When is an additional look-out needed for safe navigation?  When is an additional look-out required for safe navigation?  The answers are fairly simple but need to be periodically reviewed to ensure we are on the same page.  Let's start with the basic look-out rule found in the Navigation Rules....International-Inland.

Rule 5 of the Navigation Rules - Inland states: 

"Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and sound as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision." 

The first line of the look-out rule starts with "shall at all times maintain a proper look-out".  Though this may seem self evident, maintaining a proper lookout refers to all times when the vessel is in a position where other vessels may operate.  For example, if your tow becomes weather-bound and is pushed into the bank, a lookout still must be maintained.  

It goes on to say that it must be undertaken "by sight and sound as well as by all available means appropriate".  Sight and sound is obvious as the primary senses bringing us information. The "available means" are the tools found in the wheelhouse that enhance our primary senses such as radar, AIS, binoculars, VHF radio, etc.

A poorly tuned radar that does not pick up a target on a misty night could mean the operator is not using all available means under his control. Make sure all your wheelhouse equipment is working properly, is well understood and is properly tuned.

And finally, it states "as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision", which means simply that the look-out is using his senses and the tools that enhance his senses to assess the activity around his vessel.  If there is not enough information to assess the situation, you should tap all your resources to gather more. If you are still unable to acquire the information you need, then you should take steps immediately to reduce your requirement for information such as for example, by slowing or stopping.

So back to the original question; when is an additional look-out needed?  The common understanding of inland rules as determined by Congress is that a pilot can serve as his own look-out.  To do this though, the wheelman must have an "unobstructed all-around view" from the pilot's station.

It goes on to say that the vessel may "not necessarily need a separate look-out other than the pilot" but that a separate or additional look-out may be eliminated only after "all relevant factors" including traffic, weather, etc are "carefully assessed".

What does this mean?  Under the Congressional ruling, the Pilot must first determine that the need for an additional look-out is not there.  To operate under the letter of the law, when coming on watch after exchanging information with the off going wheelman, the pilot must now assess the situation and make a determined decision that an additional look-out is not needed.

Does this happen in reality?  Most likely it does not.  In most cases, the change of watch happens with little discussion or thought on the need for an additional look-out.  It must be kept in mind though if there is any concern, as a wheelman, that you may not be able to eliminate the need for an additional look-out, then by law one must be assigned.  

Situational awareness dictates that a good pilot is constantly assessing the operation and adjusting accordingly.

When is an additional look-out required for safe navigation?  Beyond the discussion above which relies on the wheelman's assessment of the situation, Higman Vessel Operating Procedures specify certain times and areas where an additional look-out is required:

• The look-out will be posted in the Wheelhouse, with the exception that bridge transits and high pleasure craft concentrations will require the look-out on the head of the tow.  
• While on the tow, the look-out will maintain voice communications with the Wheelman by hand-held VHF radio.  
• In addition, from sunset until dawn the look-out will use binoculars and the boat's searchlight to maintain a watch for swimmers and small craft along both banks of the river.

Section 1, Part A Vessel Operation -Navigation of Locks and Bridges - Sec 6...Additional Procedures applicable to Bridges (b) Look-out Watch.  Before any bridge transit, the Wheelman will alert the deck watch and depending on the circumstance, station him either on the head of the tow with a radio or in the wheelhouse as a look-out.  

• Be especially aware of potential problems on the sidelines of the bridge approach so the Wheelman can concentrate on the line-up.   
• Watch especially for small boats fishing near the bridge.

In all circumstances the need for additional look-outs is the responsibility of the wheelman on watch.  When in doubt, an extra set of eyes may help the situation and keep the tow navigating safely under difficult situations.

Make sure as a crewmember, that you are ready to be that additional look-out by understanding the role.  

• An assigned look-out has no other duties than to assist the wheelman by making observations.
• Communicate to the Wheelman your observations no matter how insignificant you think they are. 
• At night and in poor visibility, report even the faintest hunches. At such times, a hunch that you have seen something often means you really have. 
• Do not delay the report while you try to get a better look-the main thing is speed.

The Higman CBT course "Proper Look-out" is a good primer for those that do not understand the role of the look-out. 

A look-out is a basic function in vessel navigation and should be an important, well understood function on every boat. 

Good ideas need to be shared, refined and become "Best Practices".

A "Best Practice" is defined as a method or technique which shows results superior to those achieved with other means, and that is used as a benchmark.  In addition, a "Best Practice" can evolve to become better as improvements are discovered.

This column is dedicated to sharing the best practices developed while operating your tow. Each issue we will outline a "Best Practice" sent in by the fleet.  Share your Best Practice by sending to Gordie

This week's "Best Practice" is sent by the crew of the M/V BAFFIN BAY: