Calling the Master: Regulations, Responsibility, and Best Practices for Officers of the Watch
For the officer of the watch on the bridge, calling the Master in a timely manner is neither a sign of weakness nor an unjustified interruption. It is an act of professional responsibility. At sea, safety relies as much on technology as on human communication. The officer of the watch represents the Master, but major decisions rest with the Master, especially in cases of doubt. Summary: Promptly calling the Master is a professional duty, not a weakness. Maritime safety depends equally on technology and clear human communication. While the officer of the watch acts on the Master’s behalf, decisive calls—particularly when uncertainty arises—remain the Master’s responsibility.
At sea, every decision can have an immediate impact on the safety of the ship, the crew, and the cargo. That is why the officer of the watch on the bridge plays a strategic role, but never an isolated one. In certain situations, they must call the master without hesitation. This rule is much more than a professional practice: it is recognized by international regulations and anchored in maritime safety standards.
An obligation grounded in regulation
The STCW Convention, at the heart of international maritime law, requires that every officer of the watch must alert the master as soon as they are in doubt about the course of action to take or when a situation exceeds their authority. STCW Code section A-VIII/2 specifies that vigilance, the ability to respond to the unexpected, and good communication are essential to effective watchkeeping.
Canadian regulations (Marine Personnel Regulations – MPR) transpose the obligations of the STCW Convention. Even if the regulation does not detail every situation, it requires that the master ensure an effective watch and that officers be competent and responsive.
Canadian companies generally complement this with clear internal procedures—the standing orders or permanent orders, issued by the company and/or by the master.
Some typical examples where calling is mandatory
Chapter VIII – Part 3 of the STCW Convention provides instructions and guidance for watchkeeping at sea, listing the circumstances in which an officer of the watch must call the master of the ship.
Reduced visibility: if visibility deteriorates (for example, fog, heavy rain) below the limits defined in the standing orders (often 5 NM or less).
Traffic conditions: if traffic conditions or the movements of other vessels are a concern, or when entering high-traffic areas.
Difficulties related to course/speed: if you encounter difficulties maintaining the intended course or speed.
Navigational uncertainty: inability to see land, a navigational mark, or to obtain the expected soundings, or unexpected observation of these.
Equipment failure: failure of engines, propulsion systems, steering gear, or essential navigational equipment (radars, GPS, ECDIS).
Radio malfunction: any failure of the GMDSS or communications equipment.
Bad weather: if weather conditions deteriorate or if there is doubt about possible damage caused by heavy weather.
Navigational hazards: encounter with ice, wrecks, or unexpected shallow waters.
Security issues: suspicious vessels or those posing a security threat.
Emergencies: fire, flooding, collision, or receipt of a distress signal.
Unusual events/doubt: any situation in which the officer of the watch has doubts, or any unusual or extraordinary event.
When the situation requires the master’s intervention, they must be alerted without delay to allow time to analyze it and take appropriate measures. Any delay or failure in communication can significantly increase the level of risk, notably by increasing the likelihood of collisions, groundings, environmental harm, operational delays, leaks or spills, and material damage and commercial or reputational losses.
In sum
Bridge watchkeeping is not just about monitoring screens or following a plotted route. Above all, it relies on the officer of the watch’s ability to recognize a normal situation—and especially one that is no longer normal. Knowing when to call the master is an integral part of this competence.
It is important to understand that the officer of the watch is never alone. The master remains responsible for the ship at all times, even when not physically present on the bridge. Calling the master makes it possible to share the analysis, confirm a decision, or obtain guidance before a minor event becomes a critical situation.
One principle must always guide the officer of the watch: In case of doubt, calling the master is always the right decision.
This habit helps develop a culture of safety, trust, and collaboration on board—elements that are essential, just like technical competence. Learning to call the master at the right time is learning to navigate responsibly.