The importants of masters standing orders and night?

Answer 1

The master of every ship is bound to ensure that watch keeping arrangements are adequate for maintaining a safe navigational watch. Under the master's general direction; the officers of the navigational watch are responsible for navigating the ship safely during their periods of duty, when they will be particularly concerned with avoiding collision and stranding.

There are reasons for having proper standing orders. Onboard all inspected vessels and per ISM polices and government-issued CFRs, the master is required to have standing orders made up, signed off by officers and crew, and posted. These standing orders are to be followed in conjunction with companies QMS manual and incorporating the principles outlined in bridge procedure guide.

There will be circumstances when Master will be required on the bridge, either because of passage planning requirements, Master's instructions as per night or standing orders under developing circumstances or the OOW thinks that Master's presence is essential. The roles of the team members in such circumstances need to be clearly defined. In most cases, these will be as per company policy. These may also vary with the individual Master, practice on the vessel and the circumstances.