition, an extensive list of responsibilities rests on that lone individual’s shoulders, underscoring a weighty responsibility that must not be underestimated.
Focus and Dedication: Combating Bridge Watchkeeping Challenges
Bridge watchkeeping, especially in open waters, can often be monotonous, leading to potential lapses in focus and situational awareness. The lure of distractions, particularly from non-navigational tasks such as internet access on most ship bridges, is omnipresent. However, it is crucial for watchkeeping officers to remain alert and focused on their primary duty: the safe navigation of the vessel.
Ultimately, adherence to Colregs Rule 5 (Lookout), which mandates maintaining a proper lookout at all times, is of utmost importance:
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and or the risk of collision.
This vigilance ensures not only personal and crew safety but also protects the maritime environment and property.
In conclusion, single-person bridge watchkeeping is a demanding task requiring unwavering dedication and a proactive approach to rest and alertness. By acknowledging and addressing its associated challenges, maritime professionals can navigate effectively while ensuring safety on their voyage.
Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like personal devices. Stay well-rested and maintain an effective sleep schedule to minimise fatigue.
Follow the procedures detailed in the company safety management system and ships or masters’ standing orders.
Think and Plan Ahead: Familiarise yourself with the passage plan, potential hazards, weather conditions, and any regulations applicable to the portion of the voyage being conducted during your watch. While technology aids navigation, an over-reliance can lead to complacency.
Decision Making: The watchkeeper must be capable of making quick and effective decisions in routine situations as well as emergencies without immediate assistance.
Position Monitoring; Regularly update your position and course on charts. Use GPS, radar, AIS and visual means to maintain awareness of nearby vessels and obstacles. Never rely on one single method of position fixing.
Effective Communication: Proper use of radio for communication with other vessels, land stations, and internal communications with engine room, crew members and the Master if required. Maintain a continuous GMDSS watch appropriate to your operational area.
Log Keeping: Maintain an updated logbook that records key events like position, course changes, weather conditions, and any significant events.
Environmental Awareness: Continuously monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to react to changes in conditions, especially in adverse weather.
Expect The Unexpected: Be familiar with all safety and emergency equipment. Know the procedures for any potential emergency.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, investigate immediately. Trust your judgment and experience.
Never hesitate to call the Master if in any doubt.
The Essential Role of BNWAS in Single-Person Watchkeeping
In the technologically advancing world of maritime operations, the Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) stands as a pillar of safety and operational efficiency. Its integration into modern vessels has become indispensable, particularly when a single officer is tasked with the critical duty of watchkeeping.
The primary function of BNWAS is to maintain the alertness of the officer on watch. It operates by prompting the officer to perform periodic manual resets or interactions with bridge equipment. This regular interaction effectively combats fatigue and ensures attentiveness, addressing one of the key vulnerabilities in single person watchkeeping. By demanding these resets, BNWAS actively helps prevent accidents caused by inattentiveness or fatigue, thereby enhancing navigational safety.
Another crucial role of BNWAS is its capacity to alert other crew members if the officer on watch fails to respond to the alarms. This feature acts as a vital safety net. In scenarios where an officer might become incapacitated or distracted, BNWAS provides a fail-safe, ensuring that others on board can take necessary actions swiftly. This layer of security is particularly important in minimising risks such as collisions, groundings, and similar navigational hazards, ultimately safeguarding lives and preserving the marine environment.
For shipowners and masters, the presence of BNWAS is a source of reassurance. It guarantees a continual state of watchfulness on the bridge, thus contributing to the overall reliability of ship operations. With BNWAS in place, the risks associated with single person watchkeeping are significantly mitigated, allowing for more secure and dependable maritime navigation.
A Recent Relevant News Item.
Posted: May 23, 2025 7:01 PM EDT
A cargo ship ran aground and nearly crashed into a Norway doorway
Norwegian police say 1 man has been charged with negligent navigation in wake of incident
In a statement posted online, police said one person has subsequently been charged with negligent navigation. It's alleged that a crew member fell asleep.
"The individual charged was the officer on watch at the time of the incident," prosecutor Kjetil Bruland Sørensen said in the police statement. "During questioning, he stated that he fell asleep while on duty alone, which led to the vessel running aground."
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