Standard organization of bridge watch

The standard organization of the bridge watch is the manning and duty structure for the navigational watch set out in STCW Code Section A-VIII/2 part 4-1. The master decides watch composition against the prevailing conditions: traffic density, visibility, proximity to navigational hazards, and whether the ship is in coastal or open waters. The officer of the watch is in charge as the master’s representative; a helmsman, an additional lookout, and a back-up officer are added as risk requires. A dedicated lookout separate from the helmsman is mandatory at night and in restricted visibility. The section also fixes when to call the master and the bar on the OOW leaving the bridge until properly relieved.