The Four Watch States and What Changes Between Them
STCW and the COLREGS frame watchkeeping obligations; the Master's standing orders and bridge procedures give them operational form. An examiner will probe whether you can distinguish the level of attention and resource allocation appropriate to each regime — and whether you understand that as Master you set that standard and are accountable for it.
Sea Watch
The officer of the watch (OOW) holds the conn. The watch is continuous; the OOW must be in a fit state, free from impairment, and not assigned duties that prevent a proper watch. STCW requires a safe manning level sufficient for the conditions and complexity of the passage. The Master's standing orders must be on the bridge, read and signed by each OOW. They define when to call the Master — not when the OOW thinks it is convenient, but when the pre-agreed parameters are met. A solo OOW must not be incapacitated by any other task (chart work, radio, etc.) while the vessel is in confined waters or traffic separation schemes.
Pilotage Watch
The pilot advises; the Master commands. This distinction is the cornerstone of every pilotage question. A pilot's presence does not transfer responsibility; it does not relieve the Master or OOW of their duties. The Master must be on the bridge. The watch must be augmented — typically a helmsman on manual steering, a dedicated lookout, and an officer to assist with communications and monitoring. Enhanced positional cross-checking (parallel indexing, depth tracking, visual transits) should run independently of the pilot's own fixes.
Anchor Watch
Watchkeeping does not stop at anchor. The anchor watch monitors the vessel's position continuously, checks for dragging (bearings, GPS anchor alarm, depth, scope), monitors weather and tidal conditions, and maintains a response-ready state of readiness including engine availability as defined by the Master. The standard demanded is proportional to the holding ground, proximity to hazards, traffic density, and weather forecast.
Port Watch
Even secured alongside, a watch function is maintained. The focus shifts: fire detection, security, gangway control, moorings and fendering, and weather monitoring. For yachts, the Master must ensure the responsible officer knows when conditions require calling the Master or adjusting mooring arrangements.
What the Examiner Tests Between These States
- Responsibility never transfers: whether alongside, at anchor, or with a pilot on the bridge, the Master remains legally responsible.
- Scaling the watch to the risk: going from open ocean to a confined anchorage is not just a navigational change — it is a resourcing decision you must justify.
- Standing orders vs. night orders: standing orders are permanent, signed by each officer; night orders are specific to the coming watch and signed by the Master each night. Neither substitutes for the other.
- Calling the Master: the OOW must call the Master whenever in doubt. An OOW who hesitates to call is more dangerous than one who calls too often. The Master's standing orders must make this unambiguous.