Title: Captain’s Night Orders — Formal Command Instructions
As part of maintaining onboard safety standards and complying with the requirements of the STCW Code and the Canadian Marine Personnel Regulations (MPR), officers of the watch on the bridge are reminded that the proper execution of the Captain’s night orders is an essential professional obligation. Summary: To uphold onboard safety and comply with the STCW Code and Canada’s Marine Personnel Regulations, bridge watch officers must rigorously and correctly carry out the Captain’s night orders as a core professional duty.
Regulations
According to section A-VIII/2 of the STCW Code and Part 3 of Article 216 of Transport Canada’s Marine Personnel Regulations (MPR), the master remains responsible for the safety of the vessel at all times, including when not present on the bridge. To fulfill this responsibility, the master must ensure that:
The bridge watch is kept by an officer holding the required qualifications;
Watch officers understand and apply the standing orders as well as the master’s specific instructions; and
The situations in which the master must be called are clearly explained and known in advance.
This implies that night orders are essential to maintain safety, vigilance, and regulatory compliance, both internationally and nationally (Canada).
Purpose of night orders
The purpose of night orders is to ensure the continuity of the master’s authority during rest hours, by ensuring that the officer of the watch can act with full knowledge of the critical navigation parameters. They help to:
Prevent hazardous situations;
Clarify the alert thresholds requiring the master to be called;
Ensure monitoring of weather and sea conditions; and
Strengthen vigilance in sensitive areas (TSS, coasts, dense traffic…).
Typical content of night orders
Each evening, the master drafts orders adapted to the vessel’s operational situation, which may include, for example:
Course and speed to be maintained;
Navigation areas to monitor or avoid;
Weather conditions and anticipation of changes`;
Proximity of hazards or maritime traffic; and
Specific criteria for alerting the master (e.g., visibility < 2 NM, traffic within 3 NM, uncertainty…).
Obligations of the officer of the watch
During watch handover, the officer of the watch being relieved must discuss the night orders as part of the handover. This does not exempt the relieving officer from:
Reading and understanding the night orders before taking the watch;
Signing the night orders to attest that they have been read and understood;
Strictly complying with the instructions and exercising professional judgment in all circumstances; and
Immediately notifying the master as required or in case of doubt.
Recommended best practices
Maintain a register or signature sheet for night orders;
Discuss specific points with the master at the beginning of the night if necessary; and
Supplement the night orders with information from previous watch reports (watch log, deck logbook).
Conclusion
Rigor in the application of night orders directly contributes to accident prevention and regulatory compliance. Adhering to this practice strengthens the safety of the vessel and demonstrates the professionalism expected of each officer of the watch.