Marine Personnel Regulations

216 (1) The minimum deck watch required by this section shall be supplemented if the master determines that it is required by the ordinary practice of seamen.

(2) The deck watch shall consist of at least the following persons:

• (a) a person in charge of the deck watch who

  • (i) in all cases, holds a certificate of competency that authorizes them to perform watchkeeping duties and radio watch duties,

  • (ii) if the vessel is equipped with a VHF radiotelephone installation, holds a radio operator certificate that is appropriate to the class of vessel and the area in which the vessel operates, in accordance with Division 7, and

  • (iii) if an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) is being used to meet the chart requirements set out in section 142 of the Navigation Safety Regulations, 2020,

    • (A) holds a training certificate in ECDIS, and

    • (B) has been provided by the master with written instructions in the operation of, and has been familiarized with, the ECDIS and its back-up arrangements carried on board the vessel;

• (b) subject to subsections (3) and (4), in the case of a vessel of at least 5 gross tonnage, an additional person who holds, if the vessel is at least 500 gross tonnage, at a minimum, an Able Seafarer certificate or a Bridge Watch Rating certificate;

• (c) subject to subsections (4) and (5), if the vessel is of more than 1 000 gross tonnage and is not securely anchored in port or securely moored to shore, a second additional person who holds, at a minimum, an Able Seafarer certificate or a Bridge Watch Rating certificate; and

• (d) a person in charge of the radio watch who is qualified in accordance with section 266, unless the person in charge of the deck watch is so qualified and is also in charge of the radio watch.

(3) An additional person is not required if

• (a) the vessel is engaged in a log sorting or yarding operation that is carried out at a booming ground and that does not use lines or chains;

• (b) the vessel

  • (i) is of up to 500 gross tonnage,

  • (ii) affords an unobstructed all-round view from the steering position, and

  • (iii) is engaged on a voyage of not more than five nautical miles within the limits of a harbour, in good visibility between sunrise and sunset;

• (c) the vessel is a tug assisting another vessel while attached to it by a tow line; or

• (d) the vessel is of up to 1 000 gross tonnage and is securely anchored in port or securely moored to shore.

(4) The additional person and the second additional person assigned to the same deck watch are not both required to hold one of the certificates referred to in paragraph (2)(b) or (c) if either person, but not both, is a rating under training to obtain one of those certificates.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), a second additional person is not required on board a stationary MOU, or on board any other vessel of more than 1 000 gross tonnage if that vessel is fitted with toilet facilities that are adjacent to the navigating bridge for the use of the deck watch, as well as fitted with the equipment listed in the schedule to this Part, which equipment shall be

• (a) in good working order;

• (b) suitably illuminated for night operation; and

• (c) used in accordance with the ordinary practice of seamen.

(6) A second additional person is required on board a vessel that meets the requirements of subsection (5) if the use of the automatic steering system is prohibited by local by-laws or its use could interfere with prompt helm action in the following circumstances:

• (a) restricted visibility;

• (b) traffic density; or

• (c) hazardous navigational situations.