Watchkeeping study overview

Maintain a safe lookout, keep a proper watch and respond to changing risk.

Practise observation and judgement using sailing scenarios. Interactive questions and your device-local progress load when JavaScript is available.

Study points

• A lookout must detect and assess vessels, hazards, weather and other relevant changes using all appropriate means.
• Clear standing orders should define when to call the skipper. Uncertainty or developing risk warrants early escalation.
• A watch must not be left unsafe. Handover should include position, traffic, weather, hazards, equipment status and current orders.
• Fatigue can impair lookout, decision-making and response on any passage. Plan realistic watches and address signs of fatigue.
• Safe use requires knowing limitations and cross-checking the instrument against other information.

Educational revision only. Check current official rules, charts and publications before navigating.