Bridge Watchkeeping Standard (STCW A-VIII/2)

STCW Code Section A-VIII/2 is the mandatory standard governing the navigational watch: who keeps it, how it is handed over, and the lookout, manning, and fitness-for-duty rules. Part 4-1 sets the principles for keeping a navigational watch; the officer of the watch is the master’s representative, responsible for safe navigation and COLREGs compliance. Handover is barred until the relieving officer’s vision is fully adjusted to the light. A dedicated lookout is required from sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility, and the OOW may be sole lookout only in daylight after a documented assessment. Section A-VIII/1 sets the rest-hours floor: 10 hours in any 24 and 77 in any seven days.