Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt) Duration The course must take place over 5 days or 30 hours of formal instruction. Contents The course is divided into four sections.
Assessment Assessment will be by a written 2.5 hour examination of seven questions. The pass mark will be 60%. Topic 1 - Ship Construction 1 Understands ship construction terminology a) Explains and illustrates the following terms: forward perpendicular, after perpendicular, length between perpendiculars, length overall, amidships, beam, depth, draught, freeboard, camber, sheer, flare b) States that gross tonnage GT is a measure of the internal volume of the ship and net tonnage is obtained by making deductions from GT 2 Distinguishes between longitudinal, transverse and local stresses due to static and dynamic loading a) Explains the causes of longitudinal stresses with reference to hogging and sagging b) Explains the causes of transverse stresses with reference to dry docking and racking c) Explains the stresses caused by a sailing boat’s mast and rigging d) Explains how local stresses arise due to panting, pounding, vibration, discontinuities at hull openings and local loading e) Is aware how the concept of simple beam analogy relates to a ship’s structures sufficient to explain and illustrate tensile and compressive stresses; the neutral axis and significance of material disposed furthest from this plane 3 Understands methods of yacht construction a) Is aware that the bottom, side shell and upper deck structure are important strength members b) Explains the methods of construction employed to resist the stresses in 2a to 2e with reference to transverse, longitudinal and combined systems of framing and local considerations. The importance of continuity of strength c) Describes and illustrates the following terms: centre girder, side girders, stringers, transverse bulkheads, transverse frames, beams, beam knees, floors, pillars, coamings and insert plates d) Draws mid section sketches of sail and motor yachts and identifies and explains the function of the principal components given in 3c e) Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of wood, steel, aluminium alloy, and FRP and other composite systems used in yacht construction f) Defines the term and cause of osmosis in FRP construction and discusses the potential damage that might arise 4 Understands plans normally carried on board a) Describes the contents of a general arrangement drawing b) Describes the types of structural drawings that are normally available on board and can identify the principal components listed in 3c 5 Understands the cause and prevention of chemical and galvanic corrosion a) Outlines the process of chemical corrosion b) Describes the process of galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals by explaining the electro-chemical cell c) Identifies areas prone to galvanic corrosion and explains and illustrates methods of joining and attaching dissimilar metals and fittings d) Explains the function of a paint system in the prevention of corrosion and the importance of its proper maintenance e) Describes the process of preparing steel and aluminium plate for paint application f) Outlines the principle of cathodic protection using sacrificial anodes and impressed current systems 6 Understands the functions of classification societies a) Explains the role of Classification Societies with regard to notation and tasks performed b) States the items that will receive special attention during dry dock and annual surveys 7 Understands load lines, reserve buoyancy and methods of damage control a) Explains the terms freeboard deck, superstructure deck, superstructure, assigned freeboard, weathertight, watertight b) Sketches the ‘All Seasons Load Line’ and explains S, F c) Defines FWA and states that the FWA = 1/48th Summer draught d) Explains the importance of reserve buoyancy and the necessity for maintaining its integrity e) States the items which affect the stability and seaworthiness of the ship with reference to: hatchways and coamings, doorways, side scuttles, skylights, windows, ventilators and exhausts, air pipes, and water freeing arrangements f) Discusses the routine maintenance to ensure the efficiency of closing arrangements for the items listed in 7e 8 Understands bilge-pumping systems a) Draws a simple bilge pumping diagram with reference to the symbols used and describes the following components: screw down non-return valve, screw down valve, mud box and strum box
Topic 2 - Stability 1. Understands basic principles of hydrostatics and related terms a) Defines density and relative density and explains the use of the marine hydrometer b) States the Law of Flotation c) Defines, light displacement, load displacement, deadweight, buoyancy, reserve buoyancy d) States that Displacement = Underwater volume x density e) Calculates the displacement of a box shaped vessel for a given draught and relative density f) Is aware of the information given in the hydrostatic data relating to displacement, TPC and KM scales only g) Extracts the displacement, TPC and KM from the hydrostatic data for a given mean draught using tabulated format h) Calculates the displacement, change in draught and GM from the using tabulated hydrostatic data. 2. Understands the concept of initial stability a) States that initial stability means at or near the upright b) Defines centre of gravity, centre of buoyancy, transverse metacentre, metacentric height, righting lever and righting moment c) Draws a diagram for a vessel in stable equilibrium heeled to a small angle to show the positions and forces through the centre of gravity and centre of buoyancy and explains the creation of the righting lever, righting moment, and transverse metacentre d) Explains the concept of the metacentric height, GM, as an assessment of initial stability e) Describes the motion of stiff and tender vessels and states their advantages and disadvantages f) Explains the difference between stable, neutral and unstable equilibrium with reference to GM g) Describes the effect on GM due to adding, removing and transferring weights h) Describes the effect on GM due to consumption of fuel and water and retention of water on deck i) Shows that for suspended weights the effective centre of gravity is at the point of suspension and the effect this has on GM j) States that the effect of free surface can be considered as a reduction in GM or a rise in KG and this change is known as the Free Surface Correction Topic 3 – Meteorology
1. Understanding the pattern of general global pressure distribution a) Explains the factors, including pressure gradient and the Coriolis force, which affect the strength and direction of the wind. b) States and explains the practical use of Buys Ballot’s Law c) Explains, with the aid of a simple sketch, the general pattern of global circulation of wind over the earths’ surface d) Explains the modifying effect of large landmasses on the general pattern of global circulation of winds. e) Describes the causes of and the conditions associated with the ITCZ, Trade Winds and the Variables 2. Understands the causes of Local Winds a) Describes with the aid of a simple diagram the formation of land and sea breezes. b) Explains the causes of katabatic winds and the associated dangers to small vessels c) Explains that local effects may modify winds caused by pressure systems and the effects on sea conditions. 3. Understands the effects of water vapour in the atmosphere. a) Explains dew point and relative humidity b) Explains formation of cloud and fog 4. Understands the operating principle, practical use and care of common meteorological instruments a) Shows a basic understanding of the types of barometer in common use b) Gives a simple explanation of the principle of the barograph. Explains its practical use in relation to forecasting weather conditions c) Explains the use of wet and dry bulb thermometers and the practical use of the information obtained d) Explains the operation of a whirling psychrometer and the practical use of the information obtained 5. Understands the formation, movement and occurrence of tropical revolving storms. a) States the minimum criteria for the formation of a tropical revolving storm b) Describes the weather conditions in and near a tropical revolving storm and the dangers to small vessels c) Demonstrates an awareness of the principle areas and times of year when tropical revolving storms can be expected d) States the actions to avoid a tropical revolving storm. e) Demonstrates a Knowledge of navigable and dangerous quadrants 6. Understands the sources of weather information available to ships a) Knowledge of the published sources of information, including the Mariners Handbook, Admiralty List of Radio Signals Vol.3, NP 283 (1 & 2), Admiralty Routing charts, Admiralty Sailing Directions b) Knowledge of broadcast sources of information, including weather facsimile, satellite pictures, text messages, NAVTEX and internet c) Outline knowledge of sources of weather routing information. Explains the advantages of using such a system d) Defines the terms; synoptic chart, prognostic chart, surface analysis chart and surface wave chart e) Describes the difference between a temperate latitude depression and a tropical revolving storm f) Demonstrates an outline knowledge of the surface ocean current circulation showing, with the aid of a diagram, the surface distribution of main ocean currents. Topic 4 Seamanship 1. Understands the principles to be observed in keeping a safe navigational watch a) Demonstrates an understanding of the application of the STCW Code to vessels engaged in trade and in particular Chapter VIII b) Appreciates the requirement to be well rested before taking over a navigational watch c) Is fully aware of the implications of the requirement to keep a proper lookout d) Explains the checks to be made when taking over a navigational watch e) Lists the correct log book entries to be made f) States the circumstances when the Master should be notified g) Explains the actions to be taken when encountering and during a period of restricted visibility h) Explains the requirements for keeping a watch on a vessel at anchor 2 Understands the responsibilities in relation to a pilot a) States the precautions to be taken when embarking and disembarking a pilot b) States the responsibilities of the pilot in the conduct of the navigation of the vessel c) Understands the responsibilities of the OOW/Master in relation to the pilot and the navigation of the vessel d) Understands the necessity to closely monitor the position of the vessel when under pilotage 3. Understands the precautions to be taken in preparing a vessel for sea a) Explains the importance of maintaining watertight integrity and in particular the fitting of storm shutters b) Explains the importance of non-return valves on tank vent pipes especially when fitted low down on a vessel c) Describes freeing arrangements, scuppers and freeing ports d) Explains the requirement to secure heavy or bulky items, e.g. tenders, jet-skies and helicopters e) Explains the importance of maintaining access to emergency equipment at all times f) Is aware of importance of draining swimming pools, etc. 4. Understanding of the MARPOL regulations a) States that MARPOL is the IMO Convention covering pollution at sea b) Lists the 6 annexes c) Demonstrates an appreciation of the serious effect of operational or accidental pollution and the need to comply with international and port regulations d) States the substances that may be discharged at sea under the MARPOL regs 5. Understand the provisions of the Code of safe working practices for Merchant Seaman (CoSWP) a) Understands the precautions to be observed when using lifting equipment b) Explains the requirement to use certified chains, shackles, strops and slings c) Describes the care of such equipment, d) Describes the maintenance of all necessary records e) States the need for retesting of equipment to maintain validity of certificates f) Understands the significance of the terms Safe Working Loads, Breaking Strains etc g) Understands the precautions, to be observed when engaged in mooring, anchoring and towing operations h) Explains the precautions necessary for clearing away the anchors for use i) Explains the precautions to be taken before letting go the anchor j) States the difference between self-stowing and non self stowing chain lockers k) Explains the dangers involved and the precautions necessary to prevent injury to personnel l) Explains the precautions necessary in mooring operations, including communications, supervision and the preparation of the ropes and wires m) Understands the importance of proper training in the operation of winches and windlasses n) Explains the correct use of rope and chain stoppers o) States the dangers of excessive loads on the mooring ropes and the dangers involved should a rope part, with particular reference to synthetic cordage p) Explains the correct procedure for securing to a mooring buoy q) Understands the precautions to be observed when passing and connecting a towline to another vessel 6. Understand selection, care and maintenance of wires and ropes of all types a) Explains the correct procedure for inspecting a rope or wire for the effects of damage in order to ascertain its safety b) Describes the care of synthetic and natural fibre cordage and in particular the factors that affect strength 7 International Code of Signals a) Understands the international distress signals and Appendix IV of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (ColRegs) b) Understands the use of the International Code of Signals c) Understands the use of signal flags and Morse code to send INTERCO messages d) Knows the Morse code symbols and understands the meaning of the letters: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, M, O, R, S, T, U and Z e) Recognises the International Code flags A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, K, M, N, O, Q, U, V and W
1 SI 1998/1838 The Merchant Shipping (Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen) Regulations 1998 or any subsequent amendment |